Cushioning effect of heel cups.
C L Wang1, C K Cheng, Y H Tsuang
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|August 7, 2013
Summary
Heel cups effectively reduce vertical forces and improve shock absorption during walking and running. Plastic heel cups also increase heel pad thickness, potentially aiding heel pain syndrome relief.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Heel pain syndrome is a common condition affecting many individuals.
- Existing treatments often focus on pain reduction and shock absorption.
- The efficacy of different heel cup designs in mitigating impact forces requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of rubber and plastic heel cups in reducing vertical heel forces.
- To assess the shock absorbency properties of different heel cup materials.
- To investigate the impact of heel cups on pressure distribution and heel pad thickness.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Computer Dyno Graphy (CDG) to measure vertical forces in 16 healthy subjects during walking and running.
- Employed pressure-sensitive film to analyze heel pressure distribution.
- Conducted roentgenographic studies on 6 patients with heel pain syndrome to measure heel pad thickness with and without plastic heel cups.
Main Results:
- All tested heel cups (two rubber, one plastic) significantly reduced peak vertical forces during walking and running.
- Shock absorbency was greater during walking (3.5 km/h) compared to running (10 km/h).
- Plastic heel cups reduced standing heel contact area by 39% and increased heel pad thickness by approximately 18% in patients with heel pain syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Heel cups are effective in reducing impact forces and improving shock absorption during locomotion.
- Plastic heel cups demonstrate potential benefits for individuals with heel pain syndrome by altering pressure distribution and increasing heel pad thickness.
- The findings support the use of heel cups as an intervention for managing conditions related to excessive heel impact.
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