MOST of us take our feet for granted, don't we? It's only when things start to go wrong that we notice them at all!

But if we stop to think how much they have to put up with every day, let alone all the extra insults we may throw at them through sport and unsuitable footwear, it's a wonder they don't let us down more often.

There is a complex relationship between the many bones and joints within our feet. This is essential to allow the foot to change shape as we walk since it must carry out two very different functions flexibility with shock absorption (at the point when the heel strikes the ground) alternating with rigidity (as we propel ourselves forward on the next phase of the stride).

The normal arched shape of the foot is essential to allow these changes to take place. But this arch can gradually diminish with age Flat Feet reducing this essential flexibility of the foot and leading to many painful problems. Some of these arise simply from the loss of flexibility whilst others result from the foot's increased length and abnormal shape (so that pairs of shoes may no longer fit both feet properly). Less expectedly as the arch flattens with each step the tibia (shin-bone) begins to repeatedly rotate, putting considerable strain on the structures inside the knee joint. This in turn can upset muscular co-ordination in the thigh, causing serious damage to the hip joint. Yet other disorders result from the effective shortening of the leg caused by the flattened foot. When one arch drops more than the other leg length is affected and tilting of the pelvis can occur, leading to a wide variety of problems caused by the compensatory spinal curvature which inevitably results.

A surprising range of common problems can arise from dysfunctions in the foot. Apart from the expected disorders like calluses, bunions, heel and ankle-pains, other painful conditions such as shin-splints, anterior knee-pain syndrome and arthritis of the hip may be seen and there is a clear association between dropped arches and low back pain, sciatica and neck/shoulder pain.

Of course once established some of these foot conditions will require the specialist expertise of a podiatrist or surgeon but many of the consequential problems referred to above will improve dramatically through simply restoring the normal foot shape in combination with gentle osteopathic treatment and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg!

For more information about the role of foot problems in painful disorders of the spine and legs contact Dr Barry Harker on 01628 477965.

January 23, 2003 12:00