Plantar pressure analysis is used primarily in medical diagnosis in the following areas:
1. Diagnosis of Foot Diseases
Identification of Structural Abnormalities
Flatfoot patients experience uniform arch pressure distribution, with significantly increased pressure in the forefoot and hindfoot.
High-arch foot patients experience pressure loss in the midfoot and concentrated pressure in the lateral metatarsal head.
Deformity Assessment
Ballux valgus patients experience abnormally increased pressure on the first metatarsal head, accompanied by altered heel valgus mechanics.
For patients with leg length discrepancy, quantifiable pressure asymmetry between the left and right feet can be used (e.g., a 1cm difference can cause knee pain).

2. Chronic Disease Management
Diabetic Foot Early Warning
Detection of localized high-pressure areas (commonly in the forefoot) helps prevent the risk of ulcers caused by neuropathy.
Assisted Diagnosis of Arthritis
Changes in dynamic pressure distribution on the affected side of patients with knee osteoarthritis are correlated with disease stage.
3. Rehabilitation and Prevention
Customized Orthotics: Designing cushioning insoles based on pressure distribution maps (e.g., diabetic foot decompression).
Child Development Monitoring: Early detection of splay gait improves intervention effectiveness by 40%.