EFFECT OF USING SELECTED FOOT ORTHOSES ON FOOT PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION IN PATIENTS WITH HALLUX VALGUS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the changes of foot pressure distribution under normal foot and Hallx Valgus (HV) foot. Also this study was conducted to investigate the best type of orthoses prescribed for HV patients from biomechanical point of view. The study was conducted on 30 normal subjects and 30 HV patients. Measuring average force and maximum pressure under the foot, using "Foot Scan" instrument. The HV group walked on the platform four times; first walking bare footed, second walking with wearing the first type of orthoses (separator), third wearing the second type of orthoses (bunion comforter) and fourth wearing both types of orthoses together. Comparisons done between the five different foot situations using ANOVA revealed that there was significant differences between pressure distribution of normal foot and HV foot. It is concluded that there is a change in pressure distribution in HV patient during walking when using the selected foot orthoses. Using separator orthosis may enable HV patient to walk as normally as in normal subjects.