Effects of cam boot on plantar pressures during gait
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During walking, plantar pressure is exerted through the foot from the time when the heel is in contact with the ground until the toes leave the ground. A cam boot (CB) is designed to spread this pressure across the entire plantar surface of the foot and is typically worn by one with a foot or ankle fracture. In an average person, a slight leg length difference (LLD) of less than a quarter-inch is normal; however wearing a CB increases this LLD one-half of an inch. This LLD caused by wearing the CB may result in a difference of plantar pressure between feet. Significant increases in pressure may lead to ankle, knee, hip, and low back pain. Presently, physical therapists do not even out the LLD by building up the unaffected foot when prescribing a patient with a CB. The purpose of our study is to test possible significant variations in plantar pressure between feet from LLD caused by wearing a cam boot. The results of our findings could lead to new evidence suggesting that equalizing the LLD caused by wearing a CB will also equalize plantar pressure between feet, resulting in a decreased chance of pain from body malalignment. Twenty-five female and nine male subjects between the ages of 18-45, who met the inclusion criteria, performed two walking trials: once wearing and once not wearing a CB. Plantar pressures were measured using the F-scan computerized insole system. Our results show there was a significant increase in plantar pressure on the foot not wearing the CB. We conclude that wearing a CB will increase the plantar pressures through the leg not wearing the boot.
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Research completed at the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions
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v.3