Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems ABOUT THE FEET AND ANKLES
The feet and ankles are key parts of the body that act as shock absorbers when a person interacts with a contact surface such as the ground. They also help the body adapt to varied surfaces via sideto-side movement. Understanding the anatomy of these important body parts can help you know how to assess them for imbalances
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Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems IMBALANCES FOUND IN THE FEET AND ANKLES Over pronation is when the foot collapses too much. This can affect the correct function of the entire kinetic chain. Dorsiflexion happens when the foot moves toward the shin and vice versa. The ability to dorsiflex can be impacted as a result of overpronation.
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Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems ASSESSING OVERPRONATION This hands-on assessment of your client’s subtalar joint will help you evaluate for overpronation. Locate the two small indentations at the base of your client’s ankle, just below the prominent ankle joint. Place your thumb on the dimple on the inside of the ankle and your forefinger on the dimple on the outside. www.fitnessprofessionalonline.com
Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems GOLF BALL ROLL The Golf Ball Roll is a myofascial massage technique which can help your clients regenerate the tissue on the underside of their feet.
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Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems BIG TOE PUSHDOWNS When people overpronate, the arch of their foot becomes weak. A strong flexor hallucis muscle, which passes under the foot, can help maintain the structure of the arch of the foot.
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Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems
TENNIS BALL UNDER CALF This musculoskeletal imbalance can be caused by tightness and restrictions of the calf muscles. Using a tennis ball to self-massage the calves is a great way to help rejuvenate and restore health to these muscles so that the ankle and foot can dorsiflex more effectively.
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Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems
Calf Stretch www.fitnessprofessionalonline.com
Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems
CONCLUSION Structural assessments and corrective exercises to eliminate foot and ankle pain can be integrated into any fitness program. Simply incorporate exercise strategies that address any musculoskeletal imbalances you identify during the assessment process to help your clients feel better and function more effectively. www.fitnessprofessionalonline.com
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