From Senior Podiatrist & Podiatry Founding Partner, Aleks Baruksopulo
As a podiatrist, I often explain to patients that the feet are the foundation of the entire kinetic chain, which is essentially the interconnected system of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to facilitate movement.
The kinetic chain includes everything from your feet up through your ankles, knees, hips, and even your spine. Because the feet are the first point of contact with the ground, they play a crucial role in how forces are distributed throughout this chain.
When you walk, run, or jump, your feet absorb the initial impact and help to distribute it evenly. If there’s any misalignment or dysfunction in your feet, it can lead to improper force distribution, which can then cause stress and strain further up the chain.
For example, if your feet overpronate (roll inward excessively), it can lead to malalignment in your ankles, which in turn affects your knees, hips, and even your lower back.
By examining the way your feet move and function, we can identify and address potential issues before they lead to more serious problems. Proper foot mechanics ensure that the entire kinetic chain functions harmoniously, reducing the risk of injuries not just in the feet but also in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
For more information or to have your feet and gait assessed please book into see one of our Podiatrists. We would love to help you!