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SIX MAJOR BIOMECHANICAL FOOT TYPES
- Neutral
Foot
- Time Sequences of shock absorption, adaptation, stance,
and propulsion take place at the correct time. Can do lots
of mileage.
- Forefoot
Varus - This foot spends too much time in the shock
absorbing phase and converts to propulsion late. Symptoms
include superficial knee pain, shin pains, Achilles tendonitis,
I-T band pain, low back pain, etc. Treatment include orthotics
that trick the foot into thinking it's down to the ground
by bringing the ground up to the forefoot.
- Rearfoot
Varus - This foot functions the same as Forefoot Varus
when found with a Forefoot Varus. However, it functions
like a Valgus foot (see below) when found with a Valgus
Foot. Treatment is with an orthotic with rear foot control.
- Rigid
Forefoot Valgus - This foot prematurely converts to
propulsion at a time when it should still be absorbing shock.
Symptoms include a tendency to ankle sprains, an unsure
gait, every foot pain imaginable, leg muscle problems, stress
fractures, etc. Treatment includes an orthotic that tricks
the fore foot into thinking all the bones are level with
each other by brining the ground up to the foot. Very rare
foot type.
- Flexible
or Plantar Flexed First Metatarsal - This is the hardest
foot type to classify. It is capable of functioning like
a Forefoot Varus, Rearfoot Varus, and in some cases, like
a Rigid Valgus, but not as severe. Symptoms include everything
including sciatica. Treatment is with orthotics to put the
forefoot in neutral.
- Equinus
- This foot type has the inability to place the foot
10 (degree sign) closer to the shin as the center of gravity
passes over the ankle. Symptoms are a foot that spends too
much time in the shock absorbing phase and little to no
conversion to propulsion. Uncompensated, it is the worst
running imbalance to treat. Stretching and heel lifts help
most people but not all
Other
biomechanical factors include: angles of the shin bones, knee,
hip, and leg length diffentials, structural, and functional.
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