Complexities of foot architecture as a base of support.
The human foot is a unique structure in the animal kingdom, as it is capable of supporting sustained bipedal gait. The foot facilitates upright walking in several ways: 1) load bearing, 2) leverage, 3) shock absorption, 4) balance, and 5) protection. In this article, we discuss the specialized architecture that enables the foot to accomplish these functions.
Saltzman
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Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Nawoczenski
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D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016474:Weight-Bearing