Adult Acquired Flat Feet
Introduction:
The term “pes planus” is a broad category of pedal complaints that is a descriptive term rather than an actual diagnosis. This term simply means flat foot, which does not provide the podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons an appreciation of the broad range of complaints and difficulties that may be associated with this pathological entity. Pes planus presents in
all age groups and is often described by a range of names including pes planus, pes planovalgus, pes valgus, flatfoot, peritalar subluxation, and several others.
Biomechanics:
The foot is a complex organ, which is composed of many interacting anatomical components in a dynamic manner. As a result of these interactions the foot functions in a multiplanar manner. Flatfoot exists in any situation in which the medial longitudinal arch of the foot is flat or collapsed and in pathological situations.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Etiology:
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is referred to by various terms and one of these, adult acquired flatfoot, is quite appropriate as this disorder occurs in adults rather than children. The posterior tibialis tendon can rupture, becomes attenuated, or fails to function the mechanisms of supporting the medial arch and keeping the heel in neutral position.
Epidemiology: in all studies it show a strong predilection for females over males, 4:1 female to Adult Acquired Flat Feet occurs most commonly in patients over 50 years of age . A
study by Holmes and Mann found 76% of patients were women and 52% had diabetes, obesity, or hypertension. It is difficult to determine if these factors are correlated or actual causes as all three characteristics are more common in patients of advancing age. A preexisting flatfoot deformity is thought to exist in almost 100% of patients. These statistics are very similar to the patients that we see at our podiatry offices in Chino and Upland. Our foot doctors in Chino and Upland can correlate very well with these figures.
Examination:
Our podiatrists at Empire Foot and Ankle Center in both Upland and Chino locations are well trained and experienced to treat adult flat feet. Our foot and ankle specialists will perform a complete physical examination after obtaining medical history from the patients to come up with the best assessment and treatment plan for the patients in Inland Empire with flat foot deformity. Our foot and ankle surgeons use the newest diagnostic modalities including one of the most modern portable and wireless XRAY machines and an ultrasound machine to come up with proper diagnosis and treatment plan in both our Chino and Upland locations. Our upland foot doctors and Chino podiatrists come up with a unique treatment plan for each patient to relieve any foot and ankle pain and discomfort as soon as possible.
Treatment:
There are both non-surgical and surgical treatments for this pathology and podiatrists at Empire Foot and Ankle are well trained to treat patients either way. Early stages of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction may be treated relatively conservatively, including rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, and weightbearing immobilization with a below knee cast or cast
boot/cam walker for 6-8 weeks. At this point the patient is re-evaluated at our state of art Chino and Upland offices and further treatment is determined. If no deformity progression is seen the patient may be started on a physical therapy regimen and placed in a custom foot orthotic or ankle foot orthotic. If the deformity has progressed or presented as a progressive stage considerations for foot and ankle surgery may be necessary. Our foot and ankle surgeons will not perform any surgery unless they have exhausted all conservative treatments.
Please note that there is not only one kind of surgery for this pathology and there are different surgical procedures depending on the severity and plane dominance for this pathology.
Recommendation:
If you are suffering from flat foot deformity, please do not wait and come see one of our podiatrists in Chino or Upland location. Flat foot can progress and worsen over time but with early conservative therapy, many patients return back to activity and do not require any surgery in the future.
Our podiatry offices are within few miles from the cities of Upland, Chino, Ontario, Chino Hills, Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Pomona, Covina, Claremont, San Dimas, Eastvale, Alta Loma. Our expert podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons are well trained to perform conservative and surgical treatments for any foot and ankle diseases including flat feet, bunions, limb salvage, diabetic foot care, ingrown nail, fungus, plantar fasciitis, pediatric foot deformities, hammertoes, diabetic foot wounds, rheumatoid arthritis, wart, corns and calluses, circulatory system diseases, foot fractures, ankle fractures.
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