Socks with an U-shaped 3D discharge element are capable to reduce dynamic plantar pressures under the central forefoot

• Published in: Journal of tissue viability 2022-05, Vol.31 (2), p.309-314
• Main Authors: Jiménez-Cano, Víctor, Martínez-Nova, Alfonso, Caracuel-López, Juan Miguel, Escamilla-Martínez, Elena, Gómez-Martín, Beatriz, Sánchez-Roríguez, Raquel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Female; Foot; Humans; Male; Metatarsal Bones; Patient Discharge; Plantar pressures; Pressure; Pressure relieve; Skin; Socks
• ISSN: 0965-206X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2021.11.005

Cushioning for the central and plantar zone of the forefoot, integrated into the body of the sock, could reduce excess pressures in that zone. The objective of this study was to verify the capacity of a sock with a cushioning element to reduce forefoot plantar pressures relative to the same sock model without that element. Dynamic plantar pressures were measured in a sample of 38 participants (25 women and 13 men) using the FootScan plate system following the two-step protocol. Measurements were made in three situations selected at random – barefoot, wearing control socks, and wearing the experimental cushioned socks. Maximum pressures were analysed in seven zones of the forefoot (hallux, lesser toes, and 1st to 5th metatarsal heads). The zone of greatest plantar pressure was in all situations located under the 3rd metatarsal head. The pressure was lower (p = 0.009) under the 2nd metatarsal head with the experimental sock (10.2 ± 3.1 N/cm2) than with the other two conditions – barefoot (11.8 ± 3.7 N/cm2) and control sock (11.9 ± 4.9 N/cm2). The 3rd metatarsal head presented lower plantar pressures (p = 0.004) with the experimental sock (12.6 ± 3.8 N/cm2) than barefoot (14.5 ± 4.9 N/cm2). The experimental socks, with plantar cushioning, were able to effectively reduce the plantar pressures on the central part of the forefoot. This reduction may lead to less discomfort for subjects suffering pain in this area, It may also result in avoiding the appearance of possible skin lesions associated with excess pressure (such as calluses, corns, or blisters). •A new 3D plantar U-shaped cushion element has been designed to test the effect.•Experimental socks lead to a plantar pressure reduction under the central forefoot.•2nd MTH in new socks presented lesser pressures values than barefoot and control.