The usefulness of arch pads for people with floating toe: the effects of three different arch pads on the toes

摘要

This study examined the usefulness of arch pads as a conservative treatment for floating toe. The subjects were 21 female junior high school students with floating toe and no diseases of the foot. The floating toes were toes 4 and 5. Arch pads were placed in the regulation indoor school shoes, and the results examined. The use of arch pads improved floating toe in the static upright posture. During walking, there were significant increases in the load on the toes, walking speed, and stride length. Lateral longitudinal arch pads caused toes 4 and 5 to bend. These findings suggest that inserting an insole into the shoes of people with floating toe increases the load on the toes, thus improving floating toe and giving better gait motion. Furthermore, lateral longitudinal arch pads are useful for people with floating toe involving toes 4 and 5.