Assessing and Correcting Foot and Ankle Problems

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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 side-to-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 clients
subtalar joint will help you evaluate for
overpronation. Locate the two small indentations
at the base of your clients 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. 
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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
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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.
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