The Foot

The foot is an integral part of the body effecting the whole structure and alignment. When the foot is neglected and not surrounded by the correct support problems such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis can occur. Andy Blair, is one of only eight certified pedorthists in the UK having recently completed an intensive training course at the University of Philadelphia, USA.

Through the next few months Andy will share his foot knowledge in this column, giving you some of his top tips along the way.

The foot has a complex construction with 28 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles, which is designed to literally hold up your body. Initially the foot was created as a mobile adaptor to walk across uneven surfaces. However with modernisation came flat surfaces such as roads and pavements, even our footwear has a flat hard surface underneath the initial soft insole, causing the foot to be compressed.

When feet adapt to flat surfaces they tend to get longer, widen and fall inwardly, a movement known as pronation. Feet naturally pronate to a degree, allowing them to adapt to uneven surfaces however it is when over pronation occurs that a problem can arise.  
 
Providing the foot with support and structure helps to combat this. Superfeet insoles were specifically designed to combat this problem and put a foundation under your feet, introducing shape and control of the heel bone (not the arch) which in turn helps to stabilise the foot.

Superfeet recognises that 80% of the population over-pronate and in a recent study 62% of people complained of having foot pain all of the time. Superfeet insoles assist in slowing and preventing excessive pronation whilst still allowing the foot to pronate, as it should naturally within a manageable degree.  The insoles help to realign the body, reducing over-pronation and decreasing the amount of stress placed on feet, ankles, knees, hips, lower and upper back which causes pain and discomfort. 

The Superfeet range of advanced insoles offer an integrated approach to foot comfort with every product designed to allow the foot to function as nature intended with 100% comfort through 100% of the stride.

To get the best fitting Superfeet you can visit Custom Fit stores where technical trained staff will be able to assess your indiviual feet and suggest the best Superfeet insoles. To find out where your nearest Custom Fit store is please visit www.anatom.co.uk or call 0131 221 2200