How does weight distribution change in patients with foot deformities?

In patients with foot deformities, the way weight is distributed across the foot can significantly change due to the altered mechanics and structure of the foot. As a result, pressure becomes unevenly distributed, which can lead to specific areas of the foot experiencing increased stress and load. This uneven distribution increases the risk of injury for several reasons.

First, the altered shape of the foot can disrupt normal gait patterns, causing excessive pressure on certain areas while neglecting others. When one part of the foot bears more weight, it can lead to issues such as calluses, ulcers, or even fractures in those overworked areas. The imbalances caused by deformities may prevent the natural shock absorption that a healthy foot would provide, leading to further complications.

Moreover, patients with foot deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, often find themselves compensating for their condition, which can create a cascade of issues not just in the feet, but also in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Therefore, understanding how weight distribution changes in these patients is crucial for developing appropriate treatment plans, selecting proper footwear, or designing orthotic devices.