what-when-how
In Depth Tutorials and Information
C h a p t e r
1
Chapter contents
Principles of foot
biomechanics
and gait
Introduction 1
The foot as a complex
structure 2
Terminology for movement and
position of the foot 3
Motion at the ankle and
subtalar joint 6
Motion at the midtarsal and
forefoot joints 6
Medial arch of the foot 7
The foot and lower limb in
gait 7
Phase 1 of gait 9
Phase 2 of gait 10
Phase 3 of gait 11
Summary 13
Review questions 14
Reflection 14
Self-assessed questions 14
References 14
“A thousand miles starts from beneath
one's feet.”
Lao Tzu
Introduction
The importance of feet for normal activity and
function cannot be overstated and it is often
only when feet go wrong that attention is paid
to them. We do not pay attention to the ability
of the foot to adapt to all the different terrains
and activities that we take for granted when
everything is going well. We rarely think about
the distance that it covers: the average person
takes approximately 8000 to 10 000 steps per
day; and, in a lifetime, walks 115 000 miles,
which is the equivalent of four times around the
world!
The foot is a complex and dynamic
mechanism that needs to be understood in its
healthy state before we can fully understand
the complexity and impact of disease and mal-
function on its ability to function normally.
Understanding what is considered to be normal
function is important in being able to establish
the parameters and impact of abnormal
function. Further to these factors, knowledge
of both normal and abnormal function aids
our decision making in respect of the choices
in relation to the types of foot orthoses and
