A new paradigm is needed in the realm of foot dysfunction. As stated earlier there is about one quarter of the population that is born with very low arches, aka "flat-footed". These people can be found in professional sports of all kind. Should these people be considered "defective?".
A better viewpoint is to look at them functionally. Do their feet function like others? Speaking from experience, sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Another paradigm shift needs to occur in orthopedic research. The vast majority of experts in gait analysis still divide it into: heel strike, stance position, toe off. Why is this flawed?
There are 2 major deveopments we need to consider when looking at gait and footwear. Only in the recent past of humans(in the history of humankind) have these 2 things occurred: 1. We developed cushioned heels on our shoes. 2. We developed flat paved roads and flat surfaces in all of our buildings. These 2 changes have made our feet lazy. How? We can be relatively certain that when we step forward, the road will be flat and our feet will be cushioned when they hit the ground. Thus, we land heel first.
Close your eyes and imagine you are on a path of large rocks that traverse a small river. The rocks are all different shape and slightly wet. Now imagine your first step onto these rocks. Will your heel hit first? Not likely. Your toes or the balls of your feet will. The forefoot is much more effective at sensing the surface and making the appropriate adjustments as you move. Look at the recent footage of Nik Wallenda crossing the Niagra Falls on a tightrope. He would certainly not get very far walking heel-toe, heel-toe.
To sum things up, if you have foot pain, knee pain, hip pain , or low back pain, it is worth your while to go see a health professional who is looking at your feet structurally, functionally, and with an open mind.
