flat foot

flat foot

A common (20–30% of the population) complaint, which affects many age groups. True flat feet (as defined by orthopaedists) are uncommon. Often, a parent will perceive flattening of the foot when a child first ambulates; laxity of the ligaments may result in collapse of the foot with valgus on the hind-foot, and eversion or pronation of the forefoot. Avalgus deformity of > 10% requires therapy; often a shoe will suffice as therapy. Flat foot grades are based on disability, ranging from mere strain or tenderness to osseous rigidity. The peroneal spastic flat feet variant is commonly due to abnormal coalescence between 2 or more tarsal bones, often at the calcaneocuboid, calcaneonavicular, and talocalcaneal bars.

Flat foot, acquired types
Ligamentous—Due to tendino-ligamentous trauma
Muscular—Due to poor control or incoordination (from e.g., poliomyelitis or cerebral palsy).
Osseous—Due to trauma or degeneration.
Postural—Due to internal tibial torsion as occurs in obesity, muscle fatigue, faulty footwear and/or strenuous work on feet, and arthritis.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

flat foot

Pes planus Orthopedics A common complaint, which affects many age groups; true FF are uncommon; often the parent will perceive flattening of the foot when a child first ambulates; laxity of the ligaments may result in collapse of the foot with valgus on the hindfoot, and eversion or pronation of the forefoot; a valgus deformity of > 10% requires therapy; often a shoe will suffice as therapy

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

flat foot

The condition in which the normal longitudinal arch of the foot has collapsed. This is mainly due to weakness of the muscles that support the arch and this may result from prolonged standing leading to muscle fatigue, or from illness. The foot turns out and the condition tends to be painful while it is developing and painless thereafter. Treatment involves strengthening the weak muscles by exercises and support of the foot so that the arch is restored.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Patient discussion about flat foot

Q. Can flat feet be repaired by surgery? I have flat feet and I’m looking for all sorts of treatments for it- I heard there is a surgery for it- is it helpful?

A. As far as I know- they don’t treat flat feet that are asymptomatic. So first of all check if it bothers you. secondly there are 2 kinds of flat feet- rigid and flexible. There are different and treated differently. Not always a surgery (which is very painful and costly) is needed– I went to a Rolf method therapist by the advice of my orthopedic and it’s much better now. Ask an orthopedic.

Q. I think my son has flat foot, how to tell for sure? I didn't notice it before, he is 3 years old now and all shoes hurt him. Does it mean he has flat foot? what else can it be?

A. Pes planus (flat foot) is not a rare condition in toddlers, and may resolves spontaneously as the child grows. It is diagnosed clinically, i.e. by a doctor such as pediatrician or pediatric orthopedic surgeon, and radiographs are not universally indicated

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