Heel Elevation Update

By William M. Maykel, DC, DIBAK & John B. Manning, JR., DC
Presented at International College of Applied Kinesiology-USA
Meeting Summer, 1987, p. 257

Abstract: A random population of 83 patients ranging in age from eleven to sixty-five were tested with a Heal Helper wedge to determine their maximum permissible heel elevation before ensuing muscle weakness. A 1.25 to 3.25 inch range was determined, with a mean average of 2.42 inches.

In a previous paper ¹ I reported a preliminary range of maximum heel elevation to be between 1.25 and 1.5 inches. At this point of heel elevation, massive muscle weakness occurred, and I called this fixed point the calcaneal tolerance factor. Patients were measured on a specially designed stainless steel wedge called the Heal Helper.

In an effort to further evaluate this range we chose 83 patients with various problems and measured their calcaneal tolerance factor. The results showed that regardless of sex, age or health problem, a definite range existed. That range was found to be from 1.5 inches to 3.25 inches, with a mean average of 2.42 inches.

This measurement is useful for patient management in that it provides a nice reference point for patients to work with. It provides another “piece of the puzzle” in your patient’s healthcare regime.

Reference:

1. Collected Papers, ICAK, Winter 1984, p. 77