Posture Academy

What is Foot Analysis?

Foot analysis is a method that reveals the pressure distribution on the sole of the foot in detail, both statically (while standing) and dynamically (while walking). For this purpose, a special scanner platform with pressure-sensitive electronic sensors is used. Through a specialized computer program, the pressure variations on the foot sole can be displayed on a monitor in detail. The pressure changes are represented in various colors, with red indicating the highest pressure. The pressures are measured in kilopascals (kPa).

Why is Foot Analysis Important?

Structural and functional disorders of the feet can negatively affect your posture, balance, walking, running, and other activities, impacting both daily life and sports performance. Foot issues can also lead to problems in nearly every part of the body, starting from the feet.

Foot Analysis in Children

Foot analysis is crucial in children. From the age of 3, the foot map begins to form. Starting at this age, flat feet (pes planus) and high arches (pes cavus) can develop. Foot analysis helps diagnose these conditions in children, and custom insoles can be produced for treatment. Foot problems can be corrected until adolescence.

What is Scoliosis?

When viewed from the side, the human spine is not completely straight. There are slight inward curves (lordosis) in the neck and lower back, and a slight outward curve (kyphosis) in the upper back. When viewed from the back, however, the spine should appear straight. Scoliosis refers to the sideways curvature of the spine, either to the right or left. The curvature can form an “S” or “C” shape. In addition to the sideways curve, the vertebrae may also rotate around themselves.

8 Ways to Detect Scoliosis

1. Are the shoulders uneven when standing straight against a wall?
2. When the child bends forward with knees straight, are the sides of the back at different heights?
3. Is one shoulder blade more prominent than the other?
4. Is there an asymmetry in the hip bones?
5. When arms hang forward, is there a greater distance between one arm and the body compared to the other?
6. Is there a noticeable hump on the back?
7. Are the waist creases asymmetrical when compared?
8. Does the child lean to one side while standing or sitting?

What Can Occur in Individuals with Scoliosis?

• Respiratory Problems: In cases where the thoracic region is affected, deformations in the rib cage and poor posture reduce lung capacity.
• Disc Pathologies: Asymmetric posture causes weight to be unevenly distributed on one side, increasing pressure on the vertebrae. Changes in kyphosis and lordosis angles and rotational issues can lead to disc problems (e.g., spondylolisthesis, herniated discs, stenosis, spondylosis).
• Pain: With aging, particularly in inactive individuals, scoliosis-related pain becomes more pronounced. Changes in kyphosis and lordosis can cause back and lumbar pain, as well as leg and hip pain due to compensatory mechanisms.

What is Lordosis?

Lordosis refers to an excessive inward curve of the spine in the lumbar (lower back) region. The human spine naturally has curves in the neck, back, and lower back areas to support the head’s weight and absorb shocks. However, when the lumbar curve exceeds normal levels, it leads to lordosis, causing excessive pressure on the spine and resulting in pain.

Individuals with lordosis often exhibit a pronounced curve in the lower back, giving their body a “C” shape when viewed from the side. They may also appear as though their stomach and hips are pushed outward.

What is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis:
Also known as hunchback, kyphosis occurs when the spine curves excessively forward.

Symptoms of Kyphosis

The most apparent symptom of kyphosis is forward curvature. However, other symptoms may include:

• Mild or severe back pain
• A noticeable reduction in height due to bone curvature
• Difficulty maintaining an upright posture, which worsens over time
• Muscle fatigue
• Extreme sensitivity in the spine

What Causes Kyphosis?

1. Poor Posture
   Poor posture while standing or sitting can lead to temporary kyphosis. This type disappears when attention is paid to posture or when lying down because it doesn’t cause permanent damage to the vertebrae or muscles. However, bad habits like slouching in chairs, carrying heavy backpacks, or constantly bending forward while studying can lead to permanent kyphosis requiring treatment.

2. Issues with Vertebral Shape
   In Scheuermann’s kyphosis, vertebrae do not develop into their natural rectangular shape but take on a triangular form. Although the cause is not fully understood, poor blood circulation to the vertebrae is considered a potential factor.

3. Abnormal Development in the Womb
   During fetal development, spinal abnormalities can lead to kyphosis. In many cases, two or more vertebrae may fuse together, limiting movement. Since individuals with kyphosis often have relatives with the same condition, a genetic link is suspected.

4. Certain Diseases
   The following conditions can lead to kyphosis:

   • Osteoporosis: Bone weakening and brittleness (bone loss)
   • Spondylosis: Wear and tear of the spine, often due to aging
   • Spina Bifida: A congenital defect causing a gap in the spine
   • Paget’s Disease: Disruption in bone regeneration, causing weakened bones
   • Neurofibromatosis: Tumor formation around nerves
   • Muscular Dystrophy: Progressive muscle weakness
   • Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that affects the lungs.