Load on the foot
Human feet, compared to the paws of our smaller brothers, experience double the load. Posture and upright walking are inherent only to humans, as a result of evolutionary processes. The arched structure of the foot and the four curves of the spine, formed in the process of evolution, are the unique structure of our musculoskeletal system, forming our frame, giving us support, protection of our internal organs, and the ability to move in space without shaking.
Foot structure
Our feet consist of 26 bones, which are connected to each other by ligaments and muscles; in addition, on each foot there are 61 receptors responsible for the functioning of our internal organs. For normal walking, mobility of all components relative to each other is necessary.
If a person is healthy, then he walks easily, the movements of his feet roll smoothly from the heel along the outer longitudinal arch to the toe, while the inner arch serves as a spring, ensuring a smooth gait. A healthy, trained foot neutralizes loads (pushing acceleration) up to 70% due to its arched anatomical structure and its spring function. The weakening of any link in this well-coordinated mechanism leads to various pathological conditions of our feet.
Weakness of the muscles of the arch of the foot
Weakening of the muscles that support the arch of the foot leads to the fact that the ligaments of the foot are loaded, stretched and deformed the foot. The arches of the feet become flattened and their spring and support functions are disrupted.
Dysfunction leads to pain in the feet and calf muscles; a person tends to reduce physical activity and begins to prefer a sedentary lifestyle to an active one, which in turn further weakens muscle strength. Violation of the spring function of the foot leads to the rapid spread of shock acceleration up the skeleton, the spread of such shocks reaches the head and injures the brain, causing a headache, the cause of which we cannot immediately determine.
It is in such cases that the brain is additionally protected and adapts to such loads. It creates additional “springs”, changing the position of the pelvis and spine, which leads to poor posture.
Posture
this is the habitual position of the body at rest and in motion, when the body and head are held straight, without active muscle tension, it occupies a very important place in a person’s life. Posture depends on the shape of the spine, the uniformity of development and muscle tone, age-related characteristics of the processes of growth and development, and the acquired skills of maintaining the correct posture.
The formation of posture begins at an early age and ends with the completion of bone growth.
Gravity (universal gravitation) also influences the development and growth of the spine, as well as the body as a whole. Formation of scoliotic posture – the result of the body’s adaptation to maintain a vertical posture.
Normally, the spine of an adult has slight curves: in the cervical and lumbar regions – anteriorly (lordosis), in the thoracic and sacral – posteriorly (kyphosis). They form gradually as the body grows, especially after the child learns to stand and walk. These physiological bends are necessary for the body to soften vertical loads on the spine (jumping, running, falling on your feet, etc.). Thanks to these curves, the body is cushioned during movements and loads.
Since the body needs to be in a vertical position for balance, scoliosis one part of the spine causes the development of the opposite scoliosis in another part, for example, kyphosis of some parts of the spine entails the formation of lordosis of other parts and vice versa.
For the timely prevention of the occurrence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system in complex therapy today it is widely used individual foot orthosis (production of individual orthopedic insoles).
Our body is a single whole. Some diseases provoke the occurrence of others. Of course, there are individual manifestations of poor posture and flat feet, but most often these diseases are present in combination with each other. These are diseases that do not pose a danger to our life, but significantly affect its quality.
Treatment and correction of flat feet are necessary at any age. Custom orthotics will help you maintain physical activity for many years. Our Prima Medica clinic uses innovative technology. You can find out the cost of making custom insoles here.