Putting Your Feet First

Continued...

For example, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue in the arch of the foot), iliotibial band tendinitis, metatarsalgia (foot pain), stress fractures and medial knee pain can be the result of abnormal foot biomechanics.

Furthermore, studies have shown that orthotics are more likely to alleviate symptoms if you have a low arch or excessive pronation than if you have a highly arched foot.

The Louisiana State University Medical Center Runner's Clinic prescribed orthotics to 50 runners whose stress-related injuries had not responded to improved training techniques, more cushioned surfaces and improved shoes.

The injuries included Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, iliotibial band tendinitis, metatarsalgia and chondromalacia patellae (knee pain).

The three-year study found that with 36 runners (72 percent) the pain associated with running had decreased or been eliminated. Among the runners who showed no improvement, almost half had high arches. Because a high-arched foot does not absorb shock as well as a low-arched foot, the orthotic for a high arch should probably be made of a more cushioning material to assist the foot in absorbing impact.

For women, two of the most common biomechanical problems that affect the feet are leg-length discrepancy and an increased Q-angle at the knee. This will affect the way the foot strikes the ground, causing pain anywhere in the foot, ankle, knee, hip or lower back.

A body with a foot problem is similar to a car with a flat tire: The problem is passed right up the frame, making a bumpy ride.

Leg-length discrepancy can be either a biomechanical imbalance or hereditary condition. The increased Q-angle is caused by a woman's proportionately wider hips. The orthotic can adjust your footstrike, smoothing out your stride and reducing the shock passed up to the knee and hip.

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
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