foot mobilisation

the foot is a complex structural unit to simplify mobilisation techniques which will be the treatment one must understand a thorough assessment ot indicate proper treatment. m

start with functional tests such as walking to observe movement patterns; supination pronation, pes planus ect then perform calf raises : whats hapening with the heel

then pull up the navicular in weight bearing: does this have ean effect of patella positioning and supination pronation interaction. pull up the big toe how easy doeas it pull up; this inidicates poor weight distribution throught the foot

assess them in supine and identify couping limitations between the bones of the foot. this is the most importat concept of a foot assessment the roos method is quickly being outdated with some painful research in identify normal couping patterns of the tarsal bones in weight bearing. menz hylton (podiatrist) is unravelling the mysteries of foot biomechanics.

to start have th foot in neutral by stabilising the calcaneus then push the the 1st MTP joint: what happens then push the 5th MTP joint : what happens this will identify limitations through the lateral and medial columns

test fore foot adduction and abduction

test cuboid glide with assessory glide of the calcaneus to identify fixation and abnormal coupling betwen the cuboid and calcaneus, test the coupling of the navicular and calacaneus in much the same way to identify positions of ease and positions of limitation between the calcaneus and navicular.

test cuboid and navicular glide and the integritry of the spring ligament

test talar glide on the calcaneus and the talar coupling with the navicular and cuboid

finally test fibular fixation

the test will direct you to mobilise the abnormal coupling patterns at the foot or ankle.

there are other tests you can do ( mc'connells 14 point foot assessment technique) but this is a good start

i hope this helps or at least food for thought