Podiatry departments in hospitals commonly adopt plantar pressure plates mainly because of their core value in precise diagnosis, personalized treatment, and rehabilitation assessment. The specific reasons are as follows:
1. Achieving Quantitative Diagnosis of Foot Disorders
Dynamic Pressure Distribution Visualization
By using a high-density sensor array to capture real-time pressure peaks, points of application, and center of pressure (COP) trajectory during the gait cycle, structural abnormalities such as flatfoot and high-arched foot, as well as risk areas for diabetic foot ulcers, can be accurately identified.
Abnormal Gait Identification
By analyzing COP deviations and gait line angles, it assists in diagnosing biomechanical issues such as in-toeing/out-toeing and foot inversion/eversion.
2. Guiding Personalized Treatment Plans
Basis for Orthotic Device Customization
Static and dynamic pressure data generate an arch morphology report, providing mechanical support point parameters for orthotic insole design.
Surgical Outcome Prediction
Comparing pre- and post-operative pressure distributions can quantitatively assess the actual effect of corrective surgeries, such as clubfoot correction.
3. Chronic Disease Risk Prevention and Control
Early Screening for Diabetic Foot
Detecting local high-pressure points on the plantar surface (e.g., first metatarsal area) predicts the risk of stress ulcers and reduces amputation rates.
Rehabilitation Progress Monitoring
Repeated tests track changes in plantar pressure, allowing dynamic adjustment of rehabilitation plans (e.g., balance training intensity for patients with neuropathy).
4. Improving Diagnostic Efficiency and Patient Compliance
Fully Digital Workflow
Static tests can be completed in 5–10 seconds, dynamic walking analysis in 2 minutes, rapidly generating standardized reports.
Intuitive Data to Enhance Communication
Visualized results, such as pressure heatmaps, help patients understand their condition and improve treatment cooperation.
