The Importance of Shock Absorption for Foot and Body Health
The body’s shock Absorption is a vital biological mechanism essential for protecting joints and bones from the stress and damage caused by daily movement. The foot is one of the primary elements in performing this function, playing an important role in distributing forces and reducing the impact of shocks on the body. In this article, we will explore the concept of shock absorption and its importance, focusing on the role of foot arches, and how shoes and insoles contribute to enhancing this vital function.
When we talk about our arches, we're most often referring to the medial longitudinal arch. Spanning the heel to ball of foot, its main function is to distribute body weight and absorb shock.
Foot Absorption and the Role of Arches on Foot
The foot’s absorption of shock is a natural process, relying on its complex anatomical structures. Foot arches are among the most important of these structures. They act as natural springs that compress and expand with each step, helping to distribute impact forces with the ground and reduce their direct effect on the body.
These arches contribute to maintaining the foot’s flexibility and its ability to adapt to different surfaces. Surrounding ligaments and muscles play a supportive role in effectively maintaining the shape and function of these arches, ensuring optimal pressure distribution and reducing stress on the joints. Failure of this natural mechanism can lead to a series of health problems related to the musculoskeletal system.
Which Foot Arch Plays the Most Significant Role in Shock Absorption?
All major arches contribute, but to varying degrees. These primary arches of the foot include the following:
- The medial longitudinal arch, which is the long inner arch, is considered the main player in shock absorption and providing structural support.
- The lateral longitudinal arch, which is the long outer arch, contributes to support and balanced weight distribution during movement.
- The transverse arch, which extends across the forefoot, helps distribute pressure on the metatarsals and protect nerves and blood vessels.
Collapsed Arch
Those who have collapsed arches are very likely to overpronate. Collapsed medial arches can lead to poor foot function. Instability or poor shock absorption can result, causing pain and increasing susceptibility to injury. These problems can be alleviated with the proper arch support of dynamic FootBalance custom insoles.
Which Arch is a Shock Absorber
The medial longitudinal arch is often referred to as the primary shock absorber. This is due to its size, flexibility, and ability to compress effectively when the foot contacts the ground during the walking or running cycle.
When the muscles and ligaments supporting this arch weaken, or when it is flat due to genetic or acquired factors, the foot’s ability to absorb shock decreases. This can transfer more impact forces to higher joints like the ankle and knee, thereby increasing the importance of intervention to support and protect it. Understanding this dynamic helps in appreciating the importance of maintaining the health of this arch.
Low Arch
Low medial arches can lead to excessive foot motion, instability or poor shock absorption FootBalance Custom Insoles can help by properly supporting, while dynamically activating, the arches to help prevent them from falling further.
The Importance of Shock Absorption Shoes
Given the crucial role of shock absorption, the use of shock absorption shoes has become common, especially for athletes and those who spend long periods standing or walking on hard surfaces. These shoes typically feature the following:
- A midsole made of specialized materials capable of effectively absorbing and dissipating impact forces.
- Adequate arch support, helping the foot to perform its natural function more efficiently.
- A design that provides stability and reduces unwanted foot movements to protect joints from stress.
Normal Arch
A normal arch type is generally good at absorbing shock but there can still be a likelihood of overpronation particularly if your arch types differ from right to left foot. FootBalance Custom Insoles are individually moulded to each foot helping maintain healthy arches and support whether you have a neutral foot type or not.
What are Shock Absorbing Insoles and Their Benefits
In addition to shoes, other options exist to enhance shock absorption. Among these options are insoles that provide good arch support and contribute to improving the absorption function, compared to regular insoles.
These are specialized inserts or footbeds placed inside the shoe to provide an extra layer of cushioning and support for the foot, which helps reduce the impact of shocks during movement.
Running shock absorbing insoles can be particularly beneficial for runners to reduce repetitive stress on joints from constant impact with the ground. These insoles are usually made from materials like gel or memory foam and can help in the following ways:
- They provide additional cushioning for shock absorption, especially in the heel and forefoot during movement and weight-bearing.
- They improve pressure distribution on the sole of the foot more evenly and reduce excessive pressure points.
- They increase comfort inside the shoe and reduce friction that causes painful blisters and superficial wounds.
- Certain types offer some arch support, enhancing the foot’s natural function and reducing stress.
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High Arch
A foot with a high arch is often too rigid/inflexible which increase supination during walking and running. This results in poor shock absorption, much of which is then transmitted up the kinetic chain into the leg, hip and back. FootBalance Custom Insoles are dynamic (they flex) while offering superior cushioning, improved shock absorption and a deep heel cup, all of which aid your foot in pronating normally.
Conclusion
The foot’s ability to absorb shocks is a fundamental function for musculoskeletal health. This function can be enhanced by understanding the role of the arches, choosing appropriate shoes and insoles, and consistently focusing on strengthening the foot’s supporting muscles and avoiding excessive stress.
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FAQs
How do I know if my foot arches are performing their shock absorption function well?
If you do not experience recurrent pain in your feet, ankles, or knees after normal activities, and you have not noticed excessive wear on your shoes, your arches are likely functioning well. However, consult a specialist if you feel persistent fatigue or pain for an accurate assessment.
Does wearing shock absorbing insoles eliminate the need to buy good shoes?
Insoles significantly improve the comfort and shock absorption capacity of shoes, but they do not compensate for a poorly designed shoe or one that is unsuitable for your foot type and activity. The insole is just one part; it is best to first choose a shoe that provides adequate support and structure, then enhance it with an insole if necessary.