Plantar pressure sore formation during advanced phases of pregnancy and the effect of special footwear
Plantar pressure sore formation during advanced phases of pregnancy and the effect of special footwear

Summary/Abstract: Plantar pressure sore occurrence is an indicator of increased plantar pressures which may develop into subsequent foot problems and pain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of special footwear on plantar pressure sore distribution. 67 healthy pregnant women participated at all data collection session at their 27, 32 and 37 gestational weeks. At each data collection session, the plantar pressure sore distribution was assessed for both feet. During the first data collection session participants were randomly divided into a control and experimental group. Experimental group obtained the special footwear. For the control group, the results show an increased in pressure sores occurrence in the medial edge of thumb and first metatarso-phalangeal joint. The special footwear introduction in the experimental group increased the pressure sore occurrence at the edge of the heel, probably associated with the plantar pressure redistribution more to the heel area. The distribution of pressure sore areas of the control and experimental group is in accordance with our hypothesis that the special footwear redistributes the plantar pressures, however, the trend of these changes is not clear as there are many factors influencing the foot condition during advanced stages of pregnancy.

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