All,
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An article in the Daily Mail UK yesterday by Angela Brooks- doesn't appear on their website as yet, so I've copied part of it here.
"Tube in your heel that ends agony of flat feet:
A tiny metal tube implanted into the foot could help thousands of Britons with flat feet. The tube - or 'stent' - works by supporting the fallen foot arch, so relieving pain and helping ease many of the complaints associated with this problem.
As many as 18 million people in the UK have flat feet. [Spooner- UK population: 60,776,238 (July 2007 est.) so about 1/3 of the population- does this seem about right??] While the majority have no problems, some suffer not only very painful feet but a host of ligament, tendon and joint injuries, which in turn can affect the hips, back and neck.
This chain of events is driven by faulty foot mechanics. When we walk, the full weight from the body is carried from the heel through to the front of the foot, which works as a lever propelling the foot forward.
It is normal for the foot arch to relax downward slightly in this motion but for those with flat feet it totally collapses so the foot rolls inwards when it bears weight.
The continual collapsing of the arch- known as over-pronation - can damage surrounding soft tissue, stretching the foot ligaments and tendons designed to keep the foot stable.
[Spooner- this is where it caught my attention]
Over time, these stretched ligaments and tendons are pushed into the sinus tarsi - the small gap between the heel and ankle bone which contains fluid and works to support the arch.
When the sinus tarsi becomes closed in this way, the arch of the foot collapses even further, causing problems further up the body.
The first line of treatment is usually insoles to prop up the arch and stop the over-pronation. Insoles don't improve foot mechanics, however - they can also be worn only in flat, sensible shoes."
The article continues to discusses the use of stents wedged into the sinus tarsi and takes quotes from Stuart Metcalfe a podiatric surgeon from the UK who allegedly introduced the stent to the UK from America, I'll post a link to the full article when it appears on their websit, although I shall be away for a few days so if anyone else spots it- feel free.
So there you have it, "insoles don't improve foot mechanics."
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