Pes planus is a condition otherwise known as flat foot. It is often joked about as" the thing that kept me out of the army", but for many with pes planus activity level is not affected and pain is not a guarantee.
What Causes pes planus?
Often pes planus can be seen as a child and, therefore, has a genetic link to a family member. However, it can also result as a late finding in arthritis, which is a progressive joint disease that can cause a flattening or collapse of the joints and result in a flat foot condition referred to as a rigid flat foot. There is very little movement between the joints. A child will often have a flexible flat foot, which is due to laxity or a relaxation of the joints.
What are the symptoms of pes planus?
Individuals with painful flat foot often complain of pressure or weakness that results in the tendons or ligaments that hold and support and move the joints in our activities. Inflammation will result if the tendons, ligaments or joints are stressed beyond the strength they possess.
How do you evaluate pes planus?
If your foot becomes painful your foot care specialist will often look at x-rays and evaluate your gait.
What are the treatment options for pes planus?
Physician's often prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or physical therapy and arch supports. When arch supports are customized they are called orthotics and will provide individualized support and biomechanical control for. When all of these treatment options are performed simultaneously the prognosis is excellent.
If these conservative results fail to minimize the pain, the foot structure will need to be addressed surgically. For a flexible flat foot there are a number of options at the foot surgeon’s disposal. An implant can be placed in the ankle or a realignment procedure can be performed such as a calcaneal or heel bone realignment or osteotomy, where the heel bone is broken and then placed in the proper alignment.
If the flat foot is rigid, a triple arthrodesis or fusion procedure can be performed where the joints are fixated and fuse together. This eliminates pain, but reduces the movement of the foot and is for an advanced deformity.
What can I expect after undergoing treatment for pes planus?
Most cases of pes planus can be treated non surgically with the use of orthotics or physical therapy. In those cases, patients can expect to see immediate results. For those that need surgical treatment, recovery time is generally six to eight weeks.