J Korean Soc Med Ultrasound.  2004 Dec;23(4):213-218.

Ultrasonographic Findings of Thickness and Compressibility of Heel Pads in Outpatient

• Rhee WI
• Kim JM

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of the heel-pad thickness and compressibility, and to compare these parameters according to age, gender and body mass index (BMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 94 volunteers without any heel problems were selected. The heel-pad thickness was measured by ultrasound. The compressibility, which manifested as the compressibility index (CI), was calculated as the ratio of the loaded heel-pad thickness (LHPT) to the unloaded heel-pad thickness (UHPT). RESULTS: The average UHPT and CI were 1.26 cm and 0.50 in group A (20-34 years), 1.25 cm and 0.54 in group B (35-49 years), and 1.09 cm and 0.57 in group C (50-65years). The average UHPT and CI were 1.22 cm and 0.53 in males and 1.11 cm and 0.53 in females. The average values for the UHPT and CI were 1.15 cm and 0.53 in the normal weight group, and 1.27 cm and 0.57 in the overweight group. The value of the UHPT was greater in men than in women, and showed a tendency to decrease with increase age. The CI increased with age, but there was no significant gender difference. The increased BMI in men led to an increase in the UHPT and CI. CONCLUSION: The average values of the heel-pad thickness and CI in the population without heel problems will be beneficial in providing background information and diagnostic information on patients with heel pain.

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Female
Heel*
Humans
Male
Outpatients*
Overweight
Reference Values
Ultrasonography
Volunteers