Some feet are often rigid and exhibit reduced range of motion or increased stiffness of the joints. In appearance they are usually high arched (or cavoid) and have historically been considered to be very poor shock absorbers. A consequence of this may well be impact related issues such as heel pain, knee pain or back pain.

Very rarely are they observed to be in poor functional positions and therefore do not often suffer with some of the ‘pronation related’ symptoms we may see in an excessively mobile foot. However due to the potential increased stiffness of the foot (particularly at the ankle joint and big toe joint) problems can sometimes occur with the body not efficiently progressing over the foot during walking or running.  This can lead to alterations in the way the foot and lower limb moves and unnecessary forces within certain tissues e.g. a very stiff ankle joint may result in an early heel lift when walking and lead on to increased tension within the calf muscle or Achilles tendon.

Following a full assessment the most appropriate management plan can be formulated which may well consist of physiotherapy to mobilise stiff joints and tissues, footwear advice and/or orthotic devices depending upon the activity of the individual and their own goals.  It may well only be simple shock attenuation that is required, or something more sophisticated which will facilitate better progression of the body over the foot and reduce the damaging forces within injured structures.