Foot Biomechanics

On Thursday and Friday of last week I spent the day with Dr. Tammy Owings who works in the biomechanics section of the biomedical engineering department. I got to see the technology she uses with patients to determine the correct footwear, mainly for people with diabetes. Many of her patients have ulcerations on their feet that will eventually cut open and become infected if not treated properly. Patients with the ulcerations are unable to feel there feet as a result of complications with diabetes. If continuous mistreatment occurs for a long period of time the patients may need amputations on their legs. I was able to see and use some of the technology she uses to determine the pressure points on their patients feet so she can get them the correct footwear. 

This is a picture of the pressure points of my left foot. It is in 3-D so you can  tell where it is the highest. The pink places are the highest and even though mine are high in some places those who need special shoes are many times higher than mine.