Our rear foot plays a vital role in proper foot function & gait. To understand how, we need to think in terms of a strong, locked, stable foot vs an unlocked and unstable foot.
When the heels are inverted (towards one another) we are in a strong, rigid position meaning we can strike the ground and push off with a stable foundation when walking.
When the heels are everted (away from one another) we are in an unlocked, unstable position. This may sound negative but unlocking the foot is essential to enable us to absorb impact forces from the ground.
In simple terms, during the gait cycle we should:
Strike the ground with a locked, stable foot (inversion)
Unlock the foot to absorb the impact forces (eversion)
Lock the foot to push off from a strong, rigid lever (inversion)
When inversion and eversion movements are compromised we may encounter problems.
Weak "flat" feet may struggle to invert and lock, which could create a weak, wobbly foundation and could compromise balance and increase risk of falls.
Strong, rigid feet may struggle to evert and unlock, which could mean impact forces are not properly absorbed, resulting in injury / shin splints
This is why STRENGTHENING, MOBILISING *AND* RELEASING the feet is so important for proper foot function
BONUS INFO.... Guess what often inhibits proper mobility of the rear foot and leads to compromised function? . . . . . . . . . SHOES!!!!!
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