Biomechanics- gait cycle

Question 1

Cause and impact of incorrect gait cycle

Answer 1

Failure of the foot to achieve its two functions at the correct time in the cycle, causes abnormal loading to enter the close chain foot mechanics
Therefore the foot joints move through abnormal ranges of movement which causes:

• inflammatory irritation of the osseous structures/joints
• impacts on soft tissues due to abnormal loading- some muscles become fibrotic with poor quality tissue due to overuse
• causes rotary stresses up the limbs into hip, pelvis, spinal column

Question 2

Impact of long term abnormal loading

Answer 2

Functional adaptation occurs in the osseous and soft tissues

Question 3

Common abnormalities/compensations

Answer 3

Equinous condition
Forefoot supinatus
Everted/inverted calcaneus
Elevated first MT
Functional hallux limitus vs rigidus

Question 4

Equinous condition

Answer 4

The inability of the talocrural joint to dorsiflex to 10 degrees, with the subtalar joint in neutral and the knee fully extended

Question 5

Impact of Equinous condition

Answer 5

Compensations must occur to facilitate the movement restriction at other foot joints
Occurs at the mid tarsal joints, if insufficient then occurs at the subtalar joints and unlocks the foot (pronation)

Question 6

Fully compensated equinous condition presentation

Answer 6

Severe abnormal pronation- flat footed
Prominent navicular
Collpased medial longitudinal arch
Everted heel calcaneus
Abducted feet
Foot hypermobility
Apropulsive gait 
Postural adaptations
Callus on base of great toe

Question 7

Uncompensated equinous condition presentation

Answer 7

No heel strike
Mid tarsal hypermobility
Rearfoot adopts varus position
Unstable gait
Callus formation on heel and forefoot
High arch

Question 8

Forefoot varus/supinatus

Answer 8

Fixed osseous deformity where plantar aspect of forefoot is inverted relative to the plantar aspect of the heel

Question 9

Clinical presentation of forefoot varus/supinatus

Answer 9

Severity depends on severity of compensations

Question 10

Functional hallux limitus

Answer 10

Lack of great toe extension, causes insufficient heel lift
So big toe can abduct to compensate
Can lead to hip compensation (tensor fascia latae) to get swing phase