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Can glycation caused by diabetes , or arthritis , reduce mid foot mobility and so inhibit the functioning of the windlass mechanism ?
Can functional hallux limitus be caused by lack of midfoot mobility in some cases ?

Any thoughts

Gerry

 

With regard to the above I have looked at a few sites advocating techniques for improving midfoot mobility but don't see much about techniques that might involve gently flexing the foot in the way that the windlass would , and so perhaps improving mobility in that way . Are these techniques that are used ?

 

I am not a fan of the short foot exercise since it may reduce plantar pressures under the toes during gait . However , the exercise does seem to provide some benefits .
I wonder if the benefits may actually be related to improved midfoot mobility , especially during toe off , rather than to increased intrinsic muscle strength .
The exercise involves repeatedly lifting the midfoot relative the the forefoot and hindfoot areas .

 

I'm not convinced running barefoot on concrete is a good idea , but the video linked to below shows a midfoot strike with the force attenuating effects of the initial windlass phase being clearly demonstrated . Prior to foot strike the toes are dorsiflexed and the arch of the foot is more pronounced than it would be at rest . Midfoot flexibility is required to achieve this .

Really good video of the initial windlass phase .

Also , that foot looks like a pretty robust structure compared to most .

Slow Motion Barefoot Running - YouTube


www.youtube.com/watch?v=EThWIGMA82Y
▶ 0:07
25 Sep 2009 - Uploaded by Peter LarsonHigh-speed video of running barefoot. Nice mid-foot ... 1:36. Haile Gebrselassie slowmotion - Duration: 1 ...