A goal leading to improving motion analysis and therapy

Man is the only  mammal that has mastered the function of bipedal walking. The formation of the curvature of the spine, the high location of the general centre of gravity, and changes in the foot must have entailed a number of changes in the arrangement of the entire skeleton. The latter (foot) is assigned important functions: support, shock absorption and locomotion. Injuries, disorders of foot structure or function can contribute to abnormalities of the higher segments. These abnormalities can manifest themselves not only in the abnormal alignment observed on examination in statics (e.g., positioning of the feet in excessive external rotation in relation to the lower leg, forefoot dysfunctions, valgus positioning of the rear foot) but also, as studies indicate, can contribute to changes in movement patterns, such as gait. This, in turn, can be the cause of, among other things, pain reported by the patient, the appearance of earlier degenerative changes. On the other hand, the position of the feet while standing and walking may be determined by the specific anatomical structure of the lower extremities above the ankle joints. This may explain why some people walk with their feet outward and others inward (excessive torsion of the femurs, shin torsion). It is worth considering the alignment of the other components of the lower limb in the foot evaluation as well.  

Abnormalities in the foot may be related to: 

– occurrence of pain,  

– decreased quality of life,  

– functional limitations,  

– a problem with choosing the right footwear,  

– cosmetic problem, 

– deterioration of gait quality. 

Among the most commonly cited foot abnormalities are: 

– painful conditions 

– longitudinal and transverse flat feet 

– excessive pronation of the foot – forefoot abnormalities (hallux valgus, hammer toe, calluses, stiff toe)