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Foot BasicsFoot AnatomyFoot StructureFoot FunctionPronation and SupinationFoot Basics Summary Foot ShapeStructural DevelopmentFoot Shape VariationsDegrees of VariationFoot Shape Assessment Foot FunctionWhen the Feet Meet the GroundThe Foot in MotionHyper-PronationHyper-SupinationThe Three Foot Shapes
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Degrees of Variation
Differences in the degree of torsional untwisting allow us to categorise foot shape variations as follows:
Failure to torsionally untwist (0.1% of the population)
Sometimes the calcaneus and/or talus fail to unwind at all, or manage only a very small degree of torsional untwisting. The result is variations such as congenital Club Foot. This is the rarest form of foot shape abnormality, present in around 1 in 1000 live births.
Luckily, such severe footshape variations are obvious at birth, and there are a series of well-defined re-alignment programmes (both non-invasive and surgical) to help correct foot alignment. It is not possible to walk without correction of this severe foot shape variation.
Variable degrees of torsional untwisting (70% of the population)
This is the most common type of foot shape variation and occurs in around 70% of the population, to a greater or lesser degree. In this case, there remains a degree of insufficent or excessive untwisting in the calcaneus and/or talus of one or both feet. Degrees of variation (and prevalence)can be sub-divided as follows:
- Mild (most common)
- Moderate (moderately common)
- Severe (less common)
Unfortunately at present, these less severe foot shape variations commonly go un-noticed.
In young babies and small children, such variations are masked by the fat pad present along the sole of the foot. After the age of about 4, however, once the fat pad disappears and the bones of the foot have matured and hardened (ossified), it is easy (with a well-trained eye) to identify these foot shape variations.
Regardless of the ease with which these foot shape variations can be identified, our traditional beliefs in the stability of the foot and our pre-occupation with managing and treating symptoms without a desire to find the cause, has meant that we have been ignorant of the role that foot shape variations play in our health and well-being.
As a result, although many people suffer from the symptoms that develop in the rest of the body as a result of a footshape variation, most are unaware that their footshape is the most probable cause.
Ideal degree of torsional untwisting (29.9% of the population)
The calcaneus and talus have torsionally untwisted to their ideal position, and the feet are considered to be normally aligned.
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