Question

Discuss how Plantar Pressure is used to design foot orthotics?

Answer 1

Ans) Plantar pressure is useduto design foot orthotics as:

• The F scan- system was used to study plantar foot pressure in patients with a pronated foot type.
• Inshoe measurements were made under the first metatarsal head and medial heel with and without an orthotic in an extra depth shoe.
• This was also used to compare the total contact area under the foot between each patient with and without the orthotic device.
• Then the data collected demonstrated that a reduced plantar pressure under the first metatarsal head and medial heel in the patients with an orthotic showed (30-40% reduction).
• Calculations of the total contact area under the foot revealed an increase in contact area with an orthotic in extra depth shoes (5-10% increase).
• Pressure-sensitive insoles, which were replaced as needed, provided reproducible measurements of dynamic plantar pressure and contact area through repeated measurements over the 3-month period of the study.
• Evaluations made that a custom-made foot orthotic can increase total contact area (redistribute force) and is able to reduce plantar pressures.
• Thus, an orthotic should reduce the risk of ulceration in the diabetic neuropathic foot.