Development of a finite element model of female foot for high-heeled shoe design

Abstract Background Wearing high-heeled shoes may produce deleterious effects on the musculoskeletal system while elevation of the shoe heel with arch insole insert is used as a treatment strategy for plantar fasciitis. Due to limitations of the experimental approaches, direct measurements of intern...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical biomechanics (Bristol) 2008-01, Vol.23, p.S31-S38
Main Authors: Yu, Jia, Cheung, Jason Tak-Man, Fan, Yubo, Zhang, Yan, Leung, Aaron Kam-Lun, Zhang, Ming
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computational model
Computer Simulation
Computer-Aided Design
Equipment Design
Equipment Failure Analysis
Foot - physiology
Foot biomechanics
Footwear design
Hallux valgus
Humans
Models, Biological
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Plantar pressure
Pressure
Shoes
Stress, Mechanical
Weight-Bearing - physiology
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Summary:Abstract Background Wearing high-heeled shoes may produce deleterious effects on the musculoskeletal system while elevation of the shoe heel with arch insole insert is used as a treatment strategy for plantar fasciitis. Due to limitations of the experimental approaches, direct measurements of internal stress/strain of the foot are impossible or invasive. This study aims at developing a finite element model for evaluating the biomechanical effects of high-heeled support on the ankle-foot complex. Methods A 3D anatomically detailed FE model of the female foot and ankle together with a high-heeled support was developed and used to investigate the plantar contact pressure and internal loading responses of the bony and soft tissue structures of the foot with varying heel heights during simulated balanced standing. Findings In the balanced standing position with high-heeled support, a pronounced increase in von Mises stress at the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint was predicted. The strain on plantar fascia decreased compared to the flat horizontal support and valgus deformity of the hallux was not significant. Interpretation The increased stress in forefoot especially at the first MTP segment during prolonged high-heeled standing may contribute to progressive hallux valgus (HV) deformity. However, the reduced tensile strain in the plantar fascia with heel elevation may help relieve plantar fasciitis related pain and inflammation.
ISSN:0268-0033
1879-1271
DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2007.09.005