Abstract
BackgroundTo explore the therapeutic effect and the biomechanical mechanism of 3D printing individualized heel cup in treating of plantar heel pain.MethodsThe clinical effect was evaluated by plantar pressure analysis and pain assessment in participants. Its biomechanical mechanism of protecting the plantar heel was explored using finite element simulation.ResultsThe individualized heel cup could support and protect the osseous structure and soft tissue of plantar heel while walking and jogging, as well as significantly reduce the self-reported pain after being worn for 4 weeks. The nylon heel cup could alter the load concentration of the heel as well as decrease the load affected on plantar fascia and calcaneus bone. It also provided an obvious support for heel pad.ConclusionTo summarize, the 3D printed individualized heel cup can be used as an effective method for the treatment of plantar heel pain.
Highlights
To explore the therapeutic effect and the biomechanical mechanism of 3D printing individualized heel cup in treating of plantar heel pain
Nine subjects were diagnosed with bilateral plantar fasciitis
The results of the present study demonstrated that the individualized heel cup could alter the dynamics of the heel, and could significantly improve the self-reported pain caused by the plantar heel pain
Summary
To explore the therapeutic effect and the biomechanical mechanism of 3D printing individualized heel cup in treating of plantar heel pain. The pain, which could lead to a reduction in sporting and everyday activities, has been described as burning, aching, and occasionally lancinating [2]. It is the most common foot musculoskeletal disorder encountered. If the symptoms are still present within 1 year after the first and/or second line treatment, the patients should face the final line of treatment, which usually includes plantar fasciotomy, heel spur resection, nerve release, and other kinds of surgeries [12, 29]. Simple removal of the heel spur does not seem to promote the successful outcome in the surgical treatment in most cases, i.e. the combination of plantar fasciotomy and nerve release appear to be necessary [30, 31]. The key factor for successful rehabilitation in the early period is altering the kinetic chain of the lower limb [33, 34]
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