Your foot and ankle are a complicated combination of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If they all work smoothly together, you can stand, walk, and run without problems. Anytime there is a deviation in any moving or supportive part, the biomechanics of your foot and ankle can be affected, causing pain or mobility issues.
At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center, with four locations in the Denver area (Golden, Wheat Ridge, Granby, and Evergreen), our foot specialists, Dr. Matthew Paden, Dr. Brett D. Sachs, and Dr. Dustin Kruse can analyze your biomechanics and determine the best treatment for any foot problems.
The two lower leg bones (known as the tibia and fibula) rest on the lower part of the ankle joint, a bone known as the talus. The talus is shaped roughly like a saddle, with a rounded center and indented sides, so the larger leg bones fit neatly down on either side. Under the talus is the calcaneus (heel bone), which completes the subtalar joint, allowing your foot to move from side to side.
The rest of your foot starts with the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones, which provide structure for the midfoot, arch, and ball of your foot. At the end of this is the forefoot, made up of the metatarsal and toe bones to stabilize your entire body, absorb shock, provide grip and allow you to propel yourself forward while remaining balanced.
Around the entire bone structures of your feet and ankles are ligaments and tendons that hold everything together and provide strength and flexibility. Your muscles are connected to the bones, and your skin seals everything up neatly while blood vessels and nerves reach down from the spine and legs to provide circulation and sensation.
A normal stride has four phases.
If there is pain, hesitation, instability or loss of balance, or noises like clicking or crunching, your biomechanics are likely off in some way. Weak muscles, tendons, or ligaments can cause the foot overpronate (roll inward) or oversupinate (roll outward, pushing bones out of alignment and putting undue pressure where it doesn't belong.
Bad biomechanics can lead to many foot or ankle problems like
Bad foot and ankle biomechanics can also cause problems in your legs, knee and hip joints, and even your spine and neck because your entire body depends on stability from the feet up to avoid strain.
If you are experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness in your feet or ankles, prompt action is needed. Our doctors will work with you to identify poor biomechanics and help correct them with orthotics, surgery, or other treatments to get you back on the path to health and mobility. Call us at (303) 423-2520, or request an appointment online today.
