Effect of foot stato-dynamic disorders on hemodynamics of the lower limb using strain-gauge plethysmography.

Background: The plantar venous pump (PVP), composed of deep plantar veins, is the most distal contributor to venous return from the lower limbs. A pressing need still exists to assess how plantar muscle contraction and gait affect PVP function, how foot stato-dynamic disorders (FSDs) can contribute to venous insufficiency, and how venous return can be optimally stimulated. Our first objective is to compare the venous blood hemodynamics in lower limbs between healthy subjects with a FSD and healthy subjects without a FSD to understand the influence of foot morphology in the performance of the PVP.

Effect of dysmorphic plantar arch on venous hemodynamics of the lower limb.

Background: The role of the plantar venous pump (PVP) on venous return is evident but the effects of the foot morphology have never been characterized properly.

Method: 52 healthy volunteers-26 with normal plantar arch (control) and 26 with dysmorphic plantar arch (in two subgroups: 13 flat feet, 13 hollow feet)-were included. Using Doppler ultrasound, we measured the diameter and the peak systolic velocity in the large veins of the lower limb after PVP stimulation by manual compression and bodyweight transfer.