An Analysis of Foot Morphology Using a Self-Designed Foot Scanner in Preparing Custom-Made Footwear: An Anatomical Approach

Abstract

Foot morphology and morphometry knowledge is vital in several domains. 60% of the population has foot pain due to ill-fitting footwear. There is no standard device or parameters to evaluate the arches of the foot, and most of the research to assess the arches of the foot. Aim of the study: The study aimed to develop a hodoscope (foot scanner) device to evaluate the arches of the foot. The study's objective was to prepare custom–made footwear based on foot morphology. The study included 849 (405 males and 444 females) participants aged between 25 and 45. Podoscope was used to evaluate the arches of the foot. Based on the evaluation, 62 participants were provided with custom-made footwear based on the morphometry of the foot. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to analyze the pain scale based on positive ranks, with a statistically significant p-value (< 0.001). Results: 44.19% of men and 47.97% of women had a normal arch foot. 33.08% of men and 28.82% of women had a flat arch, and 22.71% of men and 23.19% of women had a high arch foot. The present study identified foot problems (forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot) using a self-designed podoscope and attempted to design custom–made footwear based on foot morphometry. The quality of the footwear was acceptable and cost-effective. Custom-made footwear based on foot morphology will benefit individuals with foot problems. KEYWORDS: Foot Morphology, Self-Designed Foot Scanner, Custom-Made Footwear, Podoscope.