Why Freedom for Toes? - part 3 of 7

Healthy anatomy of the foot involves foot awareness. Increasing toe mobility and extension by regularly stretching the dorsal area of the foot, reinforcing arch support, and strengthening ankles, all contribute to better foot function and ultimately better movement and postural stability. The position of the toes affects posture directly. Even quiet standing is an integrated subconscious strategy involving multiple sensory systems, joints, muscles, and body segments working cohesively to regulate static uprightness (Ku et al. 2012). Open toes in extension can help. It is the toes which relay information about Center of Pressure to the CNS regarding what micro adjustments are necessary for distribution of weight, in order to maintain optimal balance during standing or gait. Toe extension influences the elevation of the foot arch, supination of the foot at the posterior region of the foot, lateral rotation of the leg, and tension through the plantar aponeurosis. Reduced base of support from flexed or deformed toes increases lateral sway which in turn increases the risk of falling. Stretching of the dorsal area of the foot can help to maintain toe extension. The surface of the dorsal area of the foot contains 2 primary muscles, the extensor digitorum brevis, and the extensor hallucis brevis, both muscles are responsible for toe extension. Freedom of toes is fundamental to overall foot health and more importantly fosters the foot-brain connection to achieve better balance whether moving or stable. (click image to go to www.Tucketts.com)

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