Investigate the Effect of Using an Adaptable Orthosis with Airbag Cushion as an Arch Support for Flatfoot Treatment

Abstract

Flatfoot is an abnormality that affects forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot. This deformity also referred to as pes planus, in which the medial longitudinal arch is collapsed. Flatfoot can be accosted with symptoms such as pain and swelling. Objective: the aim of this study is to develop an adaptable flatfoot orthosis that uses an airbag cushion to support the arch and help in reducing the pain and improving the pressure distribution. Methods: the patient went through a physical test and a cast from Plaster bandage was made to the patient’s foot to have the exact foot measurement for the orthosis design. The orthosis was made from two layers, the first layer was made from a Polypropylene sheet as the orthosis base, and the second layer was made from Plastazote. The airbag cushion was placed between the two layers and connected to the air pump. Gait analysis test was carried out on PWALK device with two conditions (with foot orthosis, and without foot orthosis) to test the efficiency of the orthosis. Results: the gait analysis confirmed that foot orthotics optimize pressure distribution, arch height, and pain reduction during the gait cycle. Conclusion: our study aims to analyze the benefits of using airbag cushions in flatfoot orthosis. We designed a prototype orthosis with a semi-rigid structure and an airbag cushion to support the arch. The semi-rigid structure allows for normal foot arch mobility, while the airbag cushion helps reduce pain and improve arch height and pressure distribution