By: Priya Parthasarathy DPM: Partner at USFAS, practicing in Silver Spring, MD
Balance and a good foundation for the feet is a topic that I discuss with my patients daily. I specifically get referrals from neurologists, orthopedists and physical therapists to address these specific issues. We also do balance assessment questions with our patients during their visits to address any issues.
Your feet are the base of everything, from how you move to how you feel. When your foundation is off, it can lead to a ripple effect of discomfort, instability, and even injury throughout the body. That’s why understanding the importance of foot balance isn’t just about avoiding falls; it’s about supporting your posture, protecting your joints, and promoting long-term wellness. In this article, we’ll explore why foot balance is essential, how to improve it at home, and how footwear choices, like those with Vionic’s Vio Motion technology, can make a powerful difference.
The Importance of Balance in Your Feet
Balance in your feet is important for many reasons. Some of the most well-known benefits include:
- Improves posture and coordination
- Prevents falls
- Increases strength
- Enhances mobility
- Supports joint health
- Allows you to distribute weight evenly and maintain balance
Most importantly, it contributes to your overall physical health and well-being.
When your feet are stable and properly aligned, every step becomes more efficient and less taxing on your muscles and joints. Whether you’re walking across the room or running a marathon, good foot balance reduces strain, supports better movement patterns, and helps prevent chronic foot pain or injury over time.
How to Improve Foot Balance and Stability at Home
Foot mobility and balance exercises are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. I recommend Ankle Circles, Calf raises, Straight and Bent Calf stretches, Single leg balance, Towel curls, and Ball rolls. Aim for 10 repetitions on each leg. You can also visit your Primary Care Physician or your Podiatrist to get a referral for Balance physical therapy. This type of physical therapy works to develop a treatment plan that helps improve strength, stability, and movement of people with balance problems.
Consistency is key to seeing results. Just five to ten minutes a day of targeted foot exercises can make a noticeable difference over time. Start by doing these movements while brushing your teeth or watching TV. If you’re looking for a little more structure, consider working with a physical therapist or following guided routines designed to improve proprioception and strength. Your feet are your foundation, and the stronger and more mobile they are, the more confident and supported you’ll feel in your daily movements.
How Vionic Helps Improve Foot Balance and Stability
Vionic emphasizes balance and the connection to overall well-being. The fusion between dynamic movement and grounded stability is how their exclusive Vio Motion technology solves whole body balance. Flexibility ensures the perfect amount of forefoot motion. Built-in cushioning and orthotic inserts provide shock absorption to minimize impact. Deep heel cups optimize foot position while full-contact arch supports reduce pressure.
What is very important to keep in mind regarding balance is: prevention is key. Your feet carry you through life, and people don’t think much about them until their feet hurt or they have foot problems. What if you invested the time to strengthen your foot and ankle through simple feet exercises and invested in the appropriate footwear and insoles prior to any problems? Foot mobility is extremely important to preserve a full range of motion in the feet. It naturally declines as you age due to stiffness, arthritis, tight muscles, and other issues that affect the feet.
Investing in the Right Footwear
The right shoe is the foundation for balance. Walking in stiletto heels is a great example of how much shoe components can affect balance and stability. Investing in your shoes is the first step in improving your balance. Vio Motion technology has brought balance and whole body well-being to a range of footwear from women’s casual sneakers to men’s dress shoes.
Your journey to better balance starts from the ground up. By combining daily movement, proper support, and intentional footwear choices, you can create a strong foundation that supports your entire body, step by step.
There are so many ways to invest in your feet’ health. The more balanced you are, the stronger your movements become. It is important to remember that if your balance quickly worsens or you experience a sudden change, it is important to visit your Doctor to rule out other emergent causes of balance issues.
Author:
Dr. Parthasarathy is a Partner at US Foot and Ankle Specialists (USFAS) and practices in the DMV area. Dr. Parthasarathy is the recent recipient of Podiatry Management’s Future Star Award in 2020. She is also the recipient of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) prestigious Rising Star Award in 2017. She has been featured in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Self Magazine, Women’s Running Magazine, NYMag and Prevention Magazine. She is currently Chair of the APMA Communications Committee and a member of the APMA Education Committee. Dr. Parthasarathy is an Editor for the Compendium of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Publication. She serves on the Editorial Board of Advisors of the Podiatry Today publication. She is also President on the Maryland Podiatric Medical Associations Executive committee. Dr. Parthasarathy is the former Podiatry Section Chief at Medstar Montgomery Medical Center. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) . She lectures frequently at National Conferences. She is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
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