Socks with an U-shaped 3D discharge element are capable to reduce dynamic plantar pressures under the central forefoot.

Cushioning for the central and plantar zone of the forefoot, integrated into the body of the sock, could reduce excess pressures in that zone. The objective of this study was to verify the capacity of a sock with a cushioning element to reduce forefoot plantar pressures relative to the same sock model without that element. Dynamic plantar pressures were measured in a sample of 38 participants (25 women and 13 men) using the FootScan plate system following the two-step protocol. Measurements were made in three situations selected at random - barefoot, wearing control socks, and wearing the experimental cushioned socks. Maximum pressures were analysed in seven zones of the forefoot (hallux, lesser toes, and 1st to 5th metatarsal heads). The zone of greatest plantar pressure was in all situations located under the 3rd metatarsal head. The pressure was lower (p = 0.009) under the 2nd metatarsal head with the experimental sock (10.2 ± 3.1 N/cm2) than with the other two conditions - barefoot (11.8 ± 3.7 N/cm2) and control sock (11.9 ± 4.9 N/cm2). The 3rd metatarsal head presented lower plantar pressures (p = 0.004) with the experimental sock (12.6 ± 3.8 N/cm2) than barefoot (14.5 ± 4.9 N/cm2). The experimental socks, with plantar cushioning, were able to effectively reduce the plantar pressures on the central part of the forefoot. This reduction may lead to less discomfort for subjects suffering pain in this area, It may also result in avoiding the appearance of possible skin lesions associated with excess pressure (such as calluses, corns, or blisters).

Effectiveness of a Central Discharge Element Sock for Plantar Temperature Reduction and Improving Comfort.

U-shaped plantar cushions could help reduce stress affecting the central forefoot without the need for an orthosis, but they are yet to be integrated as an element in socks. The objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a sock with a central discharge element in terms of plantar temperature and comfort. The sample comprised 38 subjects (13 men and 25 women). Their plantar temperatures were measured with a thermographic camera in a basal situation and after each of two 10-minute walks around an indoor circuit during which they wore either control or experimental socks at random (the same design, weight, and fiber, but with the plantar cushioning element added). After the walks, each subject responded to a comfort questionnaire (five-point Likert scale), blindly scoring the two socks. The highest temperatures (28.3 ± 2.7 °C) were recorded in the zone of the second and third metatarsal heads. With the experimental socks, the observed temperature increase in the central forefoot zone was significantly less than with the control socks (31.6 vs. 30.6 °C, p = 0.001). The subjects found the experimental socks to be more comfortable than the controls (4.63 ± 0.5 vs. 4.03 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). The discharge element included in the experimental socks was effective since it reduced the contact zones and excess friction with the ground, thereby lessening overheating by more than 1 °C. Furthermore, the experimental socks were perceived as being more comfortable by the subjects who had mild and occasional foot discomfort.