Study of plantar pressure patterns by means of instrumented insoles in subjects with hallux valgus

Abstract

Introduction The pressures exerted on the forefoot in a condition like hallux valgus have been the subject of much debate, with dissimilar results. This article aims to compare the pressures borne by the forefoot in a group of normal feet with those it bears in a group of feet with mild or moderate hallux valgus. Materials and methods A study was performed of 60 subjects (30 with hallux valgus and 30 with normal feet), who were analyzed with the Biofoot/IBV instrumented insole system. The system uses a series of thin insoles (0.7 mmthick) with 64 piezoelectric sensors. Maximum pressure was analyzed in seven regions, i.e. the five metatarsal heads, the hallux and the lesser rays. Results Maximum pressure peaks in the control group were measured significantly in the second and third metatarsal heads (p = 0.001). The hallux valgus group had its pressure peaks at the first metatarsal head and at the hallux (p = 0.001). The presence of pressure peaks at the first ray points to pronation as the factor leading to hallux valgus. Conclusions Instrumented insole systems are an excellent tool to analyze normal and pathological pressures. More detailed studies are necessary to come to more definite conclusions. In future, different research ways could be followed such as the study of pressures at pre-established values of cadence and speed of gait and with different kinds of footwear.