The Effect of Ballet Shoes on Plantar Foot during Ambulation

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to measure plantar foot pressure and to make comparison of plantar foot pressure between measurements with and without ballet shoes. METHOD: Sixty six feet of healthy ballerinas were evaluated by Footscan plate and Foot scan Pro 4.5 program to analyze plantar foot pressure. We measured plantar foot pressure with and without ballet shoes respectively. The foot was divided into 7 different points on the basis of each metatarsal bone head, 1st toe, and heel. Also total plantar foot pressure was measured. RESULTS: There were no difference in plantar foot pressure between with and without ballet shoes. The highest pressure point of plantar foot in all subjects is the heel with ballet shoes and the great toe without ballet shoes. And the highest pressure point of plantar foot in skilled ballerinas is the great toe with and without ballet shoes. Also the highest pressure point of plantar foot in unskilled ballerinas is the heel with ballet shoes and the second metatarsal head without ballet shoes. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the ballerinas may need the protective ballet shoes.

Congenital Lymphedema Seen as an Isolated Unilateral Arm Involvement

Congenital lymphedema is usually confined to the lower extremities and an isolated unilateral arm involvement is very rare. We report a 36-year-old women who had congenital lymphedema of the right forearm and hand.