Why Feet?

Why Should We Take Care Of Our Feet?

The Foundation

The feet are the foundation of the entire human body.  

The foot contains:

• 26 bones
• 33 joints
• More than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments

(¼ of the body’s bones are found in the foot)

All these components work together to provide support, balance and mobility for the human body.

Foot Biomechanics

The foot functions as one link in a bio-mechanical kinetic chain, where movement at one joint influences movement at other joints in the chain.

As the base of this chain, the foot is subject to the forces of ground contact with every step, cushioning the body on landing and launching the frame forward immediately thereafter.

The pattern of where the foot meets the ground and moves the body forward is known as the “gait cycle” (walking cycle).

The gait cycle has a consequential effect on the upper parts of the musculoskeletal system. The body's orderly response to ground contact and locomotion can be disrupted by alterations in foot biomechanics. A person may not experience pain in the feet, but may complain of discomfort in the knees, hips or back and exhibit poor posture.

One of the most common causes of biomechanical disturbance is excessive pronation or overpronation.

What is Over-Pronation?

Pronation occurs as weight is transferred from the heel to the forefoot during a normal gait cycle. During pronation, the foot naturally rolls inwards (pronates).

When the foot rolls in too much, and the arch flattens too much, this is known as over-pronation. Over-pronation causes a strain on the plantar fascia and directly leads into other foot and body conditions such as:

Foot Issues including:

• Plantar Fasciitis – a direct strain of the arch ligament
• Heel Pain
• Shin Splints
• Achilles Tendonitis

Body Issues including:

• Back Pain
• Knee Pain
• Hip Pain

What is the Plantar Fascia?

The plantar fascia muscle is a long band of muscle tissue and ligaments that stretches all the way from your heel bone to the front of your foot. This supports the arch and bone structure of the foot. When inflamed, this causes a variety of issues in the foot such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Pain. A strained Plantar Fascia is the root of the majority of issues that stem from the feet.

Orthotics

What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are corrective arch support insoles worn within your shoes. Orthotic footwear is footwear that incorporates an orthotic within the design.

How do orthotics work?
Orthotics biomechanically alter the way your foot strikes the ground to improve function and relieve pain. 

How can orthotic footwear benefit or help me?
Orthotics work to reduce pain and improve performance by controlling your gait and reducing overpronation. They also take overall pressure off sore spots (e.g., the ball of the foot, the heels, corns in between bunions and toes) by enabling a more even weight distribution. The primary purpose of an orthotic insole is to improve foot function, but they may also provide some degree of shock absorption. Orthotics can prevent serious injuries and reduces pain in the future.

Who should be wearing orthotics?
Orthotics can be worn by anyone, as they bring superior everyday comfort and support to your feet and body. Sufferers of foot pain and foot conditions will find the most benefit from orthotics because they provide direct relief and treatment.

What is so good about wearing orthotic or orthotic footwear?
Orthotics enable you to work/play for longer by relieving your pain or discomfort.

I don’t have foot pain, can I wear orthotics too?
Of course you can! Orthotic footwear brings comfort and support to everyone, not just foot pain sufferers. Orthotics work well as a preventative aid, preventing injury and ensuring the ongoing health of your feet.