Bonnano, B., Daniel, R., Landorf, K., Hylton, M. (2011). Pressure-relieving properties of various shoe inserts in older people with plantar heel pain. Gait & Posture; 3169
Formthotics significantly reduce heel peak plantar pressure without increasing forefoot pressure in older adults.
Plantar heel pain is a common pathology of older adults and one with that has a range of treatment modalities. This study showed an attenuation of heel peak plantar pressure by the Formthotics of five times that of the two next most effective inserts trialled. The contoured manufacture of Formthotics increased the pressure distribution through the arch and heel thus reducing peak heel pressure. Importantly, Formthotics did not increase forefoot loading as was found with the other inserts tested.