Effect of Heel Height on Forefoot Loading

Sixty feet of 30 normal subjects were investigated to determine the effect of changing the heel height on forefoot loading. Subjects walked across footplates barefoot and with rigid polyurethane heels attached to the foot with a tubular bandage. The total load on the forefoot remained unchanged at all of the heel heights, but the distribution of the load changed as the heel was raised. The area of forefoot contact with the footplates decreased and there was a deviation of load toward the medial side of the forefoot with a resultant increase in pressure. These effects could contribute to overload of the distal forefoot and especially of the first ray.