Correction of Postural Deficit Promoting Lower Limb Hemodynamics, for Feet Proprioceptive Stimulation

Abstract

In this paper, we wish to present a technique by which, through an appropriate proprioceptive self-stimulation of the foot plants during a walk by means of a new type of insoles, it is possible to correct dysfunctional lower limb biomechanics reactivating the physiological activities of the muscular circulation pumps.

An accurate instrumental postural assessment of the patient will give indications of the musculoskeletal dysfunction and, through an appropriate modulation of the thickness of seven pockets on each of the two insoles, it will be possible to give to each patient a “custom-tailored proprioceptive stimulation tool” to wear in daily walking activities thus restoring the appropriate biomechanics of the lower limb. This will result in correcting the misfunction of the muscular circulation pumps—both plantar and calf pumps—restoring appropriate arterial, venous, and lymphatic circulation. It is worth underlining that the biomechanical correction of lower limb geometry and functionality will induce a beneficial upward effect throughout all the musculoskeletal functions.

After an overview of the prevalence of lower limb circulation deficits (arterial, venous, and lymphatic), the postural assessment techniques are presented together with an overview of the involved anatomic-functional units and subsystems. The insoles are presented and an example—case report—is presented and discussed.