Pedobarography is a computerized foot examination commonly used in the world, which shows the pressure distribution on the sole of the foot. It is one of the most important foot examinations - it allows to detect abnormalities in their structure and select the best treatment method. What are the indications for pedobarography and how does this test work?
Pedobarographyshows the shape and function of the foot while standing and moving, and allows early detection of all kinds offoot diseases . It is also useful in detecting flat feet or posture defects. There are as many as 26 bones and 33 joints in the feet? That's 12 percent. the entire human skeleton. No wonder then that when the feet suffer, the whole body suffers. Every day, while walking, pressure is put on our feet as much as 500 tons! This is a huge burden that can be harmful to the feet. Therefore, if you suffer from diseases of the feet, hallucinations or hammer toes, it is worth consulting a specialist.
Pedobarography: indications
The beginnings of developmentpedobarographydate back to the eighties of the twentieth century. It is widely used in the work of an orthopedist, podiatrist, physiotherapist and others, contributing to the improvement of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot diseases. It allows you to make precise measurements of pressure (pressure and force) on every square centimeter of the plantar side of the feet, both when standing and while dynamically walking.
Apart from its obvious usefulness in diseases of the foot, such as bunions, flat foot, rheumatic foot, hammer toes, matatarsalgia, pedobarography is an invaluable study in the treatment of diabetic foot. Pedobarographic examination allows to visualize the zones excessively exposed to the development of diabetic foot ulcers. It facilitates the selection of appropriate conservative treatment (shoes, orthopedic insoles, etc.) to prevent further progression of lesions and to undertake properly targeted surgical treatment.
According to an expertDr. Zbigniew Jackowiak, orthopedist and owner of the HalluxMed clinic in PoznańPedobarography is an examination that, apart from radiological, ultrasound, magnetic resonance and other examinations, should always be performed before the planned surgery on the feet. Such diagnostics also allows forprecise planning of surgical and postoperative treatment. It is also of great importance in the selection of orthopedic insoles.
Pedobarography: the course of the study
The examination is non-invasive and does not require any preparation on the part of the patient. The measurement is made using a mat with sensors connected to a computer, which analyzes the pressure of the foot on an ongoing basis, both in a standing position and during movement. The maximum pressure (the most important for the treatment) and the average pressure are calculated with the simultaneous measurement of the foot surface. The test performed in this way, together with a footprint and a medical description, enables the selection of the best insole or other relief.
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