Abstract
To study the role of the feet as part of the stabilization system in posture and in the pathogenesis of myofascial trigger point chains. Methods: Patients attending the Centre of Complex Care in Dobrichovice suffering from painful disorders of the locomotor system were assessed for clinically relevant foot dysfunction.
In addition to local abnormalities of the foot including movement restriction, trigger points, and disorders of sensitivity, standing posture and gait were examined, together with identification of trigger points in the muscles of the neck, trunk, and lower limbs. A Zebris FDM platform was used in three cases for objective measurement of foot pressures standing and during gait.
Clinical examination including assessment of pain took place, including posture, gait, myofascial trigger points, and movement restriction after treatment. Treatment was carried out to improve the function of the deep stabilizing system in particular of the feet with exercises including a home program.
Results: In 11 months 450 patients were examined, and 51 patients were found to have clinically relevant foot dysfunction. Twenty-two of these patients suffered from low back pain, but other areas of the motor system were represented including head pain, the lower limbs, knees, and feet, and some patients had multiple areas of pain.
After treatment, follow-up examination at 1-2 months showed that 13 (25.5%) were relieved of their pain, 23 (45.1%) were improved, 8 (15.7%) showed no change, and 7 were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Our results provide preliminary evidence in favour of the hypothesis that dysfunction of the deep stabilization system of muscles may include the feet