JAPMA
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Broch, N. L.
Right arrow Articles by Steen, H.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Broch, N. L.
Right arrow Articles by Steen, H.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
Volume 94 Number 5 461-469 2004
Copyright © 2004 American Podiatric Medical Association

Effects of Heel Height and Shoe Shape on the Compressive Load Between Foot and Base

A Graphic Analysis of Principle

Nana Lise Broch, CPO, BSc * {dagger}, Thomas Wyller, MD {dagger} {ddagger} and Harald Steen, MD, PhD {ddagger}

* Prosthetic and Orthotic Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo University College, Oslo, Norway.
{dagger} Sophies Minde Orthopedics Ltd, Oslo, Norway.
{ddagger} Biomechanics Laboratory, Orthopaedic Department, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

Corresponding author: Harald Steen, MD, PhD, Biomechanics Laboratory, Orthopaedic Department, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, N-0027 Oslo, Norway.

Abstract

Even in the ever-changing and increasingly technical realm of medicine, commonsense approaches are needed. We can still learn from our predecessors by using their practical and simple methods. In this article a graphic approach in the sagittal plane is used to explain the relationship between the heel height of a shoe and load under the foot. By using an elementary theoretical model based on schematic sketches, an analysis of principle can be performed to calculate the change in the distribution of mechanical stress in the planta with change in foot orientation. The model shows that when standing posture remains unaltered, load under the forefoot increases and load under the heel decreases with elevated heel height and the corresponding changes in shoe shape. These results can be confirmed by pedobarographic and gait-analysis measurements, but the graphic method can be used without application of advanced instrumentation. The rationale behind the model is to use common terms and simple means to facilitate a more fundamental understanding of complex mechanical orthopedic problems. The method is meant to be a helpful supplement to clinical judgment in the many situations in which advanced instrumentation is not available. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(5): 461–469, 2004)






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 2004 by the American Podiatric Medical Association.