The importance of strong feet, the appendages upon which we rely to walk, run, swim, and climb. The parts of us we care for by not only trimming the toenails, but painting them, too. We go so far as to care for our feet by scraping off the calluses, trimming away unwanted hair, and paying for a regular massage simply to seek the simple pleasure of that ever so glorious foot rub.

For all the efforts we go through to make our feet presentable for flip-flop season, we might actually benefit more from caring about the deeper characteristics of our feet. Considering the fact our sheer ability to remain upright depends upon how strong they are, why haven’t we spent more time conditioning them like we do our arms and legs?

Those intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) deep inside the foot play an important role in supporting and stabilizing the medial arch, which actively works to cushion the foot.¹ These muscles adapt and change in length depending on the phase of locomotion, such that they lengthen upon initial impact to produce negative work before they shorten just before push off to actively support the arch and produce positive work.²

Some studies suggest that foot and ankle strength, or therelackof, may be closely correlated to fall risk in the elderly. For those making their way into their 60s and 70s, poor foot strength can have serious implications when the risk for falling is concerned. It has been suggested that at least 30% of those 65 years and older experience one or more falls every year, and that percentage increases to 40% when people reach and exceed 75 years.³

Yet if you think this issue is only pertinent to those well older than you, then let me tell you why even this 31-year-old, professional triathlete (also a Doctor of Physical Therapy) works so hard to keep her feet strong. It has been shown that the human foot has the capacity to contribute up to 17% of the energy required to power a single stride.⁴ When you think about the work the intrinsic muscles of the feet must put forth just to facilitate the demands of locomotion, perhaps you can appreciate why those of you who run and cycle might benefit from keeping your feet strong.

Regardless of whatever age you currently find yourself enjoying, we have more to lose by not attending to the strength of our feet than we have to gain. Whether your aim is to prevent or rehabilitate from injury that has resulted from partaking in an exercise or sport of your choice, or perhaps you hope to minimize your risk of falling so that you might continue to partake in regular, daily activity into your golden years: here are two exercises you can use to determine your foot strength. If you notice deficits and wonder if your nagging foot, ankle, or knee pain might be the result, you might benefit from seeking the guidance of your physical therapist to further address and resolve these issues.

First, how long can you stand on one foot with your hands on your hips? Clinicians often use this test, called the Timed Single Leg Stance test (SLST), as a measure to determine fall risk. In Table 1, you will find normative values based on age. Those unable to perform the SLST for at least 5 seconds double their risk for falling and sustaining an injury.⁵

Table 1. Interpretation – SLST Normative Data

Table by OP Solutions.

Second, how much control do you have over your feet and toes? In Figure 1, you’ll see the Short Foot exercise, an activity that challenges you to shorten your foot by actively pulling your medial arch up off the floor using only the IFM. Start by standing on both feet, and see if you can work your way to maintaining your balance well enough to stand only on one foot. In Figure 2, the Toe Spread Out exercise (aka Toe Yoga) is demonstrated, whereby the first/great toe is pulled off the floor while maintaining contact with the floor by the lesser toes, and then the lesser toes are pulled off the floor while keeping the great toe anchored to the floor. This is an exercise of coordination, control, and if you do it long enough, strength.

Figure 1. Short Foot exercise⁶

Figure 2. Toes Spread Out exercise⁶

Some may agree there exists no better compliment than one that points out the lovely appeal of the perfectly manicured and pampered foot. However, do yourself a favor and devote some quality time to enhancing the functional strength of your feet. There may not appear to be anything visually impressive about strong feet, at least nothing that can stand up to the bulging biceps and impressive quads we have grown accustomed to admiring from afar. Yet your health and wellbeing depend on it, and I argue the places you’ll go and the quality of your experiences start with strong feet.