Pierre Dupont D. P. M. | Chiropodist | Foot Specialist Problems Associated With

Misaligned Feet

When feet are aligned, we experience all positive benefits of walking such as increased metabolism, lower body weight, decreased blood pressure, and a healthier and happier life. Whether standing, walking or running, weight is borne by every foot and body structure. One of the most important bones in the foot that equitably transfers and distributes the body weight throughout the rest of the foot and the body is the ankle bone or the talus who sits on top of the foot, right over the heel bone or calcaneus.

For best force distribution to occur, there should only be minimal motion/displacement of the talus over the calcaneus upon weight bearing. Any excessive displacement of ankle bone leads to partial dislocation of the talus on the heel bone also known as excessive pronation or hyperpronation There is a naturally occurring space in between the ankle and heel bone that should be kept in an open position at all time.

Pierre Dupont D.P.M. | Chiropodist | Foot Specialist says that although walking is a great form of exercise, this seemingly simple activity can be fraught with many hidden dangers. When your feet are out-of-alignment, every step may cause repetitive trauma throughout the body, including feet. These additive micro-traumatisms to foot, ankle, knee & hip joints are secondary to an abnormal force transfer; this can become a major problem with passage of time, significantly limiting activities due to increased degenerative arthritic changes induced in ailing joint structures.

It is vital to understand that the excessive displacement of the talus will not self-correct and will progressively get worse over time. It will also lead to pain and damage to weak areas of the foot and lower limb. The most common and conservative form of treatment to keep feet in proper alignment consist in the fabrication of custom-made, podiatric, external orthotic devices meant to be worn in good supportive, stiff-soled laced shoes.

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