Foot and ankle stability is important.
Foot and ankle stability is impacted by how we use our legs. The structures of the foot are put under a great deal of stress during all upright activities such as standing, walking, climbing and jogging. Therefore, foot and ankle stability helps the body remain stable as well as injury free.
How can these exercises help if my ankles and feet feel ok?
Our feet were not designed to be in shoes nor stand on concrete floors. Consequently, the daily life trauma of a western lifestyle causes slow injury to our 10 toed friends.
Therefore, we created these exercises to:
- Reduce the effects of yesterday’s trauma.
- Improve the function for today.
- Prevent age related decay tomorrow.
The exercises on this page are part of a prescribed and individualized exercise program developed for patients at Quartell Chiropractic. If you have not been prescribed an exercise from this resource page, please consult with one of our physicians prior to attempting any exercise.
A1 – Plantar Fasciitis
A2 – Foot & Toe Stretch
A3 – Foot & Toe Exercise
A4 – Calf Stretch
A5 – Leaning Balance Strong Feet
A6 – Massage for Ankle – Step 1
A7 – Ankle Stretches – Step 2
A8 – Ankle Exercises – Step 3
Bones of the Ankle and Foot
Why is foot and ankle stability a part of the care even if I don’t have symptoms?
1. Biomechanical function starts at the foot
The feet and ankles must be fully functional to do their job correctly. Adequate strength and flexibility ensures that balance and movement is maintained.
2. Foot and ankle stability training is often neglected
Improving overall physical function and balance, and preventing falls are benefits associated with foot and ankle stability training. The kinetic chain (your first link in movement) starts when the foot hits the ground. An unstable foot leads to instability in the knee, hip, pelvis, low back and even higher.
3. Shoes impair normal foot and ankle movement
Most of us have kept our feet bound in shoes for many years. Over time, this leads to a loss of strength and flexibility. A strong focus on training the feet and ankles is essential to a functional quality of life.