Technique to investigate calcaneal heel pad properties

Abstract

This project is to develop and design a Heel Pad Thickness Measuring (HPTM) device that is capable of measuring the heel pad thickness of an adult human. It was identified that such a device has potential as a diagnostic tool and could subsequently play a complementary role in foot reflexology therapy. The HPTM device utilises a hybrid technique of measurement. It combined a force displacement technique with ultrasonic imaging to measure the heel pad thickness in its compressed and uncompressed state.