Pes Planus

Question 1

What is pes planus also known as?

Answer 1

Flat feet or fallen arches

Question 2

What is typically seen in flat feet?

Answer 2

The medial border of the foot is in contact (or nearly in contact) with the ground;
the heel becomes valgus and the foot pronates at the subtalar-midtarsal complex.

Question 3

Pes planus is commonly seen in:

Answer 3

Children

Question 4

Describe acquired Pes planus in adults

Answer 4

Dysfunction of the tibialis posterior tendon - a common and important cause
Degenerative changes in foot and ankle joints:

Question 5

What are some contributing factors of pes planus?

Answer 5

Footwear: shoes which limit toe movement; high heels.
A tight achilles tendon or calf muscle
Obesity

Question 6

Whys is it not a problem if a 1 year old child has flat feet?

Answer 6

All infants have flatfeet until approximately two years of age.
Most children are flat-footed until they are between the ages of 3 and 5 when their longitudinal arch develops normally.

Question 7

What will we observe in patients with pes planus when they are standing ?

Answer 7

Valgus position of the heel and forefoot

Pronation of the midfoot

Question 8

Whats the best way to diagnose pes planus?

Answer 8

Observe from different angles the patient stand, walk and examining his/her feet.

Question 9

Why is it important to change views during observation of the patient?

Answer 9

Lateral view shows the longitudinal arch and talonavicular joint
AP view shows the degree of heel valgus (talocalcaneal angle)