Biomechanical gait studies and corrections with insoles

Mechanics is applied in many different sectors such as aeronautics, automotive, industry, and also in medicine, where it is known as biomechanics. We can therefore say that biomechanics is the scientific discipline that studies the mechanical structures of the human body and is supported by other sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and mechanics. The human body is a complex structure in which we find muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and various structures with individual biomechanical behavior and, at the same time, interconnected to interact together as part of a system or apparatus, such as the locomotor system responsible for human body movement. Therefore, by understanding and analyzing the biomechanics of our body—when walking, running, practicing sports, or maintaining posture at work—we can determine the origin of anomalies that may cause variations in the mechanical structures of our body, altering their correct functioning and thus avoiding the risk of injuries.

Gait analysis

The locomotor system, responsible for body movement, is made up of the skeletal and muscular systems. The skeletal system is formed by the set of bones, cartilages, and ligaments that make up the skeleton. The muscular system is made up of all the muscles in the body, which, when joined to the bones and through their contraction, produce movement. The nervous system is responsible for the coordination and stimulation of the musculature that produces human movement. These structures and joints interact to form a network that keeps the body in balance. This network that makes up our body is supported by our feet, which is why we must give them special importance and take good care of them, as they are our base of support. The feet are not an isolated structure of our body, but are interconnected with it through the bone structures and muscular chains of which they are part. While walking, during gait or running, all the joints are involved in carrying out movement. In gait analysis, the movements of each person are assessed and compared with ranges of motion considered normal, and it is here that, by observing the differences from normality, the incorrect movement can be corrected and modified to avoid future skeletal or muscular alterations or injuries that may lead to significant pathologies if not corrected in time.

Postural assessment

From the beginning of crawling in childhood to old age, the body is conditioned by the mechanical and biological laws of bone growth. In general terms, the body structures subjected to greater stress, load, tension or bending deform to adapt to this excess stimulus, thus shaping our skeleton during the different stages of growth and consolidating in adulthood. Many factors influence this configuration: the duration of crawling, the age at which we start walking, the type of physical activity, the work we do, whether we practice sport or not, etc. A too short or excessively long duration of these processes during growth may cause anatomical anomalies or deformities that become consolidated in adulthood. Early detection of these anomalies will allow for the establishment of an action plan to prevent the future onset of irreversible pathologies and injuries.

Improvement of movement patterns

The study of postural attitude in various situations—sporting, work-related, or daily life—makes it possible to observe incorrect movements and postural habits that can alter anatomical structures, producing pain or injuries. The application of biomechanics to podiatry allows the study of the most suitable movement patterns in each situation, avoiding pressure points, overloads, stress, etc. In short, it prevents the appearance of injuries and improves movement efficiency, ensuring optimal performance in any human body movement, whether professional or athletic.

Podiatry – insoles

The foot guarantees perfect balance of the body, both in movement and at rest. Each part of the foot performs a specific movement determined by how the foot makes contact with the ground; it also absorbs vibrations produced at each step, preventing possible repercussions on upper joints such as the back, hips and knees. The synchrony of bones, nerves, tendons and muscles around this structure is what allows us to move. The lower limb, in addition to ensuring bipedal posture, acts as a shock absorber, absorbing impact with the ground and propelling the body forward again. This makes the functions of the locomotor system a “thermometer” where imbalances in any part of the motor chain are reflected. Any attention we can give to them is not enough, since due to their great adaptability, feet suffer silently and their possible conditions only become apparent once they are already advanced. We must maintain a preventive policy and visit the podiatrist once a year. Any callus, discomfort or irregular shoe wear may be the first warning sign. Many foot disorders become chronic if we do not act in time. 80% of the population suffers some foot problem during their lifetime.

Foot hygiene

Due to their unique characteristics, they require special care:

• Washing: They should be washed daily with soap to prevent the spread of disease.
• Drying: Feet should be dried by patting and not rubbing, which can damage the skin; do not neglect the interdigital spaces, where moisture favors fungi and warts.
• Moisturizing: Feet enclosed all day in shoes dry out; after washing, it is important to moisturize the sole and heel properly, where the skin can crack.
• Nails: Nails should be cut straight and not obliquely when they are flat, otherwise lesions may occur in surrounding tissues. In case of tile-shaped nails, it is better to visit a podiatrist. Nail length should be the same as the toe.
• Fungi and warts: In humid places such as sports facility showers, swimming pools, spas and beach showers, rubber sandals should be worn to avoid contagion.
• Injuries: For any lesion or discomfort in the foot such as a callus, corn or bunion, a podiatrist should be consulted. In addition to having the material and knowledge to treat it, they can identify the underlying cause and act accordingly.

Footwear

Shoes should be allies that protect and support the feet.
Everyday shoes should be:

• Wide: wide enough to adapt to the shape of the foot, hold without squeezing and allow toe mobility inside.
• Sole: the sole of the foot must be insulated from the ground while maintaining sensitivity. Very thick soles prevent awareness of the surface and very rigid soles reduce mobility.
• Support: the foot should be supported at the back with a heel counter and fastened at the instep without damaging any joint.
• Height: the heel should be between 2 and 4 cm to facilitate the push-off phase. Above 4 cm, the center of gravity shifts to the forefoot and the toes must bear the body’s weight.
• Materials: natural materials that allow proper perspiration and do not cause allergies; internal seams should not rub the foot.

Tips

• Buy new shoes at the end of the day, when the foot is more dilated.
• Avoid regular use of stiff boots, high-heeled shoes, flat shoes or slippers.
• Shoes should be personal and not shared.
• Changing shoes regularly throughout the day helps prevent overloading certain parts of the foot anatomy.