The effect of foot type on the foot morphology and plantar pressure distributions of obese children

Obese children with flatfoot tolerate not only the excessive load, but also the foot structure deformity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different foot types on the foot morphology and plantar pressure distributions of obese children. Relative data of 30 obese children with flatfoot and another matched 30 obese children with normal arch foot were recorded. When the foot measures were normalized to the length of the foot, significantly lower instep height and longer instep circumference were found in obese children with flatfoot. Obese children with flatfoot displayed significantly greater pressure rate and force-time integral beneath the midfoot region, while displayed decreased load pattern beneath the 5th metatarsal region. Small variations in foot morphology must be incorporated to the last design to meet the comfort and functionality requirements of specialized shoe for obese children with flatfoot. Obese children with flatfoot could be at an increased risk for midfoot injuries such as stress fractures.