Within the actual gait itself, there are two distinct phases – the stance phase and the swing phase. The stance phase constitutes the time the foot spends on the ground during a step. The swing phase, naturally, is then the period during which the foot is in the air. The stance phase can be further broken down into five stages: heel strike, early flatfoot, late flatfoot, heel rise, and toe off.

How Biomechanical Conditions Affect Feet

As the body tries to achieve the five goals, the “domino effect” can sometimes lead to issues. A common example of this pertains to Goal 3 (“cause the least amount of pain possible”).

When a part of the foot is in pain, a person will typically adjust his or her gait to keep weight off of it. This means that an issue on the inside edge of the foot could lead to an individual then walking on the outside of the foot. This means that the outside is now receiving more force than usual with every step. In turn, this excess force could lead to the development of a new issue.

Examples of Biomechanical Problems

Bunions might have a common association with high heel shoes, but this condition can be caused by faulty biomechanics. When excessive pressure is placed on the inside edge of the forefoot, perhaps as a result of overpronation, it can cause misalignment between the big toe bone and the corresponding metatarsal bone.

Plantar fasciitis results in sharp, stabbing heel pain and can be attributed to faulty foot mechanics, such as abnormal pronation or even an irregular gait.

Morton’s neuroma can be due to mechanics when it stems from foot deformities like hammertoes, arch abnormalities, and bunions.

Gait Analysis and Treatment

If faulty biomechanics are causing your foot and ankle issues, we may start assessing the situation by performing a gait analysis. Gait analysis is quite useful for podiatrists as it allows us to watch your foot and ankle while in use and determine where the problems lie.

One of the best tools that a podiatrist can use to treat gait issues is custom orthotics. Too many people think of orthotics as the shoe inserts found in retail stores, but those should only be used for cushioning or to provide extra arch support. Custom orthotics are devices that are prescribed to treat a medical condition, especially one that affects biomechanical processes.

Unlike mass-produced inserts found at stores, orthotic devices are customized according to your unique feet and gait patterns. This allows us to correct any biomechanical abnormalities that would lead to pain or problems.

Treating Biomechanical Conditions Manalapan, NJ

When faulty biomechanics lead to issues or cause pain, A Step Up Podiatry, LLC is ready to help. We can provide a gait analysis to identify the root cause of the problem and then create an effective treatment plan for you. Contact our Manalapan, NJ podiatrist today by calling (732) 446-7136 or schedule your appointment with us online.