Changes in calcaneal pitch and heel fat pad thickness in static weight bearing radiographs while wearing shoes with arch support and heel cup orthotics

Background

Foot orthoses have been shown to reduce the collapse of the longitudinal arch and to constrain soft tissue displacement under the heel. However, there has not been a study that has shown the effectiveness of both the arch and heel features in the same orthosis. This study quantitatively analyzed if the calcaneal pitch and the heel pad thickness will be affected by the use of an arch support and heel cup insole in a static weightbearing stance while wearing sports shoes.

Methods

Twenty-four (24) feet from 12 elite-level female soccer players with a mean age of 25 ± 3.99 years (20–33 years old) were studied. Lateral weightbearing radiographs with and without orthotics were obtained in order to measure the calcaneal pitch angle and heel fat pad thickness for each foot. A subjective outcome measure was used and the scores were classified as bad (0–2), fair (3–5), good (6–8), or excellent (9-10).

Results

The calcaneal pitch angle increased in all but three cases by an average of 1.05° (range, −1.14 to 3.19) after wearing orthotics (p < 0.01). The heel fat pad thickness increased in all cases with an average of 1.25 mm (range, 1.05 to 1.47; p < 0.01)). 9 of 12 subjects (75%) reported excellent (n = 2) or good (n = 7) overall subjective scores with insole wear.

Conclusion

Under static weightbearing conditions, the arch support and heel cup features of a foot orthosis help improve the height of the calcaneal pitch and the thickness of the heel fat pad, respectively.

3D printing individualized heel cup for improving the self-reported pain of plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND

To explore the therapeutic effect and the biomechanical mechanism of 3D printing individualized heel cup in treating of plantar heel pain.

METHODS

The clinical effect was evaluated by plantar pressure analysis and pain assessment in participants. Its biomechanical mechanism of protecting the plantar heel was explored using finite element simulation.

RESULTS

The individualized heel cup could support and protect the osseous structure and soft tissue of plantar heel while walking and jogging, as well as significantly reduce the self-reported pain after being worn for 4 weeks. The nylon heel cup could alter the load concentration of the heel as well as decrease the load affected on plantar fascia and calcaneus bone. It also provided an obvious support for heel pad.

CONCLUSION

To summarize, the 3D printed individualized heel cup can be used as an effective method for the treatment of plantar heel pain.