What is the significance of measuring plantar pressure with a plantar pressure distribution tester?

The core significance and value of the plantar pressure distribution tester

1. Accurately assess the health and functional status of the foot

Foot disease screening and grading

Through the static/dynamic pressure distribution map, structural abnormalities such as arch collapse (flat feet) and high arch feet can be identified, and the peak area of plantar pressure (such as excessive pressure on the forefoot and imbalanced heel load) can be quantified to provide a basis for disease grading.

Comparing the difference in plantar pressure on both sides (such as inversion and varus tendency), compensatory gait or lower limb force line deviation can be found early.

Whole body biomechanical correlation analysis

Abnormal plantar pressure can reflect chain problems such as knee inward buckling and scoliosis. For example, flat foot patients have an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis due to insufficient arch cushioning, and a whole body correction plan needs to be formulated in combination with gait analysis.

2. Disease prevention and intervention management

Protection of high-risk groups for diabetic foot

Diabetes patients tend to ignore abnormal foot pressure due to neuropathy. The tester can locate local high-pressure areas (such as metatarsal heads) and reduce the risk of foot ulcers through customized decompression insoles.

Dynamically monitor pressure changes and evaluate the effect of intervention measures (such as orthopedic shoes) on pressure redistribution.

Sports injury prevention

Analyze the plantar pressure-time curve in running, jumping and other actions, identify the pressure concentration area at the moment of landing (such as excessive forefoot pressure in athletes with collapsed arches), optimize sports shoe selection or adjust technical movements.

3. Personalized correction plan design

Data-driven biomechanical correction

Combining plantar pressure distribution with 3D foot scanning data, design partitioned support insoles (such as flat feet to enhance arch support, high arch feet to increase forefoot cushioning), and achieve precise mechanical regulation.

Dynamic test data can verify the correction effect, for example: after the use of corrective insoles, the plantar pressure peak is reduced by 30%-50%, and the gait symmetry is significantly improved.

Children’s foot development monitoring

Regularly detect children’s plantar pressure distribution, early detection of arch retardation or abnormal load-bearing patterns (such as heel valgus), and prevent bone deformities through corrective intervention.

IV. Integration of scientific research and clinical diagnosis and treatment

Sports medicine research: Analyze the characteristics of plantar pressure in different sports scenarios and optimize the design of sports equipment (such as optimizing the rebound structure of the forefoot of marathon running shoes).

Rehabilitation effect evaluation: Quantify the recovery process of plantar pressure of patients after surgery (such as reconstruction of weight-bearing capacity after calcaneal fracture surgery) and guide the intensity of rehabilitation training.

Typical application scenarios

Scenarios Core value

Orthopedics/Rehabilitation Department of Medical Institutions Diagnose foot and ankle diseases and formulate surgical or non-surgical correction plans

Diabetes specialist clinic: Prevent foot ulcers and reduce the risk of amputation

Sports training center: Optimize athletes’ technical movements and extend their careers

Children’s Health Management Center: Monitor foot development and correct abnormal gait

Through the plantar pressure distribution tester, foot health management has shifted from empirical judgment to data-driven precision medicine, significantly improving the efficiency of disease prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation.