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Continue ShoppingWhy 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 places extra strain on the plantar fascia and is often linked with 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 linked with a number of common foot complaints.
Orthotics
What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are arch support insoles worn within your shoes. Orthotic footwear is footwear that incorporates an orthotic within the design.
How do orthotics work?
Orthotics are shaped to support the arch and heel, which can change how your foot meets the ground and may make walking feel more comfortable.
How can orthotic footwear benefit or help me?
Orthotics are designed to support the arch and help guide how far the foot rolls inwards as you walk. They also help spread pressure more evenly across the foot, including the ball of the foot and the heels. The primary purpose of an orthotic insole is to improve foot function, but they may also provide some degree of shock absorption. Many people find that supportive, cushioned footwear makes standing and walking more comfortable.
Who should be wearing orthotics?
Orthotics can be worn by anyone, as they bring superior everyday comfort and support to your feet and body. Many people with foot pain look for orthotic footwear for its arch support and cushioning. For persistent, severe or worsening pain, or if you have diabetes, numbness or wounds, please see a podiatrist or doctor.
What is so good about wearing orthotic or orthotic footwear?
Supportive, cushioned footwear can make long days at work or play feel more comfortable.
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 people with foot pain. Orthotic footwear is designed to support the arch and heel and can make everyday walking more comfortable.
