Influence of insole slope on bone joint stress, foot bone stress, and foot pressure distribution

摘要

This study aimed to investigate the effect of insole slope on bone joint stress, foot bone stress, and foot pressuredistribution by means of finite element (FE) methods. A three-dimensional (3D) FE model was reconstructed from computedtomography data using image processing and computer aided design software. A model of an insole placed under the foot skin in3D FE model geometry was based on a Smile Feet insole. Four conditions for the analysis included one barefoot biomechanicalanalysis and three biomechanical analyses with 0-, 5-, and 10-degree insole slopes. In the barefoot analysis, high foot pressurewas concentrated on the forefoot and heel regions. The insole redistributed the foot pressure to the mid-foot region and reducedstress at the intervertebral discs of L4-L5 and L5-S1, and at the hip joint. The slope of the in-sole resulted in changes in the stressexhibited in various joints and bones. Higher insole slopes tended to increase the stress, especially at the ankle joint and footbones.