How To Treat Sore Feet After Hiking | Technique Tuesday
A Simple Midfoot Mobilization for Tight, Compressed Feet
Tight shoes, hiking boots, and athletic footwear can leave the middle of the foot feeling compressed or uncomfortable. In this video, Colton from Preferred Physical Therapy demonstrates a simple mobilization intended to help create more space through the toes and midfoot after activities such as hiking, running, pickleball, or basketball.
A foot that feels compressed inside narrow or tightly secured footwear may benefit from gentle movement that allows the toes and midfoot to spread more comfortably.
The video focuses on gently opening the foot rather than forcing large movements.Why Can The Midfoot Feel Tight?
The presenter explains that some people experience tightness or discomfort through the midfoot, especially when wearing shoes with a narrow base or footwear that must be tied firmly for support.
He specifically mentions hiking boots and athletic shoes as examples. For someone with wider feet, these types of footwear may leave the foot feeling squeezed or compacted after activity.
Footwear Can Compress The Foot
Shoes provide stability and support, but the presenter notes that some designs have a relatively narrow base. When the foot is held tightly inside the shoe, pressure may be felt across the toes and middle portion of the foot.
This can become especially noticeable during longer periods of activity such as hiking, running, basketball, or pickleball.
Activities Mentioned In The Video
The mobilization is demonstrated as something that may be used before or after activities that leave the foot feeling tight or compressed.
Examples discussed include hiking, running, pickleball, basketball, and other activities performed in supportive or tightly fitted footwear.
What May Contribute To Foot Tightness?
Shoes with a narrow base may feel restrictive, particularly for people whose feet naturally need more width.
Hiking and athletic footwear may be tied firmly to provide support, which can make the foot feel more compressed during activity.
Hiking, running, basketball, and pickleball can keep the foot inside supportive footwear for extended periods.
The presenter uses his own wider feet as an example of how certain shoes can make the midfoot feel squeezed.
How The Mobilization Is Performed
The technique begins by gently spreading the toes and pulling different parts of the foot apart to encourage more space through the forefoot and midfoot.
The presenter also demonstrates applying a small amount of downward pressure while holding the foot in the opened position.
Step One: Gently Spread The Foot
Begin by using your hands to gently pull the toes apart. The goal shown in the video is to create some separation rather than allowing the toes and midfoot to remain tightly compressed together.
The same gentle spreading motion can be applied through the middle portion of the foot. The presenter describes this as trying to restore some of the foot’s normal space after it has been inside restrictive footwear.
Midfoot Mobilization Technique
Use the hands to gently spread the toes apart and create space across the front portion of the foot.
Apply a gentle spreading motion through the middle of the foot rather than focusing only on the toes.
While holding the foot, the presenter demonstrates applying a small downward pressure to encourage movement.
Try widening the toes using the muscles of the foot while maintaining the mobilized position.
Step Two: Move The Midfoot Gently
The video also demonstrates approaching the foot from underneath and gently moving the middle portion of the foot upward and downward.
The movement is intentionally small. The presenter specifically emphasizes that it does not need to be aggressive. The purpose is simply to allow the foot to move and feel less compacted.
Keep The Movement Controlled
The up-and-down motion through the midfoot should remain gentle rather than becoming forceful.
The presenter says the foot does not need very much movement for this mobilization technique.
The intention is to let the foot open rather than keeping it in the compressed position created by tight footwear.
The presenter discusses performing the mobilization either before or after activities that tend to make the foot feel tight.
Create Space Without Forcing The Foot
The technique is intended to gently spread and move the toes and midfoot so the foot does not feel as compressed after spending time inside restrictive or supportive footwear.
When The Mobilization May Be Useful
According to the video, the mobilization can be performed after a long hike, run, game of pickleball, basketball session, or another activity that leaves the middle of the foot feeling tight.
The presenter also discusses using the technique before activity in an effort to stretch and open the foot before putting it under greater demand.
Gentle Movement Is The Focus
This demonstration does not involve forceful stretching or aggressive manipulation. The movements shown are small and controlled.
The objective described in the video is simply to create some movement and space through an area that may feel compressed after activity or time spent in narrow footwear.
See The Foot Mobilization Demonstrated
Watch Colton from Preferred Physical Therapy demonstrate how he gently spreads the toes, mobilizes the midfoot, and uses small movements to help the foot feel less compressed.
Watch The Full Foot Mobility VideoThis information summarizes an educational video and is not an individualized treatment plan. Persistent foot pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or worsening symptoms may require evaluation by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Give A Compressed Foot Room To Move
Tight footwear and demanding activities can leave the toes and midfoot feeling compressed. Gentle toe spreading and small midfoot movements are demonstrated in the video as simple ways to encourage movement and create more space through the foot.