in chinese foot binding, what actually occurs to the bones, soft tissues, nerves, muscles etc?

Answer 1

I read 'Wild Swans', which described in graphic detail what used to happen in the euphemistically named 'foot binding'
The girl's mother would take a rock and smash the bones in the feet before binding them tightly. This operation would be repeated, so the feet had no chance of growing.
This was done because if a bride had big feet, everyone would laugh at her. A mother might think about not causing her daughter all this pain, but she would think of the laughter on the wedding day. On the other hand, exquisitely small feet were admired greatly.
It is true that this caused real pain in later life and the woman could hardly walk in some cases.
The book was written by someone whose grandmother's feet had been bound.

Answer 2

Binding often destroyed the muscles, tissue, and bone in the feet as the child matured. Paralysis, atrophy, and broken bones were common effects.

Young girls' feet, usually at age 6 but often earlier, were wrapped in tight bandages so they could not grow normally, would break and become deformed as they reached adulthood. The feet would remain small and dysfunctional, prone to infection, paralysis, and muscular atrophy. It should be noted that this was initially only a common practice in the wealthiest parts of China, particularly in north China. However, by the late Qing Dynasty, footbinding had become popular among women of all social levels, including the poor.

Answer 3

Basically some of the bones will fuse together and develop abnormally. The flesh is just forced not to grow by the presure of the bindings. The nerves will remain the same as normal. The muscles to control the toes will atrophy due to lack of use. The leg mucles, tendons etc will develop abnormally to allow for the unnatural condition of the feet.
Walking was often cripplingly painful.

Answer 4

Ask your doctor about an exercise routine. Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, may reduce neuropathy pain, improve your muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.