Vol. 4, 2018rthopedicN O T E S

The concept of the “closed Kinetic Chain” describes the important interrelation of the feet and lower extremities to the pelvis and spine. Altered foot function and structural imbalance can result in significant changes to gait and posture. These changes will inevitably impact the pelvis and spine, resulting in chronic spinal complaints and poor response to Chiropractic care. An understanding of the gait cycle and an awareness of the pronation movements of the feet will help every doctor of Chiropractic provide effective, quality patient care.

The gait cycle is divided onto the stance phase and swing phase. The stance phase (62% of the gait cycle) describes what happens to foot mechanics during weightbearing. The swing phase is the non-weightbearing part of the cycle (38%). As Chiropractors, we are concerned most with the stance phase which can be divided into 3 periods:

1. Heel strike

2. Mid-stance

3. Toe-off

The Biomechanics of the Gait CycleIts Effect on the Chiropractic Patient

PATENTED GAIT CYCLE SYSTEM — US PATENT NUMBER 6,510,626

FootLevelers.com | F L V | 800.553.4860

Pronation during contact helps to absorb shock and compensate for walking surface irregularities. Supination then stiffens the foot for spring-off from midstance into propulsion.

SubtalarJoint Motion

LegMotion Internal rotation of leg External rotation of leg

Pronation Supination

33% of stance phase40% of stance phase27% of stance phase

FootLevelers.com | F L V 800.553.4860

rthopedicN O T E S

© 2018 Foot Levelers, Inc. M10201-0418

Problems arise when the patient pronates excessively (hyperpronation) or supinates excessively. Biomechanical problems due to hyperpronation are by far the most common you will see in your practice.

Excessive Pronation – Symptoms

• Flat feet• Arch pain• Bunions• Neuromas• Heel spurs• Medial rotation of patella – knee pain• Anterior pelvic tilt – lower back symptoms

(adjustments are not holding)• Heel of shoe wears of on lateral side• Functional scoliosis• Flared foot – walks with toes out

– A runner with a size 10 shoe and 25 degrees of foot flare runs and extra 31.3 yards per mile due to the foot flare aspect of pronation. When the biomechanical fault is corrected, performance will improve!

• Achilles tendon bowed inward – tendinitis

Hyperpronation is a collapse of the inside (medial) structure of the foot resulting in an outward (lateral) rotation of the foot’s longitudinal axis.

This rotation to the Valgus Position causes a lateral shift in the point of impact on the patient’s heel.

Support and control from a medial heel wedge is indicated to decrease the excessive tilt of the calcaneus (heel bone). Exercises to increase anterior tibialis, psoas, and abductor muscle strength will aid in the return of the foot to proper balance.

Chiropractic adjustments to correct pelvic and spinal subluxations and conscious effort by the patient to correct the gait also prove beneficial.

Foot Levelers Stabilizing Orthotics with the patented Gait Cycle System® should be a part of every treatment protocol. The Gait Cycle System helps provide a balanced foundation and support through all phases of gait.

TREATMENT

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT:

Celliant®Helps stimulate blood flow and improve performance

SilverHelps control odor and bacteria.

Cambrelle®Helps remove moisture 4x faster than cotton.

Designed for Everyday Activities

• Celliant® to help stimulate blood flow and improve performance

• Cambrelle® to help remove moisture 4x faster

• Silver to help control odor and bacteria

• Includes DRS-X™ and the Gait Cycle System® for extra shock absorption

• Top cover provides better grip during athletic activity