Why do we use shoes?

20/05/2012 | panyno.com

children foot

The human foot is a complex operating structure whose physical and mechanical properties are the result of extensive specialization of progress and adaptation to the mechanical properties of soil in which humankind has walked during its evolution and cultural expansion.

The need to protect feet from environmental, mechanical and thermal, the aggressiveness of urban pavements and habits imposed by society makes us absolutely dependent footwear. This need walking shoes causes a decrease of direct stimuli from the natural terrain. For this reason, the physical and mechanical properties of the foot have been changing, so for example, the formidable pad beneath the heel bone and the thick epidermis covering the sole of the foot have been losing consistency, as far as the man walks less and almost never do so barefoot.

 
FOOT AND SOME OF ITS FUNCTIONS.

Body Touch: a source of sensory stimuli. In the early stages of development allows children to explore their environment and take the necessary information to maintain balance during locomotion, development and evolution of its activities.

Support structure: the foot bears the burden of the body and maintains balance. Thus the morphological and physiological support the gait cycle and help balance the body.

Directly involved in the gait cycle: both feet are cyclically alternating load bearing body. The ability to maintain balance on one foot while the mass is kept in motion is due to the characteristics of the foot muscles that have a large amount of sensitive nerve endings. 
 
Interacts mechanically with the ground: transmitting the body reaction forces generated by contact with the ground. The interaction of the foot with the same, gives rise to forces of different levels and duration such as impact forces.

Shock Absorber: The foot, with its structure and function, acts as an attenuator of the impact forces that occur on contact with the ground.