How Well Do You Know Your Feet?
Our feet are extraordinary — they support our entire body, keep us balanced, and allow us to move with ease. Yet, many of us rarely stop to think about how they work until something goes wrong. Understanding the basics of your feet — particularly your arches, toes, and the way you walk (your gait) — can help you spot problems early and look after them better.
The Importance of Your Arches
Your arches are more than just a curve in the middle of your foot. They act as natural shock absorbers, helping to distribute weight evenly and cushion every step you take. There are three main arches:
- The medial arch (along the inside of the foot),
- The lateral arch (along the outside),
- The transverse arch (across the midfoot).
Problems can arise if your arches are too high, too flat, or unsupported. Flat feet, for example, can lead to overpronation (rolling the foot inward), which may contribute to heel, knee, or back pain. Conversely, very high arches can place extra strain on the balls and heels of your feet.
Toes: Small but Mighty
Your toes might seem small compared to the rest of your foot, but they play a crucial role in balance, stability, and forward movement. Each step you take relies on the toes to push you forward, especially the big toe.
When toes don’t function properly — perhaps due to bunions, hammertoes, or injuries — your walking pattern can be disrupted, leading to discomfort elsewhere in the body. Keeping your toes flexible and your footwear roomy enough to avoid squashing them is essential for healthy movement.
Understanding Gait: The Way You Walk
Your gait is simply the way you walk. It’s influenced by your arches, toes, footwear, posture, and even muscle strength. A normal gait involves the heel striking the ground first, the foot rolling smoothly forward, and the toes pushing off for the next step.
An abnormal gait can cause pain not only in your feet but also in your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Common gait issues include:
- Overpronation – rolling inward too much, often linked to flat feet.
- Supination – rolling outward too much, often linked to high arches.
- Limping or uneven stride – due to injury, weakness, or footwear problems.
A podiatrist can carry out a gait analysis to identify these issues and recommend treatments such as orthotics, footwear changes, or exercises.
Are You in Step with Foot Health?
Ask yourself:
- Do your shoes support your arches and give your toes enough room?
- Have you noticed unusual wear on the soles of your shoes (a sign of gait problems)?
- Do you ever feel pain in your arches, toes, or legs after walking?
If so, it may be time for a professional assessment.
Final Thoughts
Your arches, toes, and gait are more than just parts of your feet — they are the foundation of your overall health and mobility. If you notice pain, changes in the way you walk, or problems with your toes or arches, don’t ignore them. Book an appointment with a podiatrist today to keep your feet — and the rest of your body — moving comfortably for years to come.
So, how well do you know your feet? This September, why not take a closer look — your body will thank you.
For advice or to book a consultation, please call us on 01455 246100. We would absolutely love to help you stay healthy, comfortable, and confident on your feet.
Thank you for reading this month’s blog – How Well Do You Know Your Feet?
Take care,
Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director