Effect of Varying Arch Height With and Without the Plantar Fascia on the Mechanical Properties of the Foot.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1-1998

Abstract

A biomechanical model was used to calculate the mechanical properties of the foot at a load of 683 newtons, while changing arch height with and without the plantar fascia. An increase in arch height from 20 mm to 60 mm decreased predicted vertical displacement of the foot from 11.8 mm to 5.5 mm with the plantar fascia intact and from 13.5 mm to 7.5 mm without the plantar fascia. The amount of horizontal elongation decreased from 8.6 mm to 8.4 mm with the plantar fascia and increased from 9.8 mm to 11.7 mm without. A 60-mm arch height yielded a 40% increase in horizontal elongation and a 36% increase in vertical displacement when the plantar fascia was cut, whereas a 20-mm arch height yielded a 13% increase in horizontal elongation and a 14% increase in vertical displacement. A change in arch height from 20 mm to 60 mm increased stiffness of the foot with and without the plantar fascia.

Volume

19

Issue

10

First Page

705

Last Page

709

ISSN

1071-1007

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Orthopedics | Other Medical Specialties | Surgery

PubMedID

9801086

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS