KEYWORDS: Foot; Primary health care; Quality of life

Purpose: Forensic podiatry is the application of the professional knowledge of this specialist in the legal field as an expert. Forensic podiatrists collaborate in the forensic identification of evidence that, from the foot, can help clarify what happened at a crime or crime scene. At the scene of the crime, footprints, shoe prints, and traces are evidence that are present even though they might not be immediately visible. The forensic analysis of a suspect’s gait is evidence sometimes available and has as an important characteristic: it is an individualistic parameter and even a biometric factor. This gait analysis can be very relevant as evidence in the context of a crime. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the reliability of gait forensics with respect to the use of angular measurements compared to observational analysis of morphological characteristics to identify the current gold standard. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature available in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Dialnet has been carried out. Nine observational studies were selected after applying the eligibility criteria. Results: The selected studies were analytical and provided, among other information, numerical data on the reliability, reproducibility, and validity of the analysis methods in question. There is not enough conclusive scientific evidence on the reliability of the method of analysis using angular measurements, as there is controversy between authors. Conclusion: Forensic gait analysis based on angular measurements shows reliability limitations due to intra-individual factors (mood, clothing), requiring further empirical evidence; in contrast, the observational method analyzing of unique gait characteristics emerges as the most reliable method, offering high accuracy, validity, and reproducibility when conducted by trained biomechanical experts.

Anthropometric identification is crucial in legal contexts, where height is a relevant distinguishing characteristic. The estimation of height through plantar impressions is a tool used in forensic podiatric examinations, and it is relevant to be familiar with the most suitable techniques for correlating the length of the footprints with height. This systematic review aims to evaluate forensic identification methods by analysing inked footprint collection and measurement techniques, their correlation with height, and the available scientific evidence. A systematic review of the available literature was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Dialnet. Descriptive observational studies linking the length of plantar impressions of healthy adults of both sexes with their height were included. Seven studies published between 2012 and 2020 were selected. All studies showed statistically significant correlations between height and plantar impression measurements, analyzed using Pearson´s correlation coefficient. The inked footprint method was the most widely used and demonstrated high reliability. Additionally, techniques based on foot contours and pedigraphs also showed strong correlations with height and foot length. However, the scientific evidence on this topic is limited, highlighting the need for further research to optimise these techniques and enhance their validity for forensic applications.

Hallux limitus pathology is defined as a limitation of the dorsiflexion movement of the first toe without degenerative involvement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which produces pain and generates functional impairment, especially in the propulsive phase of gait. It is very common to find this pathology in adulthood accompanied by other compensations at a biomechanical level as a consequence of blockage of the main pivot in the sagittal plane. The aim was to determine the symmetry index that occurs in dynamics affiliated with other gait parameters in subjects with and without hallux limitus. A total of 70 subjects were part of the sample, and these were separated into two groups, each consisting of 35 subjects, depending on whether they had bilateral hallux limitus or if they were healthy subjects. In this study, a platform was used to assess the load symmetry index and walking phases. The results showed significant differences in the symmetry index for lateral load (p = 0.023), the initial contact phase (p = 0.003), and the flatfoot phase (p < 0.001). The adults who had bilateral hallux limitus exhibited changes in the symmetry index during the lateral load as well as in the initial contact and flatfoot contact phases, demonstrating increased instability when compared to individuals with normal feet.

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a frequent cause of heel pain, affecting approximately 10% of the population. Conservative treatments such as iontophoresis and low-dye taping (LDT) are widely used to alleviate symptoms, often providing short-term pain relief. Objective: This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy of iontophoresis (with 5% acetic acid, 0.4% dexamethasone, dexamethasone and lidocaine, or placebo) versus low-dye taping (LDT) in treating plantar fasciitis. Additionally, it evaluates the combined effect of iontophoresis and LDT application. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases, following PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were predefined. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data from eligible studies, assessing their quality. Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials, non-randomized clinical trials, case–control studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: [blind for review]). Results: Eight studies published between 1997 and 2018 were included, providing a moderate level of evidence. Both iontophoresis (with the specified agents) and low-dye taping, alone or combined, were associated with statistically significant reductions in pain scores compared to baseline. Conclusion: Iontophoresis and low-dye taping are effective conservative interventions for plantar fasciitis, with their combined use also showing beneficial effects. These treatments can be considered viable options to reduce pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.