The way we walk

The gait cycle is used as a means of describing the rather complex process of walking.

The concept behind the gait cycle is that the heel, the middle of the foot and the front of the foot all act in turn to allow a smooth forward progression of the foot. This happens during the "Stance" phase of gait when the foot is in contact with the ground. The Stance phase accounts for 60% of the gait cycle.

As soon as the foot has completed this phase the foot and leg then "Swing" forwards off the ground, resulting in forward progression. The Swing phase accounts for the remaining 40% of the gait cycle. After the Swing phase is complete, the Stance phase begins again. The following pictures are used to describe pronation and supination:

The Stance phase is divided into four separate phases:

1. Heel strike to foot flat (supination)

When the foot contacts the ground, it is slightly supinated and then it moves in the direction of pronation

2. Foot flat through midstance (pronation)

As the foot is weighted it must absorb the shock and the inward rotation of the lower leg. Pronation unlocks the joints of the middle of the foot allowing them to cushion the shock.

3. Midstance through Heel off

The foot moves out of pronation and in the direction of supination.

4. Heel off to Toe off (supination)

Around the toe of the foot is slightly supinated and provides a rigid lever to lift and move the body.

The so-called: "Gait-Cycle"

The weight line

The area that experiences the most pressure is the called the "weight line" and this represents the distribution of the body weight over the foot throughout the gait cycle.

This means that the body weight over even a healthy foot runs through the inner edge of the heel bone, thus increasing the load of the inner part (medial) of the foot. During walking the vector of power moves forward, in a so-called "power channel". If the direction of the power vector differs from the normal, or "ideal", this can result in the onset of foot problems and disorders.