(i) Understanding the gait cycle, as it relates to the foot

Abstract

Abstract The gait cycle is outwardly something complex, which seems difficult to grasp. This really isn't the case and with a few relatively simple facts to understand it can be easily understood. The purpose of this article is to try and break this complex process into a series of comprehensible steps. The gait cycle is defined and its major components are then described. The key is understanding how the foot can be both a flexible and then a rigid structure in different parts of the gait cycle. This is a function of the subtalar and especially the midtarsal joints. We also look at how the plantar fascia plays a part too. Finally we look at how the cycle may be altered in various clinical scenarios. Which we hope will be of general use but especially to trainees taking final professional examinations.