A 2-d finite element model of the human foot

The development of a 2-D finite element model of a child's foot described. The model is constructed in the saggital plane and consists of the foot, ankle and a portion of the tibia. The model is used to gain a better understanding of structure and function in the normal foot by furnishing stress distributions. Although the model is based on a child's foot, results can be generalized to the adult foot. Eventually, the aim is to the use the model for understanding the role of mechanical stress in the etiology of foot disorders in children.