Poor Foot Biomechanics
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Poor foot biomechanics may be responsible for a myriad of chronic complaints, including pain in the feet, knees, lower back, and neck.
The feet act as a spring, propelling the body forward with each step. If the spring is not working, the propelling force must come from the knees, hip, or lower back. Because these areas are not designed to function in this manner, they eventually deteriorate and the chronic pain cycle begins.
The most important factor in evaluating a person’s gait (walking cycle) is to observe the stability of the arch and the ability of the foot to spring the body forward. The most important arch in the foot is the medial arch.
It is abnormal for the arch to collapse during the gait cycle or while at rest. This collapsing of the arch is known as flat feet, or pes planus. A collapsed arch indicates tissue breakdown. Supporting tissue is no longer able to elevate the inside of the foot. The plantar fascia is the first tissue to be affected. Pain resulting from this weakened tissue is called plantar fasciitis. If the fascia is not strengthened, a painful heel spur will result. Prolotherapy to strengthen the fascia is a treatment option.
The next affected structures are the ligaments that support the inside of the foot, especially the calcaneonavicular ligament. When this ligament is weakened, the arch pain will increase. Eventually, the posterior tibialis tendon in the knee must help support the arch. This tendon eventually weakens, resulting in knee pain added to the original foot pain, as the arch continues to collapse. Because the arch and the knee can no longer elevate the foot, the entire limb must be raised during a step, putting additional strain on the hip.
The spring in the foot and the efficiency of the gait are drastically reduced due to the collapsed arch. This requires more energy from the foot, resulting in further deterioration of the medial arch. The more severe the collapse of the arch, the greater the likelihood of pain. The deterioration cycle will continue until something is done to support the arch. Contrary to popular belief, cortisone shots will not accomplish this! Arch pain in the foot is not a cortisone deficiency!
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