Top tips for improving foot mechanics
BeachLife Physiotherapy • 28 October 2025
Why are foot mechanics important?
The feet are the base of our kinetic chain.
Poor foot mechanics can cause compensations, dysfunction and pain further up the chain; especially in hips or knees, but even lower back and neck.
1. Strength
Complete exercises that strengthen the intrisic muscles of the feet.
These are the muscles that control your toes and support your arch.
2. Mobility
Good movement at the ankle and big toe are critical to correct foot function.
Complete mobility exercises if you have reduced movement.
3. Proprioception
Improve stability and balance in your foot and ankle.
Practice single leg balance exercises, especially on a soft surface.
4. Barefoot walking
Walk barefoot on soft surfaces such as sand and grass to strengthen the intrinsic muscles in the feet.

Here are a few of our key top tips for avoiding and managing running pains as we head into the warmer months and get out on the track more often. 1. Build KM's slowly "Too much, too soon" is the phrase you don't want to hear. Give your tissues the chance to build tolerance. 2. Bone pain = Serious Don't push through bony pain that gets worse as you run. Bone stress injuries are common and require management. 3. Don't forget, strength! Most running injuries are the result of tissues not being strong enough to tolerate the loads going through them. Stronger tissues get injured less. 4. Pounding the pavement Running is tough on the body, but when progressed well and with the strength to support it, you can do amazing things!




























