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| How do you walk? |
Your heel swings from side to
side as your foot moves. When the heel swings correctly,
your foot can flatten and regain its arch as you walk.
But if your heel swings too much, your foot may flatten
more than it should. Over time, such excess movement
may cause foot problems.
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 When
the heel hits the ground, its outer edge
touches first. Soft tissues (muscles, tendons
and ligaments) relax. Your foot is able to flatten,
adapt to uneven surfaces, and absorb the shock
of touchdown.
During midstance, your heel is
below the anklebone, and the front and
back of your foot are aligned. Your foot easily
bears your weight.
As the heel lifts, it swings slightly
to the inside. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments
tighten. Your foot regains its arch, allowing
your toes to push your weight off the ground.
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| Too Much Movement Causes
Strain! |
When your foot flattens too much
(overpronation), some bones are forced to support too
much weight. The muscles pull harder on these areas,
making it more difficult for tendons and ligaments to
hold bones and joints in place. Over time, you may develop
swelling or pain on the bottom of your foot or near
the heel. Or a bony bump (bunion) may form at your toe
joint.
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 When
your foot flattens too much, the ankle
and heel do not align during midstance. The foot
strains under your body's weight.
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