What is flatfoot?
Flat feet are seen in adults and children. If flat feet appear in childhood, they are called pediatric flat feet. Although there are various types of flat feet, they share a common feature – partial or total arch collapse.
There are two types of flatfoot: symptomatic and asymptomatic. Symptomatic flat feet are associated with foot pain and limited motor function. Non-symptomatic flat feet do not have these symptoms. Another type of flatfoot is physiological flatfoot, which means that the arch is intact when the foot is standing and not bearing weight. This type of flatfoot has a significant impact on the body, and symptoms tend to appear at an older age.
Case Sharing
A 19-year-old female patient with left knee pain had an x-ray showing chronic osteoarthritic changes in the left knee. The knee pain occurred after walking for a long time. After follow-up she had severe foot pain after walking. After examination, her body posture was found to be very problematic and her feet were physiological flat feet and there was a 25px difference between the left and right legs. after sports rehabilitation and orthopedic insole treatment, the patient’s knee pain was soon relieved.
Characteristics of flat feet
1. deviation of the toes: the toes and the front of the foot are tilted outward.
2.Heel turned outward and ankle rotated inward
3.The Achilles tendon is stretched
4.Long-term flat foot formation [exostosis and hammer finger.
Symptoms
Flatfoot can be apparent from birth or can appear several years later. Most children with flat feet have no symptoms. However, individuals may have symptoms such as.
1. pain and pressure in the feet and legs, or cramps in the legs, feet, or cramps.
2. protrusion of the heel outward.
3.Walking awkwardly or with abnormal walking posture.
4.It is difficult to choose a suitable pair of shoes when buying shoes.
5, easy fatigue, poor body stability and balance in sports; unable to walk long distances.
6.Knee, hip and back pain.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of flatfoot requires assessment of the shape and motor function of the foot during standing and sitting still.
X-rays are used to assess the severity of flatfoot deformity.
Non-surgical treatment
If asymptomatic, exercise exercises should be reinforced, orthotic insoles should be worn if necessary, and regular evaluations should be performed. There is hope that children can be cured of flatfoot with conservative treatment until growth and development are complete.
If flat feet are symptomatic, treatment is needed.
1.Adjustment of activity level
It is necessary to temporarily reduce the child’s activity level to relieve pain and minimize the time spent walking or standing.
2.Appropriate weight reduction
By reducing weight, the burden on the foot is significantly reduced, which can reduce the symptoms caused by flat feet.