The thickness of heel fat-pad in patients with plantar fasciitis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the thickness of heel fat pad (THP) and to detect the relationship between the plantar fasciitis (PF) and age, occupation, BMI, longitudinal arch, the thickness of heel fat-pad in the patients with PF.MethodsA total of 50 patients (29 women and 21 men; mean age: 46.5 years (range: 22–70)) that were diagnosed with PF were included to this study. Patients' affected side were compared with the healthy opposite side with the angle of medial arch (AMA) and first metatarsophalangeal angle (FMTPA) on the foot radiograms, and THP and thickness of first metatarsal fat pad (TFMFP) using ultrasonography (USG) of both feet.ResultsThe mean AMAs of feet with pain and without pain were 122.56° and 120.60°, respectively. The mean FMTPAs of feet with pain and without pain were 14.72° and 14.40°, respectively. The mean THPs of feet with pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet with pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.45 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. The mean THPs of feet without pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet without pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.94 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. It was observed that the mean AMA in the heels with pain was significantly higher than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05) and the mean THP in the heels with pain was significantly thinner than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicate that USG is an accurate and reliable imaging technique for the measurement of THP in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and the heel pad was thinner in the painful heels of patients with plantar fasciitis.Level of evidenceLevel III, Diagnostic Study.     

Does the long-term use of medial arch support insole induce the radiographic structural changes for pediatric flexible flat foot? — A prospective comparative study

BackgroundSeveral conservative treatment methods, from intrinsic muscle exercises to orthoses, including insoles or specially designed shoes, have been introduced for pediatric flexible flat foot (PFFF). However, the structural effects of a long-term use of medial arch support insole remain unclear because the normal physiological maturation of the medial longitudinal arch cannot be ruled out.MethodsFrom January 2005 to June 2015, 18 patients (34 feet) in group 1 (continuously insole applied group) and 13 patients (26 feet) in group 2 (untreated group) were enrolled. Medial arch support insole was applied from the age 10–11 years to radiographic physeal closure.ResultsIn group 1, talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talo-1st metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch angle and medial cuneiform height were significantly changed at final follow-up, although all values were still within the abnormal range. Further, no significant differences were found in any of the increments of the radiographic parameters between group 1 and 2.ConclusionsRadiographic improvements were found in both of medial arch support insole treated or untreated group despite all radiographic values were still within the abnormal range. It was meaningful that the PFFF could be improved somewhat until the physes were closed. And the hindfoot alignment remained unchanged regardless of medial arch support insole application.     

The role of a total contact insole in diminishing foot pressures following partial first ray amputation in diabetic patients

BackgroundIn diabetic subjects, reulcerations following first ray amputations are particularly frequent. Treatment usually includes an in-shoe intervention to reduce plantar pressure.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a total contact insole on the plantar pressure reduction in patients with partial first ray amputations.Material and methodsTwenty diabetic subjects (mean age 60 years, mean body mass index 27 kg/m²) with partial first ray amputation of one foot. Plantar pressure data was recorded using Matscan system (Tekscan vers. 6.34, Boston, USA) while standing and taking a step for three conditions (shoe, shoe with total contact insole, and shoe with flat insole). Plantar pressures were determined at the five metatarsal areas, mid foot area and medial and lateral heel areas.ResultsPressures diminished significantly (P < 0.05) in tested areas using the total contact insole while standing and walking. While using the flat insole, significant pressure changes were only seen while walking (P < 0.05) (P < 0.05). A highly significant change in pressures with the total contact insoles during walking in all areas except for the M1 area (P < 0.001) as compared to that of flat insole.ConclusionThe conforming total contact insole showed significant reduction in plantar pressures in patients with first ray amputation.     

The Effect of Customized and Silicon Insoles on Mid- and Hindfoot in Adult Flexible Pes Planovalgus

BackgroundFlexible flat foot or pes planovalgus is a common foot deformity, and silicone and customized insole are commonly used as a non-operative treatment modality of flexible planovalgus. However, there are inadequate data and limited evidence available regarding the immediate effects of their use in midfoot and hindfoot of adults. The aim of this study is to quantify and compare the radiological parameters immediately on weightbearing with silicon and customized insoles and without them to assess the effect on midfoot and hindfoot of the flexible planovalgus in adults.MethodsA total number of 11 (8 females and 3 males) subjects with flexible pes planovalgus deformity without any other foot deformity were included in the study. Each patient was assessed three times in a random sequence without and with use of either silicon insoles or customized insole. The radiographic parameters without insole, with silicon insole, and with customized insole conditions were calculated using online available computer software Kinovea.ResultsOne-way ANOVA analysis was performed between groups (without insole, with silicone insole and with customized insole). The hindfoot parameters depicted that calcaneal inclination angle (CIA) was significant increased (P = 0.000) and talar declination angle (TDA) was significantly decreased (P = 0.003) only with the use of customized insole compared to without insole. The midfoot parameters depicted that the first metatarsal angle (FMA) and talonavicular coverage angle (TCA) were significantly lower with customized insole (P = 0.00) as compared to other two groups and significantly lower with silicone insole (P = 0.00) as compared to without insole group.ConclusionThe results imply that the compressibility of the insole material affects the forefoot and hindfoot biomechanics differently. This study concludes that silicone insole affects only the midfoot which bears 45% of bodyweight and customized insole affects both midfoot and more importantly the hindfoot which bears 55% of bodyweight.     

Treatment of metatarsalgia based on claw toe deformity through soft tissue release of the metatarsophalangeal joint and resection of the proximal interphalangeal joint: Evaluation based on foot kinematics and plantar pressure distribution

IntroductionThis study investigated the effect of operative claw toe correction with release of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, repositioning of the plantar fat pad and resection of the proximal interphalangeal joint on foot kinematics, plantar pressure distribution and Foot Function Index (FFI).MethodsProspective experimental study with pretest-posttest design. The plantar pressure, 3D foot kinematics and the FFI of 15 patients with symptomatic claw toes were measured three months before and 12 months after surgery. Mean pressure, peak pressure and pressure time integral per sensor and various foot angles were calculated for the pre- and posttest and compared to a control group (N = 15).ResultsClaw toe patients have increased pressure under the distal part of the metatarsal head and less pressure under the proximal part of the metatarsal heads compared to healthy controls. After surgery, there was a redistribution of pressure, resulting in a significant decrease of pressure under the distal part and an increase under the proximal part of the metatarsal head, providing a more equal plantar pressure distribution. Except for some small areas under the forefoot, heel and toes, there were no significant differences in pressure distribution between the operated feet and controls. Small, but significant differences between the pre- and postoperative condition were found for the lateral arch angle, calcaneus/malleolus supination and tibio-talar flexion. The score on the FFI improved statistically significant.DiscussionThese findings imply that the present operative procedure results in a more equal distribution of the plantar pressure under the forefoot and decrease of pain and offers successful treatment of metatarsalgia based on claw toe deformity.     

Comparison of plantar pressure distribution in CAD–CAM and prefabricated foot orthoses in patients with flexible flatfeet

BackgroundsThe effect of foot orthoses on plantar pressure distribution has been proven by researchers but there are some controversies about advantages of custom-made foot orthoses to less expensive prefabricated foot orthoses.MethodsNineteen flatfeet adults between 18 and 45 participated in this study. CAD–CAM foot orthoses were made for these patients according to their foot scan. Prefabricated foot orthoses were prepared according to their foot size. Plantar pressure, force and contact area were measured using pedar^®-x in-shoe system wearing shoe alone, wearing CAD–CAM foot orthoses and wearing prefabricated foot orthoses. Repeated measures ANOVA model with post-hoc, Bonferroni comparison were used to test differences.ResultsCAD–CAM and prefabricated foot orthoses both decreased pressure and force under 2nd, 3–5 metatarsal and heel regions comparing to shoe alone condition. CAD–CAM foot orthosis increased pressure under lateral toe region in comparison to shoe alone and prefabricated foot orthosis. Both foot orthoses increased pressure and contact area in medial midfoot region comparing to shoe alone condition. Increased forces were seen at hallux and lateral toes by prefabricated foot orthoses in comparison with CAD–CAM foot orthoses and control condition, respectively.ConclusionAccording to the results, both foot orthoses could decrease the pressure under heel and metatarsal area. It seems that the special design of CAD–CAM foot orthoses could not make great differences in plantar pressure distribution in this sample. Further research is required to determine whether these results are associated with different scan systems or design software.     

拇外翻足并发第2跖骨头下疼痛的相关因素研究

目的:通过对拇外翻足足弓的X线指标与足底压力指标的检测,分析拇趾外翻角的变化与足弓X线测量指标变化及足底压力变化的相关性,探讨拇外翻足并发第2跖骨头下疼痛影响因素。方法:采用回顾性研究方法,观察自2012年1月至2013年6月治疗的254例(477足)拇外翻患者病历资料,记录患者第2跖骨头下疼痛及年龄的情况,把所有拇外翻足按并发第2跖骨头下疼痛的有无分为两组(疼痛组和无痛组),分别测量各组负重位拇外翻足拇趾外翻角(hallux abductor valgus angle,HAVA),第1、2跖骨间角(the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals,IMA1-2),第1、5跖骨间角(the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and fifth metatarsals,IMA1-5),内弓顶角、前弓顶角及第1、2跖骨头的相对长度,检测步态中第2跖骨头下峰压强、冲量、触地时间百分比等压力的情况。运用相关性分析及Logistic回归分析方法,探讨拇外翻足并发第2跖骨头下疼痛的影响因素。结果:Spearman相关性分析结果示HAVA分别与各测量指标的IMA1-2、IMA1-5、内弓顶角、前弓顶角、第2跖骨触地时间百分比呈相关性(P0.05,r=0.647、0.553、0.127、-0.165、0.158)。Logistic回归分析结果示并发第2跖骨头下疼痛的影响因素为HAVA、第2跖骨相对长度、第2跖骨头触地时间百分比(P0.05,ORj=1.030,1.069,1.060)。结论:拇外翻角的增大导致了拇外翻足足弓塌陷,使步态中第2跖骨头负重的时间延长,从而导致了第2跖头下疼痛的发生。     

Plantar tactile sensory thresholds in healthy men and women

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine tactile sensory threshold levels on the plantar surface of the feet in healthy subjects as well as assessing if differences existed based on gender or between extremities.MethodForty subjects, 20 men and 20 women, consented to participate in the study. Tactile sensory thresholds were determined over the heel, lateral midfoot, medial midfoot, lateral forefoot, medial forefoot, and hallux on the plantar surface of the foot using Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments. A multiple-step algorithm was used for testing and the subject determined the tactile threshold for a region verbally.ResultsThe results indicate that plantar tactile sensation does not differ between the left and right feet, but differences do exist between men and women in all regions except the hallux. The heel region tactile threshold was found to be significantly higher than all other regions. The mean tactile sensitivity for both the right and left feet was the 3.61 monofilament.ConclusionsThis is one of few investigations that have attempted to assess plantar sensory thresholds in a healthy group of men and women. The findings of this study may prove useful for further investigation into the assessment of the effect of foot orthoses and insoles on the cutaneous tactile sensory system.     

Dynamic medial column stabilization using flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in the surgical reconstruction of flatfoot deformity in adults

BackgroundA common challenge in flatfoot reconstruction arises when there are multiple locations of collapse within the medial column. An extension of arthrodesis may lead to complications such as stiffness or adjacent joint arthritis. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes of flatfoot reconstruction using the dynamic medial column stabilization (DMCS) technique, which transfers the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon to the first metatarsal base to support the entire medial column.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 14 consecutive patients (14 feet) who underwent DMCS as an adjunct to flatfoot reconstruction. In all cases, a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and gastrocnemius recession were performed to address hindfoot valgus deformity and heel cord tightness, respectively. Deformity correction was assessed using preoperative and postoperative weightbearing radiographs. The newly defined metatarsal-cuneiform articular angle (MCAA) and naviculo-cuneiform articular angle (NCAA) were measured to assess correction at each medial column joints. Clinical outcomes included the FFI and VAS scores. Any complications related to the surgery were investigated.ResultsAll radiographic parameters significantly improved postoperatively. The sagittal plane correction occurred at all three joints within the medial column. Clinically, both FFI and VAS improved significantly at the final follow-up. One patient developed plantar pain under the first metatarsal head that may have been associated with the overtightening of the transferred tendon.ConclusionDMCS using FHL tendon transfer to the first metatarsal base was a useful technique for restoring the medial arch and correcting three planar deformities in the setting of flatfoot deformity.     

Preliminary investigation on the reduction of plantar loading pressure with different insole materials (SRP – Slow Recovery Poron®, P – Poron®, PPF – Poron® + Plastazote,firm and PPS – Poron® + Plastazote,soft)

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate the amount of pressure reduction for different padding and insole materials commonly used in the podiatry clinic.MethodsPlantar pressure were taken for 5 subjects without insoles fitted (BF) in their daily sports shoes, and thereafter with 4 pairs of simple insoles (6.4 mm thick) each as follow: SRP – Slow Recovery Poron^®, P – Poron^®, PPF – Poron^® + Plastazote (firm) and PPS – Poron^® + Plastazote (soft). In addition, subjects were also tested with semi-compressed felt (SCF) padding with a 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) aperture cut-out bilaterally. Minimum, maximum, mean pressure and peak pressure at the hallux, 1st, 2nd, 3rd/4th and 5th MTPJ across both feet were analysed. Repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni paired wise comparison was used to test for any statistical significance at the 95% confidence level for all pressure data.ResultsPPF was significant in reducing the minimum (p < 0.005) and mean pressure (p < 0.03) when compared to BF. This accounted for approximately 28% and 27% pressure reduction in minimum and mean pressure respectively. Peak pressure on the 1st MTPJ locality showed significant reduction of 37% and 29% with the use of SCF (p < 0.004) and PPF (p < 0.004), respectively.ConclusionsAll 4 commonly used insole materials were able to reduce pressure across the whole foot with PPF achieving significance. Off-loading the 1st MTPJ would still be best achieved with the commonly used plantar metatarsal pad of SCF with the aperture cut-out design.     

Comparison of plantar pressure distribution patterns between foot orthoses provided by the CAD-CAM and foam impression methods

Foot orthotic treatment is one of the major conservative methods used to handle foot problems. Total plantar contact foot orthoses are used to reduce and redistribute peak pressures. For the fabrication of a total plantar contact foot orthosis, the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) method has been applied. In this study, the plantar foot-orthosis interface pressure data during walking were collected by the Novel Pedar-mobile in-shoe plantar pressure measuring system. The data were collected under three conditions: (i) Flat insole, (ii) foot orthosis provided by the CAD-CAM method, and (iii) foot orthosis provided by the foam impression method. The Swiss Comfort CAD-CAM foot orthotics system was used in this study. For conditions (ii) and (iii), foot shapes were collected in partial weight bearing and subtalar neutral conditions. Thirty normal subjects were recruited for this study. The plantar foot surface was divided into eight plantar foot regions and then was investigated. These regions included the heel, the medial and lateral arches, the medial, mid and lateral forefoot, the hallux, and the lateral toes. The results showed that the orthoses provided by both the CAD-CAM and foam impression methods could decrease the peak pressure and the maximum force in the heel region, and increase the peak pressure and the maximum force in the medial arch region. Both orthoses redistributed the peak pressure and the maximum force from the heel to the medial arch region. The peak pressure in the mid forefoot region was different between the orthoses provided by the CAD-CAM and foam impression methods.     

The effect of terrain on foot pressures during walking

BACKGROUND: High plantar pressures are associated with the development of foot ulcers in people with diabetic neuropathy. The effect of terrain on plantar pressures during walking has not been fully explored. METHODS: Twenty 23- to 40-year-old subjects with no known musculoskeletal pathology walked across three terrains: padded carpet (R), grass (G), and concrete (C) while wearing Novel Pedar (Novel Electronics Inc. GMBH, Munich, Germany) insoles with and without shoes. Pressures were collected at 50 Hz. The sole of the foot was divided into: heel (H), lateral midfoot (LM), medial midfoot (MM), big toe and first metatarsal head (BT), and lateral toes and metatarsal heads (LT). Repeated measures ANOVA identified differences in pressures, forces, and contact areas across terrains. Post hoc Bonferroni adjustments were used to accept an overall alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS: Peak pressure (PP), maximal mean pressure (MMP) and pressure time integral (PTI) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) when walking barefoot on concrete than on grass or carpet for all foot regions except MM and LM. The percent increase in the three pressure variables ranged from 21% to 43%. Grass and carpet PP, MMP, and PTI were similar for the BT and LT. Wearing shoes significantly increased contact area and decreased all pressure variables on all three terrains. CONCLUSION: Walking barefoot, especially on concrete was associated with higher plantar pressure variables. Wearing shoes eliminated terrain differences in pressure except under the lesser toes. Persons with insensate feet should avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces to avoid excessive plantar pressures. Wearing shoes and covering hard floors with nonslip, padded rugs may decrease plantar pressures and the risk of ulceration.     

Effect of walking speed on pressure distribution of orthopedic shoe technology

Lesions to the diabetic foot have various causes. However, there is broad consensus that excessive plantar pressure plays a major role in the chain of events leading to ulcerations and gangrenes. During walking, on the other hand, peak values of plantar pressure are likely to increase with velocity even in therapeutic shoes. Therefore, the question arises whether a moderate velocity should be recommended to diabetic patients to reduce the risk of foot lesions. In this study, two velocities were compared for different types of therapeutic footwear. The velocities selected were considered moderate (0.7 m/s) and normal (1.3 m/s) for diabetic patients. A specially designed mathematical algorithm (velocity normalization) provided the pressure distributions from a common set of measurements: seven trials at different velocities for each subject and each type of footwear. Ten test subjects with healthy feet were studied. The shoes were ready-made and all had a midfoot rocker. The following four conditions were tested: flexible or rigid outsole respectively in combination with a flat insole or molded foot bed respectively. Pressure distribution measurements were performed with the Pedar in-shoe system, and the Pedar software package was used for analysis. The foot was divided into six regions: first toe, second to fifth toes, metatarsal region, medial midfoot, lateral midfoot, and heel. Only peak pressures were taken into account. Gait velocity was found to have an effect on plantar pressure distribution, mainly in the toes and heel region. Peak pressure in the heels increased significantly by about 20%. In the toe region, the increase was about the same, but was not statistically significant. At a higher velocity, pressure even slightly decreased in the midfoot region. The percentage variation was similar for all four conditions. Thus, walking slowly prevented the foot from high peak pressures, and the combination of rigid outsole and molded foot bed was best suited for both slow and higher velocities.     

Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy in spastic planovalgus feet

Purpose of StudyPlanovalgus deformity in cerebral palsy is disabling for the child in terms of increased energy expenditure during the gait cycle. The lever arm function of the foot is lost due to midfoot break and the achilles tendon is at a disadvantage being unable to lift the body weight during push-off. We evaluated the results of calcaneal lengthening osteotomy in such patients with clinical, radiological and gait parameters.Methods17 spastic feet in a sample of 10 children were included in our study. The children were classified according to the GMFCS classification system and clinical parameters such as heel valgus and heel rise tests, radiological angles such as Talo-calcaneal angle and Talo-navicular coverage angle on AP view and Calcaneal pitch angle, calcaneus-5th metatarsal angle and talus-1st metatarsal angle on lateral view were measured. Video gait analysis was performed to observe knee progression angle in mid stance and peak knee flexion angle in mid and terminal stance.ResultsImprovement was noted clinically in the heel valgus angle (preop-12.06°, postop-5.12°) and radiological parameters showed an improved coverage of the talus by navicular with simultaneous lifting of the medial longitudinal arch. Gait analysis showed decreased knee flexion trend in mid and terminal stance phase with better restoration of the knee axis.ConclusionCalcaneal lengthening osteotomy with peroneus brevis lengthening corrects almost all aspects of planovalgus deformity with an improved gait pattern without disturbing joint range of motion. It is a safe procedure for GMFCS grade 1 and 2 patients without much complications.     

Pedographic classification and ulcer detection in the diabetic foot

BackgroundPlantar pressure is a cause of foot ulceration in diabetes. Attempts to determine a pressure threshold have failed. The aim of this study was to determine a pedographic classification to identify patients at risk for a foot ulcer.Methods210 diabetics and controls categorized into 4 groups with deformities of the forefoot were analyzed. For the pedographic measurement peak pressure, force and their integrals were analyzed using a percentage and an anatomic mask. A multivariant logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsLogistic regression analysis using pedographic variables of a percentage mask revealed a combination of 4 variables (pressure time integral forefoot, peak pressure midfoot, pressure time integral heel, and peak pressure heel) identifying the foot ulcer with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 87%. The analysis using an anatomic mask identified 8 variables (pressure time integral mask 4 (metatarsal 2), force mask 9 (2. toe), force time integral mask 8 (great toe), peak pressure mask 6 (metatarsal 4), pressure time integral mask 6 (metatarsal 4), peak pressure mask 8 (great toe), peak pressure mask 7 (metatarsal 5), and force mask 6 (metatarsal 4)) that characterized a pedal ulcer with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 90%.ConclusionThis screening method identifies diabetics who are at risk for a foot ulcer.     

Forefoot reconstruction: Effectiveness of Stainsby operation in treating disclocated lesser toes

BackgroundDeformity of the forefoot is a common disabling problem especially in chronic rheumatoid arthritis. The most common deformities are hallux valgus and dorsally dislocated clawed lesser toes.ObjectiveThis paper assesses results of forefoot reconstruction with emphasis on the effectiveness of Stainsby's procedure in treating severely clawed lesser toes with irreducible dislocation at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The purpose of this procedure is to remove the deforming forces causing depression of the metatarsal head, and restore the dorsally displaced plantar plate of the MTP joint and the related part of the plantar fat pad to their correct position beneath the metatarsal head.MethodSeventy-four patients were operated on between 1998 and 2003. Sixty-nine patients (94 feet) were available for review at an average of 32 months (range 10–67) post surgery. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Scores (AOFAS) were measured and footprints were obtained. Patients were asked about overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the operation to a family member.ResultsEighty-nine of the 94 feet (95%) had severe or moderate pain preoperatively under the dislocated metatarsal head; only 19 (20%) had significant pain at review. Tender plantar callosities were reduced from 76 feet preoperatively (81%) to 31 feet (33%) at review, these were mainly under un-operated metatarsal heads. Footprints showed a normal loading under 63% of operated metatarsal heads. AOFAS scores were increased from a mean of 19 preoperatively to 52 at review. Residual valgus of the big toe of more than 25° persisted in 33 feet (35%). Corrective osteotomy of 44 first metatarsals resulted in significant residual valgus in 16 feet (36%).ConclusionsStainsby operation was effective in relieving pain and skin callosities from under dislocated lesser metatarsal heads, and in reducing shoe problems, but the osteotomy performed by the authors was unreliable in correcting valgus of the big toe.     

Effects of wearing foot orthosis with medial arch support on the fifth metatarsal loading and ankle inversion angle in selected basketball tasks

STUDY DESIGN: Preintervention and post-intervention, repeated-measures experimental design. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to investigate the effects of foot orthoses with medial arch support on ankle inversion angle and plantar forces and pressures on the fifth metatarsal during landing for a basketball lay-up and during the stance phase of a shuttle run. BACKGROUND: Proximal fractures of the fifth metatarsal, specifically the Jones fracture, are common in sports. Wearing foot orthoses with medial arch support could increase the ankle inversion angle and the plantar forces and pressure on the fifth metatarsal that may increase the risk for fifth metatarsal fracture, METHODS AND MEASURES: Three-dimensional (3-D) videographic, force plate, and in-shoe plantar force and pressure data were collected during landing after a basketball lay-up and during the stance phase of a shuttle run with and without foot orthoses with medial arch support for 14 male subjects. Two-way ANOVAs with repeated measures were performed to compare ankle inversion angle, maximum forces, and pressure on the fifth metatarsal head and base between conditions and between tasks. RESULTS: The maximum ankle inversion angle and maximum plantar force and pressure on the base of the fifth metatarsal during both tasks as well as the maximum plantar force and pressure on the head of the fifth metatarsal during the stance of the shuttle run were significantly increased (P< or =026) when wearing foot orthoses. No significant differences were found in the maximum vertical ground reaction forces between foot orthotic conditions. CONCLUSION: Generic use of off-the-shelf foot orthoses with medial arch support causes increased plantar forces and pressures on the fifth metatarsal and may increase the risk for proximal fracture of the fifth metatarsal. Future studies are needed to investigate this risk, acknowledging that the differences noted in our study were small in magnitude and the foot type was not measured.     

Quantitative assessment of simultaneous capacitive and resistive plantar pressure measurements during walking

Plantar pressure data were collected simultaneously, during walking, from capacitive and resistive in-shoe pressure measurement systems. Overall mean peak pressure recordings from the resistive system were 32%, 20% and 14% greater than recordings from the capacitive system, at the heel, central metatarsal heads, and great toe, respectively. Placement of one system's insoles above or below the other's somewhat affected peak pressure measurements from both systems, while calibration via air bladder or single limb standing techniques somewhat affected resistive measurements as well. Capacitive measurement variability was 60%, 20% and 22% lower than resistive measurement variability, at the heel, central metatarsal heads, and great toe, respectively. Both systems tended to exhibit greater variability when capacitive insoles were placed above resistive insoles; however, the effects on variability of the experimental insole arrangements were well overshadowed by the overall variability differences between systems.