Your Feet Talk

Biokineticist ANCA WESSELS takes a look at your feet to diagnose issues higher up the chain.

- ANCA WESSELS

Is it possible that by looking at your feet you can diagnose or prevent injuries?

The way our bodies are put together is amazing and by looking at one structure, you can actually see the functions (or lack thereof) in other structures.

As a biokineticist I’m taught to assess the body in different sections and look at different lines. These lines are a strong indicator of what’s happening in the body and how it functions specifically during movement.

With any structure, we know that a good base is necessary to ensure the rest of the structure is sound and works optimally.

Your feet work the same way. If you have injuries higher up in your structure, it’s very possible that incorrect foot positions could be causing this, and vice versa.

The idea with this article is not to go too deep into the mechanics of feet, but rather to provide you with insights on how your feet can be a guide to identify or prevent injuries.

Is this what your feet look like when standing?

You may have flat feet. Read on to find out if they are structurally flat, or functionally flat.

Clench your glutes (buttocks).

Do your arches transform from the above-slumped arches, and lift into the position on the left? You probably have functionally flat feet.

When feet are the topic of conversation, two terms usually pop up: flat feet and pronation. Flat feet and pronation are relevant and the conditions can lead to injuries... but they are not necessarily pathological.