A theory proposed in 2014 equated the IMs of the feet to the core muscles of the pelvis.* Just as inhibition and weakness of the pelvic stabilizing core muscles can contribute to low back, knee and hip pain, the authors proposed that inhibition and weakness of the IMs can contribute to foot and ankle pain. It is only recently that we have started to appreciate the importance of the foot IMs.
These muscles need to be strong and remain in balance in order to provide proper support and movement. The extrinsic muscles (EMs) are the large muscles that originate in the lower legs and attach to the feet via tendons to provide movement. The intrinsic muscles (IMs) are small muscles that originate in the feet and provide stability and support. There are two important groups of muscles in your feet. While strengthening the muscles cannot make a flat foot less flat, it can help the body compensate for some of the abnormal forces which contribute to pain or fatigue in symptomatic individuals. There are other factors that contribute to flat feet, like overly elastic ligaments and/or the altered alignment or range-of-motion of joints. An often under-appreciated benefit of strengthening exercises is that they also improve elasticity of soft tissue and thus flexibility, especially if done through the full range of motion.įirst, it is important to understand that flat feet are not caused by weak muscles. This article will focus on strengthening exercises for flat feet. Treatments for symptomatic flat feet include footwear changes and strengthening and flexibility exercises. Flat feet can contribute to foot pain and in some cases, are also linked to knee, hip and back pain. But for others, having flat feet can cause problems. Some people who have flat feet experience very little pain, fatigue or discomfort. He is the author of Great Feet For Life and lectures internationally on the topics of lower extremity health and footwear.įeet, like the people attached to them, come in many shapes and sizes.
Paul Langer is a sports medicine podiatrist who treats athletes of all abilities at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Written By: Paul Langer, DPM - Superfeet Wellness Panel Member.
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