In the past, video analysis was the key analytical tool used to gain an understanding of foot function, (how the foot works). The joint interactions in the foot are very complex and research over the last 10+ years has shown us that while video is useful for ankle, leg and hip function, the assessment tool of choice is now plantar pressure analysis.
Most people have seen some form of plantar pressure display showing where the pressure areas are on a pair of footprints. This is attractive and does provide some basic information, but this is not plantar pressure analysis. It’s like an x-ray of bones of the foot, which anyone can see but it takes someone with skill and experience to accurately understand if something is wrong and what treatment is required.
There are also different levels of resolution of the plantar pressure equipment. Equipment which can provide real-time dynamic analysis needs to be high definition and accurately calibrated to obtain valid results. It’s also important to have an environment where as close to normal walking can be recorded, rather than the patient having to modify their walking style to ensure their foot gets onto the pressure mat.
Analysis is best done with a mat of at least 2m long with space at either end. This way, by the time the patient is walking on the mat, their gait is relatively normal. Even so, we will take at least eight samples of you walking over the mat so the software can average the number of footprints to provide us with accurate and reliable data to analyse.
Conditions this service treats
We all live in an environment of gravity that has a continual effect on our body. As your body weight is placed onto the ground through your foot, there is an opposite and equal force from the ground pushing into the foot called ‘Ground Reaction Force’. Ground Reaction Force loads the foot from below, while your body is loading the foot from above.
The intensity of Ground Reaction Force can change on different ground surfaces. For example the force will be significantly higher reflected off a hard surface than a softer surface, such as sand where some of the force will be dispersed as the particles move away from under the foot.
Analysis of dynamic plantar pressure enables us to provide an accurate diagnosis of foot and leg dysfunction. Even if you have no symptoms of pain or discomfort at present, dynamic plantar pressure analysis provides an assessment of your level of potential risk of injury.
The risk of injury is significantly increased if the force occurs on structures that are not able to withstand them and for a prolonged period of time. After an injury, if the healing tissues are exposed to the excessive forces and become reinjured, a cycle of healing and re-injury is likely to occur where the body may never return to the state it was prior to the injury.
How does the treatment work?
At Total Care Podiatry our specialised plantar pressure mats and plantar pressure treadmill help us understand the ‘dynamic force’ being placed under your feet when you walk and run by objectively measuring the amount, timing and direction of the force. Video capture is synchronised to the plantar pressure analysis to also ensure a complete understanding of the ankle, leg and hip function.
Dynamic plantar pressure analysis also provides an accurate and objective comparison when we analyse the plantar pressure again after intervention and treatment. This allows us to give you a treatment plan which will reduce, manage and redirect the excessive forces and provide you with the confidence that the underlying cause is being addressed, as well as your symptoms.
What are the benefits of this treatment
The benefit of having plantar pressure data is that we can:
- understand how your feet are not working well and why the high pressure areas are there
- understand the dysfunctional interactions between your legs and feet
- predict outcomes by showing in real time how treatment intervention will improve the function and normalise the areas of high pressure
- obtain a baseline in your Initial musculoskeletal consultation from which to compare the immediate effect of treatment as well as the long-term effects of treatment over one, six or 12 months when your dynamic plantar pressure is assessed again.
Plantar pressure analysis enables your treatment to be accurately tailored to continue your rehabilitation progress and assist you in achieving your goals and achieve the best function possible. Annual reassessment of your dynamic plantar pressure will ensure your foot and leg function is at an optimum level which is important for all ages and all levels of activity.
All of these features add up to a quicker and better outcome for resolving your condition, both in addressing the symptoms, but also the cause. Plantar pressure analysis gives us a clear guide and then with evidence-based assessment, we can get you back to doing the things you love.