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

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Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2007 Oct 24

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

shoe design.

Yu J, Cheung JT, Fan Y, Zhang Y, Leung AK, Zhang M.

Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong

Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China.

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.