Why Foot Health is the Foundation for Everything Else

By Dr. Andrew Kakishita | Kinetic Chiropractic – Lehi, UT

Your feet carry you through life, yet most people pay little attention to them until pain or injury strikes. Healthy feet are critical for overall body function, balance, and movement. Neglecting foot health can lead to problems in your knees, hips, back, and even shoulders.

How Foot Issues Affect the Whole Body

The feet are your body’s base of support. If your arches are weak, your heels hurt, or your toes are stiff, your body compensates to maintain balance. Over time, this can create stress in the knees, hips, and lower back. Plantar fasciitis, bunions, or flat feet are not isolated problems. They can affect other areas of your body and lead to new pain patterns.

Signs You Might Need to Pay More Attention

• Chronic knee or hip pain without an obvious cause
• Frequent ankle sprains or instability
• Fatigue or discomfort in your legs by midday
• Persistent lower back tension

These signs often indicate that your feet are not supporting your body the way they should.

How to Improve Foot Health

1. Foot strengthening exercises: Toe curls, arch lifts, and calf raises improve stability and support.
2. Stretching: Stretch your calves, Achilles tendons, and plantar fascia to maintain flexibility and reduce tightness.
3. Supportive footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and provide proper arch support.
4. Chiropractic care: Evaluating your movement, treating soft tissue restrictions, and using therapies like shockwave therapy can help treat plantar fascia issues or chronic heel pain and improve overall function.

Bottom Line

Healthy feet are more than a comfort issue. They provide the foundation for proper movement, support your joints, and help prevent pain throughout your body. Focusing on foot health with exercises, stretching, supportive footwear, and chiropractic care helps you move better, stay active, and avoid injuries.