New images from the case study demonstrating increase in arch height.
|For those who had read my initial post on the 2 year long example of what can happen to the arch by strengthening it, here are some additional images that show a side view of the foot. Many had commented that it would be beneficial to see the arch from the side. We were able to go back and find a side view (and many other angles) of the photos that were taken that day as well as have the subject take new images in the same position. PLEASE DO NOTE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IN THESE PHOTOS WAS INSTRUCTED TO BEAR FULL WEIGHT TO THE FOOT AND ALLOW THE ARCH TO REST IN A RELAXED POSITION. I have now included these images in the original post and they are also shown below. If you have not read this post, you can view it here –
I also have obtained radiographs from this subject and will be posting them shortly. They also demonstrate some incredible findings. Again, this is anecdotal and hopefully we will soon be able to reproduce with scientifically by randomizing and controlling subjects. There are many variables involved that make this difficult.
Side View
A side view of the foot demonstrates a mild increase in the height of the medial longitudinal arch. It is not possible for me to measure the hight change as the images were not taken from a set distance but one can see the increase in curvature of the arch.
To demonstrate the change, this color fill was added to show the increased curvature or height of the medial longitudinal arch.
Very cool thanks for sharing
Perhaps some goniometer measurements of the radiographs?
Yes. I have those with definite changes in the calcaneocuboid angle and there is uncovering noted in the TN joint.
The thing I find puzzling is…I went to a podiatrist and she wanted to put me on orthotics because I have a very high arch and that would solved my shin splints/strss fracture issues.
I tried the orthotics for a month or so and just found them awkward to run in even after a careful easing back into running and that I felt new pain in my knees, anyway I tossed them, still having some issues with shin splints though.
http://i57.tinypic.com/2wn2vpv.jpg
Ummm, Can’t help but notice the 1st MPJ appears substantially bigger in 2014…
In both pictures you can see the posterior tibial muscle is contracting just behind the ankle bone (medial maleolus). The feet are not relaxed.
Dr Nick,
You may have instructed the patient to relax, but there is clear firing of Tibialis Anterior in your 2014 picture. It is not even subtle.
Should we also comment on the different positions the photos were taken from?
Thank you for sharing your findings Dr. Nick!
I’ve had Plantar Fasciitis in both feet and I couldn’t seem to find any relief from the pain. I took 5 shockwave therapies till now and have been stretching exercising and putting night split, ice rolling, shoes. And I couldn’t even walk without pain. I’ve been using MEDICOVI Twin-heels orthopedic insoles. There’s extensive information for patients on their page – http://www.medicovi.com It’s a new type of orthopedic from Scandinavia, Denmark. I’ve been using theese for months now and I’ve just bought my second pair. I’ve always suffered from pain in my feet, especially around the heels. Since owning these my life has literally changed. I can now walk with a smile on face. Can’t recommend them highly enough.
Dr Nick
If a medial arch support is present in a shoe then ,during midstance, is there an increase in the compressive forces acting on the intrinsic musculature of the medial aspect of the foot ?
Kind regards
Gerry
I would presume the force against the abductor hallucis would increase but probably not a relevant issue. The idea is that the force against the arch medial will decrease the activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.
Hi Nick,
Thanks for getting back to me . Although I am not an expert in foot anatomy or physiology I do have a keen interest in the area .
I wondered whether as well as increasing the force on and within the intrinsic musculature of the medial aspect of the foot a medial arch support might also increase the pressures acing on the vessels of the plantar venous plexus in this area ? Also ,with regard to venous return ,might a medial arch support be used to advantage in instances where the intrinsic foot muscles have become atrophied and muscle tissue has been replaced by fatty infiltrate ?
Kind regards
Gerry
I have to admit, you’re findings came as a complete shock to me! I would’ve thought a minimalist shoe would’ve had the opposite effect on the arch. Whats your position on running with insole orthotics?