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The heel-pad compressibility
S Prichasuk1, P Mulpruek, P Siriwongpairat
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|March 1, 1994
Summary
This study analyzed heel-pad thickness and compressibility in 400 individuals. Results show variations based on age and gender, with body weight impacting elasticity.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Anatomy
- Podiatry
Background:
- The heel pad's properties are crucial for shock absorption.
- Understanding factors influencing heel pad characteristics is important for foot health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate heel-pad thickness and compressibility in a normal population.
- To determine the influence of age, gender, and body weight on these properties.
Main Methods:
- Lateral radiographs of the feet of 400 normal subjects were analyzed.
- Measurements were taken under both loaded and unloaded conditions.
Main Results:
- Normal unloaded heel-pad thickness averaged 18.70 mm, greater in men and increasing with age.
- Heel-pad compressibility averaged 0.53, increasing with age but not significantly differing by gender.
- Increased body weight correlated with greater heel-pad thickness and reduced elasticity.
Conclusions:
- Heel-pad thickness and compressibility exhibit significant age-related changes.
- Body weight is a key factor affecting heel pad mechanical properties and elasticity.
- These findings contribute to understanding foot biomechanics and potential implications for foot health.