WHAT IS THE PELMATOGRAM?
Epidemiological data shows that all human beings experience foot pain at least once in their life, whereas 10% of the population experiences chronic foot pain. Standing, intense physical activities and mainly unsuitable shoes are mostly responsible for causing or increasing foot pain, as well as severe conditions.
The pelmatogram is a painless medical examination that detects anatomical and functional problems that cause foot pain. It analyzes pressure distribution and digitally imprints the morphology of the sole, in order for special orthopedic insoles to be constructed to fit the patient’s foot particularities. If a pelmatogram is necessary or not is determined by the orthopedist, who can use it to assess problems that could cause maldistribution of mechanical forces that act on the skeleton during walking or standing.

WHEN IS THE PELMATOGRAM RECOMMENDED?
In cases of sole conditions such as flatfeet, talipes cavus, talipes varus, problems with metatarsals or heel spurs, which are asymmetric bone growths on the lower surface of the heel, the pelmatogram is usually recommended. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool for the detection of arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knees, hip and spine, as well as during pregnancy or after birth, to relieve the back by the use of special soles.
The pelmatogram is the most suitable medical examination to diagnose scoliosis, chondropathy of the patella and calluses, leg length discrepancy, even neuralgias, disc herniation, sciatica, lumbago, as well as lower limb conditions due to diabetes mellitus. It can also provide answers to problems such as severe strains and fractures of the lower limbs and pelvis.

IS IT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN?
Since it is a very simple and accurate examination, it is ideal for children. In cases of children with flatfeet, specially made orthotic insoles, adjusted to the child’s foot particularities, are the best alternative to anatomic shoes that are in the market. Additionally, the pelmatogram can help the orthopedist monitor the condition’s progress.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE EXAMINATION?
A special pelmatography device is used to record foot pressure measurements. Its multiple sensors are used to ‘‘read’’ what occurs in every part of the foot’s sole when the patient steps on the device.
The foot pressure measurements are divided into two types, dynamic readings and static readings. Dynamic readings process diverse phases of gait pressures and how they are exerted on the plantar aspect when the examined individual is walking. In static readings, the examined individual stands on the pelmatography device and the standing pressure distribution on the plantar aspect is recorded.
Data collected by the foot pressure measurements are processed and analyzed by a customized computer program. With the results of the pelmatogram in mind, the orthopedist decides whether the construction of personalized anatomic insoles for the patient’s shoes is necessary. Additionally, anatomic insoles can improve body posture, better absorption of shocks and reduce physical exhaustion.