Pes planus commonly referred to as “flat feet”. In this case loss of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, heel valgus deformity, and medial talar prominence. It is a fallen arch of the foot that caused the whole foot to make contact with the surface the individual is standing on. The deformity is usually asymptomatic, but can alter the biomechanics of the lower limbs and lumbar spine causing an increased risk of pain and injury.
It is of two forms,
Flexible flat foot.
Rigid flat
When the arch of the foot is intact on the heel elevation and non-bearing but disappears on full standing on the foot is called flexible flat foot. When the arch is not present in both heel elevation and weight bearing is called rigid flat foot.
Etiology
Pes planus can either be congenital or acquired.
Congenital
Children are prone to absent arches secondary to ligamentous laxity and lack of neuromuscular control.
Obesity in children is significantly correlated with the tendency of the longitudinal arch to collapse in early childhood.
Acquired
Occurs secondary to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It can be occurs in,
Females over the age of 40 with comorbidities, including diabetes and obesity.
Adults with congenital pes planus, especially those who participate in repetitive high impact sports such as basketball, running or soccer.
Patients with trauma to the mid foot or hind foot resulting in navicular, first metatarsal, calcaneal or Lis-Franc ligament complex demonstrate an increased risk of developing pes planus.
Patients with arthropathies.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or seronegative arthropathies.
Patients with diabetes and obesity.
Foot and ankle injury such as rupture or dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon.
Genetic malformations such as down syndrome, marfan syndrome.
Benefits of Physiotherapy management
We can do physiotherapy treatments to reduce pes planus.
Advantages of doing physiotherapy management are,
Regain movements
Strengthen the surrounding muscles
Provide initial relief of pain
Regain foot and ankle control
Reduce soreness
Ashcharya Diwyani
References
https://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/books/NBK430802
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