FOOTNOTES:
[6] Another reason for care in guarding against weak ankles is thus given in a work upon the “Theory and Practice of the Movement-Cure,” by Dr. Charles F. Taylor.
“Weak ankles, often the result of the ungraceful, and, in other respects, pernicious fashion of wearing high, narrow-heeled shoes, straining them by their rolling about, etc., may be the exciting cause of lateral curvature of the spine. The weaker ankle is generally the left, and the individual soon forms the habit of standing on the right foot. The lower portion of the spine is thrown to the left, and the dorsal portion necessarily thrown to the right.” In another place he repeats: “We find that almost without exception, in curvature to the right, the left ankle is much weaker than the other. Movements of the foot must be employed, such as inward and outward flexion, twisting the whole leg from the hip, and many others, calculated to strengthen the left leg, hip, and ankle.”
[7] As a matter not wholly out of place, it may be said that the graceful walker stands upright, and in taking a step uses the muscles and joints of the hip, the knee, and the toes. Many people use the toes but very little, and their step lacks spring, elasticity, life, and grace; while others do not use the muscles in front of the hip enough, and their walk has no dignity. Instead of swinging the whole leg, they seem as though kicking their feet along ahead of them, swinging only that half of it below the knee. Stiff coverings on the feet, or very high heels under them, effectually prevent all gracefulness in walking.