Evaluation of the effect of different height heel wedges on postural stability and plantar pressure in women with genu recurvatum

Objective: In mild cases of genu recurvatum, normal alignment can be achieved by using orthotic heel wedges, as a conservative treatment. The aim of this study is to analyze the instant effects of heel wedges of different heights on postural stability and plantar pressure by changing the angle of hyperextension in healthy women with genu recurvatum. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy women between the ages of 20 and 35 were included into the study. Recurvatum angles were measured by using standard goniometer and College des Jeunes Orthopedistes application. Individuals with a hyperextension angle between 10° and 15° were included in the study. Static and stabilometric data were recorded by the Sensor Medica baropedography device. Analyses were carried out on barefoot and wedges of 1 cm, 2.5 cm, and 5 cm. Results: In the static analysis, a positive significant difference was found between barefoot and 2.5 cm wedge in the parameters of left and right forefoot and rearfoot load, forefoot weight ratio, rearfoot surface, total surface, average pressure, maximum pressure, left forefoot surface (P < .05). In the stabilometric analysis, a positive significant difference was found between the barefoot and 2.5 cm wedge, and swing length was decreased in both eyes open and closed conditions (P < .05). Conclusion: In our study, the 2.5 cm wedge brings the knee angle closer to the anatomical angle than the 1 cm and 5 cm wedges and has positive effects on plantar pressure and stability. According to the findings, we recommend that individuals with 10°-15° recurvatum use a 2.5 cm wedge in their shoes.