By Paulius Jurasius, Founder of the JANMI Method
Hello, JANMI community! It’s Paulius here, and today I want to talk about something we often take for granted—our feet. Our community, like many others, is a group of individuals who lead busy lives in the modern world. Our feet are marvels of engineering, designed to support our entire body and enable us to move gracefully. However, the way we use our feet in the modern world is vastly different from how our ancestors did, and this has led to a number of problems, including flat feet and plantar fasciitis. Let’s explore how these issues arise from walking on flat, hard surfaces and what we can do to restore balance and function.
The Evolution of the Human Foot
Our feet evolved over millions of years to navigate the diverse and uneven terrains of the natural world. Our ancestors walked on grass, sand, dirt, and rocky paths—surfaces that engaged the many muscles, tendons, and ligaments in their feet. This constant engagement helped to strengthen their arches and maintain the flexibility and strength of their foot muscles. The human foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This complex anatomy was perfectly suited to a life of movement over varied surfaces.
However, as we transitioned to modern life, our environments changed dramatically. Today, we spend most of our time walking on flat, hard surfaces—pavements, floors, and roads. These surfaces provide little variation, and as a result, the muscles in our feet are no longer being challenged in the way they were designed to be. This lack of engagement can lead to a collapse of the arches, resulting in flat feet, and it can also cause the fascia in the foot to become tight and inflamed, leading to conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Flat Foot and Plantar Fasciitis: A Modern Epidemic
Flat foot occurs when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can lead to discomfort and pain, particularly after long periods of standing or walking. It can also contribute to misalignment in the ankles, knees, and hips, leading to further problems up the kinetic chain.
Plantar fasciitis is another common condition that results from the modern lifestyle. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. When this fascia becomes tight or inflamed, it can cause sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest. This condition is often linked to the lack of natural foot movement that comes from walking on hard, flat surfaces.
A Case in Point: John’s Journey to Foot Health
Let me share with you the story of John, a 50-year-old gentleman who came to JANMI with persistent foot pain. John had developed flat feet over the years and was suffering from severe plantar fasciitis. He had tried various treatments with little success. Through our assessment, we identified that his daily routine—spending long hours on concrete floors—was a significant contributing factor.
At JANMI, we introduced John to Myofascia Release Therapy, focusing on releasing the tension in his plantar fascia and strengthening the muscles in his feet. Additionally, we encouraged John to incorporate more natural movement into his life, including outdoor exercises and walking barefoot on varied surfaces. Over time, John’s pain reduced significantly, and he was able to regain much of the foot strength he had lost.
The JANMI Approach: Reconnecting with Nature
At JANMI, we understand the importance of reconnecting with natural movement patterns. As part of our therapists’ training, we include daily outdoor exercises, which often involve walking barefoot on grass, sand, or dirt. This practice not only strengthens the feet but also helps our therapists better understand the complex anatomy of the foot and how it responds to different surfaces.
The human foot is a marvel of design, with its intricate network of bones, muscles, and fascia all working together to support movement. At JANMI, our Myofascia Release Therapy in London focuses on restoring the natural function of this complex system. By releasing tension in the fascia and re-engaging the muscles, we help our clients overcome the effects of modern living on their feet.
The Wisdom of the Old Cobbler
I’m reminded of an old British cobbler I once met, who remarked, “A man’s shoes should fit like a glove, but his feet should know the earth.” This simple wisdom captures the essence of what we at JANMI believe—our feet are designed to feel the ground beneath them, to flex, stretch, and move naturally. When we confine them to hard surfaces and restrictive shoes, we lose a vital connection to our bodies and the world around us.
Our feet are not just tools for walking—they are a complex, dynamic system that reflects our overall health and wellbeing. The modern lifestyle, with its flat, hard surfaces, has led to a rise in conditions like flat feet and plantar fasciitis. But by understanding the root causes and taking steps to restore natural movement, we can reclaim the strength and flexibility of our feet.
At JANMI in London, we are committed to helping you achieve this through our specialised Myofascia Release Therapy. Whether you’re dealing with foot pain, or simply want to improve your overall foot health, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or exercise, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority.
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