First metatarsophalangeal joint reaction forces during high-heel gait.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint reaction forces were calculated for 11 normal females during the toe-off phase of gait while walking in bare feet and in high heeled shoes. A biomechanical model was used to calculate the forces utilizing kinematic, kinetic, footprint, and radiographic data. The results showed that the MTP joint reaction forces (FJ), the metatarsal-sesamoid forces (FS), and the resultant of these forces (FRES), were twice as large in high heels compared to barefoot walking. The average peak forces for barefoot and high-heeled gait were FJ: 0.8 and 1.58 times body weight, FS: 0.44 and 1.03 times body weight, and FRES: 0.93 and 1.88 times body weight. Also, the kinematics changed when wearing high heels, making angles of application of forces and sesamoidal articulations less favorable.