How to use a plantar pressure plate to assess the impact of flat feet and high arches?

How to use the plantar pressure plate to evaluate the impact of flat feet and high arches

The plantar pressure plate is a scientific instrument used to measure the force distribution of the plantar. Through dynamic or static testing, it can accurately evaluate the arch structure and analyze the impact of flat feet and high arches on gait and body load. This technology is widely used in medicine, sports rehabilitation, and customized orthopedic insoles, providing a scientific basis for foot health management.

How to detect the arch type with the plantar pressure plate

The plantar pressure plate records the force of the plantar when standing and walking through sensors and generates a pressure distribution map. The key indicators for detecting the arch type include:

Plate contact area: Flat foot patients have a larger contact area with the ground, while high arch patients have a smaller contact area with the plantar, and the pressure is concentrated in the forefoot and heel areas.

Arch Index: Calculate the proportion of the midfoot area to the total plantar contact area. The higher the value, the lower the arch, and there may be a flat foot problem.

Pressure distribution characteristics: The pressure distribution of a normal arch is relatively uniform, while flat feet often show excessive pressure in the midfoot area, and high arches may lead to concentrated pressure on the forefoot and heel.

Gait cycle data: Observe the gait trajectory during walking, such as heel landing, arch weight bearing, forefoot propulsion, etc., and analyze whether there is an abnormal movement pattern.

Plantar pressure distribution system

Impact and evaluation of flat feet

Flat feet cause uneven force distribution on the sole of the foot due to arch collapse, which may cause a series of problems:

Foot fatigue and pain: The muscles and ligaments of the sole of the foot are under great pressure for a long time, which is prone to plantar fasciitis.

Abnormal gait: Due to the collapse of the arch, flatfoot patients may have problems such as shortened stride and unstable gait when walking.

Changes in the force line of the lower limbs: The arch structure affects the mechanical balance of the knee and hip joints, which may cause knee varus or valgus in the long term, and even cause discomfort in the waist and back.

The plantar pressure plate can quantify the degree of flat feet by measuring the plantar contact area and pressure distribution, and evaluate its impact on gait, providing data support for corrective insoles or gait training.

Impact and evaluation of high arches

The main feature of high arches is that the arch is too high, which reduces the plantar contact area, resulting in concentrated pressure on the foot, which is prone to the following problems:

Pressure concentration on the plantar: The pressure is mainly concentrated in the heel and forefoot area, and the midfoot is almost unstressed, which can easily cause pain and fatigue.

Reduced stability: High arches will reduce the contact area between the sole and the ground, reduce gait stability, and increase the risk of sprains or ankle sprains.

Reduced impact absorption capacity: Normal arches can play a buffering role when walking, while high arches are difficult to absorb impact due to their large arch rigidity, which may increase the burden on the knee joint and spine.

The plantar pressure plate can measure the plantar pressure distribution characteristics of patients with high arches, evaluate their abnormal force, and provide personalized gait adjustment solutions, such as recommending cushioning insoles or gait training.

The plantar pressure plate provides a scientific basis for the evaluation of flat feet and high arches, helping doctors, rehabilitation therapists and orthotic insole designers to develop personalized intervention plans. Through plantar pressure data analysis, not only can the state of the arch be accurately determined, but potential sports injuries can also be prevented, gait can be improved, and foot health can be enhanced.

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