PRACTITIONER VOICE
sprint to catch the bus , or just standing too long in the wrong shoes . Every time you walk , your foot endures forces up to 80 % of your body weight .( 41 ) That ’ s a lot of pressure , and if your feet aren ’ t functioning properly , it ’ s no wonder PHP can become such a persistent issue .
Flat feet complicate the situation further from a biomechanical perspective . Flat feet might sound like a cosmetic concern , but from a biomechanics perspective , they ’ re a major culprit in PHP . The plantar fascia plays a huge role in creating and maintaining your foot ’ s arches , essentially acting like a built-in suspension system .( 42 ) When those arches are compromised , so is the foot ’ s ability to perform its two primary functions during walking : absorbing shock as a flexible structure and propelling you forward like a rigid lever . Without proper arch support , your foot loses its elasticity , and the once well-oiled machine that is the windlass mechanism - the system responsible for storing and releasing energy as you walk - starts to break down .( 43 , 44 )
Let ’ s dig deeper . Flat feet aren ’ t just an aesthetic issue - they make it nearly impossible for your foot to pronate ( roll inward ) and supinate ( roll outward ) properly during the gait cycle . These movements are crucial for balancing the forces placed on your foot . When pronation and supination go haywire extra strain is placed on your plantar fascia - especially at its insertion point on the heel . So , instead of the plantar fascia serving as a shock absorber and spring , it becomes overloaded with stress . This constant , unchecked load might explain why PHP is such a chronic pain in the heel ( literally ).( 45-47 )
By addressing these biomechanical issues , you empower your plantar fascia to perform optimally , with the potential for a long-term solution to PHP . And that ’ s why biomechanics are so critical in treating PHP . It ’ s not just about alleviating pain - it ’ s about restoring the balance and function of the foot . Flat-footed patients need more than just pain management : they need to retrain their feet to create and maintain the arches that provide necessary support . This includes working on the plantar fascia ’ s tensile strength to ensure it functions optimally during every step . If your feet can ’ t handle the forces placed on them daily , your plantar fascia is going to continue its downward spiral . Addressing biomechanical issues is key to ensuring that your plantar fascia isn ’ t bearing more weight than it should -and that ’ s how you win the battle against PHP .
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