The foot in push-off positions during gait, as related to neuropathy

Abstract

Gait patterns in chronic neuropathy are characterised by a diminished total foot inversion in stance and sway. Inversion is turning the sole of the foot inwards and eversion is turning it outwards. Multiple Sclerosis patients show increased activities of main foot invertor muscle m. tibialis anterior, however, throughout their step cycles. Methods to successfully reduce these abnormalities were recently published. Because of the importance of foot inversion for stability in normal gait we recalculated archived outcome data from measurements, performed in 4 out of 10 foot anatomical specimens. We had used this in vitro approach, instead of invasive in vivo procedures.