The Walking Process 

Each step you take goes through a series of movements or "phases" called the gait cycle.  As you walk your foot swings from side to side. When your heel makes contact with the ground this stops the swing at your heel, then your foot rolls to the inside and your arch begins to flatten.  This inward movement is known as pronation.  Then, the opposite movement takes place as your heel leaves the ground. The foot begins an outward rotation allowing the arch to regain its shape, and the process of supination begins.

Click here to see a video of the full gait cycle.     (Windows Media 120k)

Heel Strike

FIRST, your heel strikes the ground and your foot is flexible. The muscles, tendons and ligaments are not constricted around your bones so your foot can adapt to any surface and absorb shock.

SECOND, your weight shifts from your heel and moves to the mid-foot. This phase of the gait cycle is called mid-stance.  At this point, the foot is supporting the weight of the entire body and at the mid-point of it's side-to-side swing movement as well as it's front to back alignment.

Mid-Stance

Toe-Off

THIRD, as your foot begins to shift the weight to the front of your foot or "forefoot", the soft tissue components tighten up around your bones and your foot becomes a rigid lever. This is done in order to propel you. Your big toe undergoes a great deal of the force needed for this action.

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