http://decisionpublications.com/nvcnews2

Balance and Postural Control Adversely Affected When Feet Fail to Function Properly Print E-mail
Written by Dr. ARTHUR FASS   
    The foot is a wonderous mechanism of balance and support.  It has a spring like action which absorbs impact shock from the ground and provides balance from uneven surfaces and becomes rigid to help push the body forward.  When the foot fails to function properly, the balance and control of forward motion is adversely affected. 

    The nerve endings on the bottom of the feet help in proprioception.  The specialized nerve cells in the sole of the foot sends information to the brain and signals are sent to the motor part of the brain to fire muscles to control forward movement.  If there is numbness and a loss of nerve function such as in uncontrolled diabetes, there is a loss of postural control.  Other conditions such as excessive use of alcohol or things like chemotherapy treatment can cause a loss in sensitivity of nerve ending of the soles.  Some patients should avoid shoes with an excessively thick sole to have the nerve endings as close to the ground as possible. Tight control of diabetes helps to prevent neuropathy.   

    The aging process causes decrease in muscle strength and flexibility which also affects balance.  Muscle strengthening exercises and stretching exercises are need to counteract these changes. 

    The arch of the foot tends to lower and leads to excessive pronation of the foot with aging.  This causes a rolling in motion of the ankle causing gait instability.  Painful syndromes often ocurr such as heel pain, ankle pain and arch pain along with bunions and hammertoes.  The patient often requires custom orthoses to restore the natural raising of the arch in gait and improve balance as well as relieve painful symptoms. 

If there is some paralysis of the lower extremity, especially after a stroke, there is loss of  muscle strength and function which can lead to a drop foot.  An ankle foot orthoses or AFO is needed to support the entire foot and leg to allow for balanced ambulation. 

    Diabetic patients are entitled under medicare to receive extra depth shoes and custom insoles.  The shoes provide support and balance and the insoles prevent ulcer sores from developing. 

    Good shoes are generally needed to improve balance and support.  They should be flexible, relatively light weight, with wide toe boxes and a good fit with supportive heel counter. 

    Sometimes foot surgery is needed to correct fixed deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.  The great toe and the lesser toes are very important for balance and support and they function only when they are straight and the toe pads make contact with the ground. 

   Dr. Fass can be reached at 818-701-5088
 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]