This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical variations among different types of foot arches. Plantar pressure and foot bone stress of three arch types under bipedal standing, single foot standing and running mid-stance were investigated by simulation. Compared with the normal foot, the stress in the hind foot area of high arch foot increased significantly, while the contact area of the low arch foot increased. Bone stress in high arch increased more significantly when changed from bipedal standing to single foot standing or running. The results support the link between abnormal arches and foot pain, providing design basis for orthopedic insoles.
Keywords: Finite element simulation; equivalent Mises stress; foot arch structure; plantar pressure.
FE foot model for different arch types under loadings has been constructed to analysis the complex biomechanical mechanism of foot. The plantar pressure and foot bone stress were investigated. The results revealed the link between abnormal arches and foot pain, providing a design basis for orthopedic insoles.