The Effect of Heel Height on the Anterior Transverse Arch of the Foot

In fifteen normal female volunteers, the effect of heel height of the shoes and ground reaction forces on the medial part of the anterior transverse arch of the foot during walking were investigated. Two electroconductive rubber sensors were used to measure the dynamic changes of the length of the anterior transverse arch during walking. On the dorsum of the foot, one of the sensors was attached in the space between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal head (medial part), and another between the 2nd and 5th metatarsal head (lateral part). The subjects were asked to walk in barefoot and with the experimental shoes of different heel heights. The peak expansion of the medial part and the ground reaction force were compared with the barefoot walking and walking with the shoes. The point of the lateral component coinciding with time of the maximum peak of the medial part showed significant increase in amplitude when the heel was 6cmor more indicating the lateral component acting medially. Two different types were observed in the dynamic changes of the medial part walking with shoes. One group (seven subjects) showed increase in peak expansion when the heel height was 6cm or more. Whereas in the other (eight subjects) no such change was observed. Based on these findings, it is suggested that when the heel height is 6cm or more, the counteraction of the lateral component of ground reaction force as well as type B feet together act on the big toe to deviate laterally and as a resultant hallux valgus deformity may develop in the long run