The effect on gait of the lack of ground connection by the toes in standing

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the foot pressure while walking of people who have floating toe deformity. Subjects: We chose 20 people with normal toes to participate in the control group and 20 people with toes that were not in contact the floor to participate in the floating toe group. Methods: We used the F-scan system to investigate the foot pressure in both groups. From these results, we chose the maximum pressure of each toe and the length of the pathway of the center of gravity while walking. Results: Compared to the control group, the floating toe deformity group showed a decreased maximum pressure in each toe, and the pathway of the center of gravity did not reach the toes. Conclusion: The people who have a floating toe deformity do not build a base of support. As a result, it is difficult to move the center of foot pressure forward when walking. In addition, people that have a floating toe deformity have concentrated pressure on the plantar metatarsal heads, and, therefore, floating toe deformities can cause foot alignment anomalies.