[Ergonomic and biomechanical study of foot stress in workers using sewing machines]

Functional and morphologic examinations of the feet of 100 sewing-machine-workers have been performed, and a comparison with a control group. The relative frequency of radiological changes was similar in both groups, most commonly on metatarso-phalangeal joints, on the tarsus and in the form of a spine of Achilles tendon. However, clinical and functional changes were significantly more often on the feet of sewing-machine-workers, which were perimalleolar oedema, metatarsalgia and hallux valgus. The changes are more often and serious parallelly to the age and duration of employment, they are more common on the forefoot, and markedly influence the working ability. Concerning the shape of foot, more changes were found on an "egyptian" than on a square foot. Summation of microtraumas and previous changes on the foot (before getting employed) contribute to the development of the found changes.