Does Medial Calcaneal Wedge Improve Static Balance and Load Distribution in Young Adults With Pronated Foot?

In a normal foot, the subtalar joint is pronated from heel strike to sole contact, which makes the midtarsal joint and forefoot flexible. Between sole contact and toe lift, the subtalar joint becomes supinated and the foot turns into a rigid lever (1,2). Hindfoot overpronation can be defined as pronation of the subtalar joint during gait phases in which supination is normal. It can cause problems such as abnormal pronation in the foot, increased flexibility, deterioration in load distribution, hallux valgus and heel spurs, and postural disorders involving the leg, knee, hip and spine (3). In addition, the increase in rear foot pronation negatively affects the physical performance of individuals such as jumping and running (4). Commonly used conservative methods to prevent pronation in the subtalar joint include exercises to support the medial arch, strengthen muscles and ligaments, electrical stimulation, insoles, wedges, and applications such as flexible and inflexible taping techniques (1,5).

Medial wedge is a method frequently preferred by physiotherapists in terms of ease of use among the methods used in the routine. It is thought that the contact of the medial longitudinal arch support of the insole with the foot prevents the increase in pronation of the foot and reduces the load on the arch structures. The medial longitudinal arch support transfers the load on the heel region to the midfoot and the decrease in maximum pressure in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal regions is explained by the insoles turning the foot towards supination. It is stated that excessive pronation of the hindfoot and the secondary deformities it may cause can be prevented by the use of simple supports applied under the foot.

The foot is located at the most distal point and acts as the support base for this kinematic chain. For this reason, the smallest dynamic change in the foot affects the balance of the whole body (6). Balance is the ability to keep the body's center of gravity within the acceptable limits of the support surface during activities such as sitting, standing or walking, and it is a complex process that includes versatile sensory, motor and biomechanical components (7).

It is known that foot deformities in seniors negatively affect balance and cause falls (8). Along with the changes in the gravity line in neurological diseases, problems are seen in maintaining the balance starting from the sitting level and in situations that require a change in movement. Conditions such as loss of balance or inability to maintain body position in athletes may prevent the athlete from performing the expected performance, as well as cause injuries (9). Balance improvement has an important place in every field of physiotherapy. Improving balance, increasing function in the athlete, improving performance; To ensure the continuity of mobility in neuromuscular diseases and neurological problems, to increase the quality of life; in healthy individuals, it is important to prevent injuries. In this study, the immediate effect of the medial heel wedge on static balance and weight distribution in individuals with pronated foot was investigated.