Comparing Medial Arch Supports with Different Rubber Densities for Adolescents with Flexible Pes Planus

Background Flexible flatfoot in adolescents characterized by medial arch collapse disrupts foot biomechanics and causes discomfort. Medial arch supports such as those made from microcellular rubber MCR offer potential relief but further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the material and shore hardness.Objectives The objectives of the study were to compare the effectiveness of different Shores 15deg A and 20degA of MCR and to evaluate the change in the height of the medial longitudinal arch.Methods A randomized study involving 30 adolescents with flexible pes planus compared the effects of custom medial arch supports with different Shore hardness levels Control group Shore 15 and Experimental group Shore 20 assessing Navicular Drop Test NDT scores and plantar pressure measurements both pre and post-interventionResults Both control group and experimental group MCR medial arch supports significantly improved NDT scores in both right and left feet P lt0.05 indicating an elevation in medial longitudinal arch height. Plantar pressure static measurements showed significant improvement in both groups P lt0.001 with slight differences favouring the experimental group. Dynamic plantar pressure differences were significantly reduced post-intervention for both groups P lt0.05. No significant differences were noted between the experimental and control groups among individuals with pes planus.Conclusion The study suggests that both Shore 15 and Shore 20 MCR medial arch supports effectively correct flexible pes planus in adolescents. While NDT scores were slightly higher in the control group the experimental group showed a greater impact on static plantar pressure. Orthotists can select between Shore 15 and Shore 20 based on individual patient needs for optimal outcomes.