07/06/2025
Ahhh, pelvic tilt and what it does to your feet 😳😳
Your Foot Posture Reflects Your Body’s Imbalances: What Science Says
Your foot posture is not an isolated trait—it is the result of imbalances throughout your body. Many people assume that flat feet, high arches, or inward-turned ankles are purely genetic. However, research suggests that muscle weaknesses, joint misalignments, and movement dysfunctions elsewhere in the body contribute to how your feet support you.
The Kinetic Chain: How the Body Affects the Feet
The human body functions as a kinetic chain, meaning that movement and stability in one area influence other parts of the body. If there is weakness or misalignment in the hips, knees, or core, it can lead to compensations that affect foot posture.
For example, studies have shown that:
Hip Weakness Affects Foot Alignment: A study published in The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that weak hip abductors contribute to excessive foot pronation (flattening of the arch).
Knee Position Alters Foot Mechanics: Research in Gait & Posture indicates that knee valgus (inward knee collapse) increases strain on the medial arch of the foot, leading to overpronation.
Core Stability Plays a Role: A weak core can result in poor postural control, which affects lower extremity alignment and can lead to foot dysfunction.
Compensation Patterns and Pain
When the feet compensate for imbalances higher up in the body, it can lead to issues such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or knee pain. This is why treating foot problems effectively often requires addressing the entire kinetic chain, rather than just focusing on the feet alone.
