The human body evolved to allow walking upright, with the feet and joints taking most of the weight load. The correct biomechanics of the foot and ankle allow efficient movement in a variety of different configurations. However, when the biomechanics of these structures become misaligned, a variety of problems can occur, which result in foot pain, stiffness and limited motion.
Understanding Foot Biomechanics
The ankle is key to successful walking motion. The ankle is a modified hinge joint that transfers forces from the foot to the leg. The three bones of the ankle are connected with ligaments, tendons and muscles. The foot is made up of 26 different bones, with numerous joints. The largest joint of the foot is the subtalar joint, and this joint is where misalignment either in an inward direction or outward direction generally occurs.
Pronation and Supination
During walking, the foot alternates between swing phase and stance phase. When the heel strikes the ground and turns inward during the stance phase, pronation occurs. Pronation is a rolling action that allows feet to adapt to different surfaces, as well as to absorb the shock from contact with the ground. Supination occurs when the foot rolls outward as the arch rises. Excessive pronation and supination is the cause of many biomechanical problems that can affect not only the foot itself, but the ankles, back and hips, as well.
Treating Biomechanical Problems
Podiatrists and chiropodists are professionally trained to treat disorders of the feet. Physicians from places such as The Foot Doctor use their knowledge and training to diagnose biomechanical problems that lead to foot pain and alignment problems that commonly occur. The podiatrist or chiropodist can then provide treatment to remedy abnormalities or weaknesses that contribute to foot and ankle problems.
Types of Orthotics
Orthotics are custom designed devices that are placed in the shoe to correct biomechanical problems by shifting the weight to different areas of the foot. These devices may be flexible, rigid or semi-rigid, depending on how much adjustment is required. The physician may take a plaster of Paris casting of the foot or may analyze the structure with a 3D laser scan. They can then design a suitable correction to change the biomechanics of the foot to provide relief from pain.
Correcting foot problems requires careful analysis of the structures of the foot and the way they work together during walking. Patients can receive treatment of these underlying problems to relieve foot pain and allow you to walk in comfort again.
