Foot motion

The movements take place at the joints. These joints are capable of motion in two directions: plantar flexion or dorsiflexion. In addition, the joints permit abduction and adduction of the toes.

The phases of stepping

1. Heel contact:supination

When the foot contacts the ground, it is slightly supinated , and then it moves in the direction of pronation. Sligthly supinated locked joint

2. Bearing weight: pronation

As the foot is weighted it must absorb shock and inward rotation of lower leg. Pronation unlocks the joints of the midfoot allowing them to cushion the shock

3. Bearing weight: neutral position

Now the foot should move out of pronation in the direction of supination.

4. Pushing off: supination

At toe off the foot is sligthly supinated and provides a rigid lever to lift and move the body. The talus and calcaneus are in a locked position

The weight line

The most pressed area is the so-called weight line representing the weight of the body. Thus the body weight of even a healthy, sound foot runs through the inner edge of the heel bone, thus increasing the load of the inner part (medial) of the foot. During walking the vector of power moves forward in a so called "power chanel". If the direction of the power vector divers from the norm it results in deformity and foot problems.