Did you know that 30% of our proprioception (our body’s awareness in space) comes from our feet? Our feet are responsible for vertical balance of our body, continuous weight-bearing in standing and walking and responsible for our body’s ability to move. Our eyes and vestibular system (inner ear) also contributes to our proprioception.

Osteopathically, the assessment of the foot should not be overlooked as this can have significant implications on the function of the entire body. Osteopathic Manual Therapists consider the lines of gravity (anterior and posterior lines create the resultant central line of gravity), the myofascial chain, and if it is primarily a “foot issue” (ascending lesion of the foot that creates dysfunction elsewhere in the body), or a primary issue elsewhere that creates a descending lesion where the foot must compensate.

The curves of the spine, along with the arches of the foot are important for shock absorption. In the presence of a lesion or rigidity of the arches of the foot (medial, lateral and transverse arches) there will be a reduction in the flexibility of the spinal curves through the synergy of the springs and vice versa. This may present as back pain, neck pain, stiffness or may influence the digestive system. Our sympathetic nervous system for most of the digestive organs is found at the thoracic levels T5-T9. In the foot it may present as plantar fasciitis, general foot pain, changes in gait or shin splints.

Further up the chain, there is also a relationship between the foot and cranial sphere:

· Cubo-navicular joint with the sphenobasilar symphesis (SBS) of the cranium.

· Tarsal sinus and vestibular system

· Talus and atlas (first cervical vertebrae C1)

· Lines of gravity

· Diaphragms (tentorium of the SBS and plantar fascia)

A dysfunction between the foot and cranial sphere may present with neck pain, stiffness, headaches, changes in posture and of course poor proprioception.

The fibula is found in on the lateral side of the lower leg. Unlike the tibia, which is much stronger for weight-bearing, the fibula is adaptive to external forces. It adjusts, compensates, stabilizes, balances and regulates the tensions of the lower extremity. The fibula has a direct relationship through the fascial system from the foot to the ilium (pelvis). A lesion found in the fibula may present as pain or dysfunction in the ankle/foot, knee, hip joint or pelvis.

Our bodies are incredible when compensating around these changes or dysfunctions. However, we can only sustain this for so long until we are no longer able to compensate further. Osteopathy looks past the area of pain to identify the cause rather than chasing symptoms! Start with the feet!