The Puppet Strings Under the Feet

There are a number of these strings that pass from the tips of the toes, across the bottom of the foot, around the back of the ankle and to the muscles at the back of the shin. These strings release and pull to keep us upright and able to walk and stand. When we stand these strings control the awareness of how far forward we lean by planting the toes down hard on the floor, and when walking they are pulled up and out of the way when the foot moves forward.

Yes, walking is a puppet string that is pulled in and relaxed for some sort of motion. It is used to climb stairs, cycle, to run and walk and many other movements.

When the hiking trail is too long or there are just too many stairs to climb (eg. Mt Niesen in Switzerland which has 11,674 steps to a height of 1,667 metres – Ouch!), they get very tired and if not listened to they will start to complain to the brain.

That is the point where, if we don’t listen to our feet, we get into trouble. The strings turn into ropes and then the ropes rub on the holdings and guides, which also become fatter and ropes now complain some more because the space is narrower, until we get to the point of no return.

It doesn’t have to be sport that only causes this. Stepping on a large stone, jumping, standing on your toes are all the movements that can cause this problem. These strings are not really “strings” but they are known as fascia and when they become irritated, inflamed or overloaded, the condition is known as Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar being the bottom of the foot, and fasciitis is the swelling, aggravation, inflammation and pain of these fascia.

This can be intensely painful, but the fascia is going to not let you get away with this. It will keep on reminding you of what you put them through with no uncertainty.