INVESTIGATIONS ON IN VIVO HUMAN HEEL PAD THICKNESS

Abstract

The human heel pad thickness is one of the intrinsic factors which must be taken into account when investigating the biomechanics of the heel pad [Rome, 1998; Uzel, 2006]. In fact, heel pad thickness has been reported to be an important factor in determining stresses observed in healthy as well as pathological feet [Rome, 1998; Uzel, 2006]. Furthermore, the heel pad compressibility index (HPCI), indicating the ability of the heel pad to be compressed, is also an important parameter.