Flat-Foot, Pes Planus

Flat feet, also known as canis planus, is a common condition characterized by the absence of the arch of the foot and the entire sole of the foot contacting the floor surface. This condition can occur in infants and can also be acquired throughout life, often due to prolonged standing or excess body weight. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and possible treatments for flat feet.

The causes of flat feet can be varied. Some people have flat feet that are hereditary, while others may develop it due to a sprained foot or weak leg muscles. In infants, flat feet are common due to the development of the foot, and in most cases it disappears as the child grows. However, for some people, flat feet can persist into adulthood, causing discomfort and pain.

The main symptom of flat feet is fatigue and pain in the legs. People with flat feet may also experience discomfort in the feet, legs, knees, or even back. Due to the lack of an arch, the load on the joints and muscles of the legs may increase, which can lead to overexertion and pain. In some people, flat feet may be asymptomatic and cause no problems.

In most cases, flat feet do not require special treatment, especially if they do not cause discomfort or pain. However, if flat feet are bothersome and cause unpleasant symptoms, various treatment options are available. Your doctor may recommend wearing orthopedic shoes with good arch support or special insoles to help improve foot support and reduce discomfort. Physical therapy and specific exercises may also be helpful to strengthen the muscles and improve foot stability.

Apart from treatment, it is important to prevent and control flat feet by taking some precautions. Regular moderate exercise, strengthening your leg muscles, and controlling excess weight can help improve foot support and reduce stress on your joints.

In conclusion, flat feet are a condition in which there is no arch of the foot and the sole is in full contact with the floor surface. Absence of the arch of the foot can be either congenital or acquired as a result of various factors. Although most cases of flat feet do not require specific treatment, if symptoms or discomfort occur, it is recommended that you consult a doctor and receive appropriate medical care. A specialist will be able to diagnose, assess the degree of flat feet and determine the best approach to treatment.

Flat feet in adults

Flat feet are a persistent decrease in the height of the arch of the foot in the longitudinal direction when standing on both legs, as well as the presence of both longitudinal and transverse flat feet. Both feet are affected. Mostly men suffer from longitudinal flatfoot, while women suffer from transverse flatfoot.[6] Longitudinal flatfoot occurs more often in older people, especially in loaders and diggers, who often suffer from long-term constipation. The development of transverse may be associated with long-term use of laxatives and pregnancy[3]. Previously, there was a division of flat feet into longitudinal and transverse; it is now generally accepted that complete flat feet can be longitudinal or transverse. There is also a mixed type of flatfoot, when the height of the arch is reduced in all directions - more often after surgical removal of the “bone” (Hallux valgus)[5], with clubfoot[6].

The longitudinal arch can be uneven and straight or “convex” and slope into the inner surface of the foot; In the absence of treatment, the transverse arch gradually loses height on both sides. Uneven arches and flat feet aggravate the flattening of the foot, which increases with weight bearing, lifting and lowering objects, and walking. With a spotted deformity of the transverse arch, pain occurs in the forefoot, in the periosteum and upon palpation, which is relieved by bending down and pressing the toes to the sole.