Pressure-Induced Microvascular Reactivity With Whole Foot Loading Is Unique Across the Human Foot Sole

Foot sole plantar pressure generates transient but habitual cutaneous ischemia, which is even more exacerbated in atypical gait patterns. Thus, adequate post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) is necessary to maintain skin health. Plantar pressure regional variance during daily tasks potentially generates region-specific PORH, crucial for ischemic defence.

The current work investigated regional PORH across the human foot sole resulting from stance-like loading.

A loading device equipped with an in-line laser speckle contrast imager measured blood flux before, during, and after whole-foot loading for 2 and 10 min durations at 15% and 50% body weight. Flux was compared between six regions: the heel, lateral arch, medial arch, and fifth, third, and first metatarsals (MT).

Baseline flux was significantly greater in the 1MT and 3MT than all other regions. Loading occluded the heel, 5MT and 3MT more than all other regions. Regional PORH peak, time to peak, area under the curve, and recovery rate were ranked between regions.

The 3MT, followed by 5MT, overall had the strongest PORH response, suggesting a heightened protection against ischemia compared to other regions.

This work highlights regional variations within a healthy foot, providing a framework for future ulcer risk assessments and interventions to preserve foot health.