Foot function in juvenile chronic arthritis.

Measurement of the force distribution under the foot has been used to assess the effect of juvenile chronic arthritis on foot function. The results obtained from the feet of eight patients were compared with the feet of 11 normal children. The peak forces and contact times were measured for functional areas of the foot. When considered as a group, the patients had significantly reduced loading under all the toes and the two medial metatarsal heads, and increased contact time for the heel.