The effect of pads on foot morphology in athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the effect of a pad on foot morphologies in patients with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) requires more reliable and objective methods, rather than conventional subjective observations. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pads on foot morphologies during quiet standing in athletes with MTSS. METHODS: We measured three-dimensional foot morphologies in 30 feet with MTSS and 40 healthy feet. RESULTS: The analysis showed that Hallux valgus degree, calcaneal angle, arch height, and arch height ratio differed significantly as a result of the pad support, compared to no pad support in the MTSS group. The pad support only resulted in significant differences in arch height, compared to no support in the control group. Furthermore, thumb side angle, calcaneal angle, and arch height ratio were significantly different between the MTSS and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that changes in foot morphologies because of the use of a pad can be measured objectively in patients with MTSS.