The Myth - Hallux Limitus
When you show Posture Control Insoles® to
a clinician totally immersed in traditional theories on foot
mechanics (Roots), their first reaction typically is: "This insole will cause Hallux Limitus."
Hallux limitus is defined as the dorsal phalanx colliding with the metatarsal
head.
Some people suffer from hallux limitus or hallux rigidus, but Posture Control
Insoles® are not likely to cause this condition.
As
demonstrated with the model to the left, in
the case of the hyperpronating foot, when placed in its weight bearing STJ
neutral position, the first ray elevates. This fact is beyond contention,
and can easily be verified by simply placing the foot in weight bearing STJ
neutral. (place pointer over picture)
Dr. Vladimir Janda demonstrated that an exercise akin to picking up a towel with
your feet but without curling your toes (Janda small-foot exercise) raises the
arch, and externally rotates the leg. Starting from a STJ neutral
position, this exercise brings the first metatarsal to the ground without
collapsing the arch or internally rotating the leg.
Posture
Control Insoles® place a small wedge (most commonly 3.5 or 6.0 mm) underneath
the first metatarsal and big toe. This wedge, which does not extend to the
second metatarsal, impacts the foot in two ways. 1] It causes a change in
the timing of ground contact by the first metatarsal, and 2] it limits the
maximum travel of the first metatarsal and big toe. It does not
appreciably change the angular relationship between the first
metatarsal and phalanx during the gait cycle. Place pointer over
image to observe.
Practical experience: Thousands of patients have worn Posture Control Insoles®
for several years, and we have yet to receive a single report of the insoles
causing pain in the joints of the first ray.
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