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. Result: The mean peak systolic velocity of the studied veins varied from 12.2 cm/s to 41.7 cm/s in the control group and from 10.9 cm/s to 39.1 cm/s in the dysmorphic plantar group. The foot arch morphology did not affect significantly the venous blood flows, except in the great saphenous vein during manual compression. Conclusion: The plantar morphology did not induce a significant increase of venous blood velocity resulting from PVP stimulation.