A Simple Test For Foot Health

You know that push-ups strengthen your core. But did you know that there’s a foot push-up that can test the health of your arches?

The arch of your foot is composed of the tarsal and metatarsal bones that run along the bottom of your feet from your toes to your heel. Tendons and ligaments strengthen these bones so that your foot can support your weight. Problems with your arches can cause stability issues, and make it difficult or painful to walk long distances.

How the test works

By taking a few minutes to try this easy “foot push-up” test, you can learn all kinds of information about the health of your arches.

Learning from the results

How did you do?

If a single push-up was more than you could manage, you may have a mechanical problem with your arch. Red flags include having to lean over the counter and put lots of pressure on your hands in order to rise up on the ball of your foot, or an experience of pain as you attempt the exercise. Your arch may be lowered as the result of a stretched or ruptured arch tendon. It’s time to consult a foot and ankle surgeon.

If you can easily rise up on the balls of your feet, but have trouble completing all ten push-ups, your arches may be fatigued. Strengthening and stretching your leg muscles can help, so can continuing to work on these push-ups to increase your repetitions.

If moving to the ball of your foot isn’t a problem, but causes pain in your arch, you may have an inflamed or overworked arch. Consult a foot and ankle surgeon for guidance to manage overworked arches and return them to a healthy pain-free state.

Summit Orthopedics offers personalized foot and ankle expertise

Our fellowship-trained foot and ankle physicians understand that your mobility depends on the health of your feet and ankles. If you have suffered an injury or are experiencing symptoms that make walking painful, our team of foot and ankle specialists can help with conservative treatment, seasoned surgical teams, and expert rehabilitation support. Summit Orthopedics specialists have the expertise to evaluate your discomfort and develop a plan to quickly and safely get you back on your feet and on your way.

Start your journey to optimal foot health. Find your foot and ankle expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.