The Role of Foot Biomechanics in Lower Extremity Pathologies

Lower extremity pathologies caused by abnormal biomechanics of the subtalar joint are commonly seen in the health care setting. Certain foot types will predispose an individual to excessive amounts of subtalar joint pronation or supination during gait. Subtalar joint movement is transmitted proximally to the lower extremity during gait and excessive amounts of pronation or supination can lead to altered biomechanics in the lower extremity with development of various lower extremity injuries. The purpose of this study is to analyze the biomechanical events of the subtalar joint of the foot during gait in order to show how abnormalities in these events can be responsible for lower extremity injuries. This information will enable clinicians to conduct a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of the cause of lower extremity injuries. By assessing the cause of lower extremity injury, a rapid recovery can be anticipated and recurrence of the injury can be prevented