You Know What They Say About Short Feet

...increased sensory motor stimulation!

The "small foot" or the "short foot" is a commonly used term in the rehabilitation industry and is of paramount importance for facilitating upright whole body stability. With the vast amount of receptors located at the sole of the foot, the small foot helps to increase afferent input thereby sending important information higher up the system to aid in motor system regulation.

Here is an ideal progression for the facilitating the short foot.

1. Begin with soft tissue and joint mobilization to free up any restriction and stimulate the exteroreceptors and mechanoreceptors. Massage balls and walking on pebbles are excellent ways of doing so.
2. Passive modelling should first be performed by a therapist in a seated position to enable the individual to "feel" the ideal position and movement.
3. This should be followed by active assisted modelling to slowly encourage independence. Here the logitududinal and transverse arches should increase in height. It is important that the toes stay flat on the floor, as do the heels, the first and fifth metatarsal heads.
4. Finally, the individual should now practice active modelling of the foot by narrowing the forefoot and pulling it heelwards. Relaxation should follow each repetition. Progression should be made to a standing position, first in the forward and non-weightbearing foot, then to the weightbearing foot.

For more information on the short/small foot, check out Patrick Ward's blog, Chapter 22 of Liebenson's Rehabilitation of the Spine or Page, Frank, & Lardner's Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach (click on Educational Resources above).

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