Summary about Disease
Pes Planus, commonly known as flatfoot, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole of the foot to come into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. It can be flexible (arch appears when not bearing weight) or rigid (arch is always absent). Pes Planus can be asymptomatic or cause pain, particularly in the foot, ankle, and leg.
Symptoms
Pain in the foot, ankle, or leg (especially after prolonged standing or activity)
Stiffness in the foot
Pain that worsens with activity
Difficulty standing on tiptoes
Changes in gait
Swelling along the inside of the ankle
Tired or achy feet after moderate activity
Lower back pain
Hip Pain
Causes
Genetics (inherited flat feet)
Injury to the foot or ankle (e.g., fractured bones, torn tendons)
Obesity
Arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis)
Diabetes
Aging (weakening of the tendons)
Tendonitis (particularly posterior tibial tendon dysfunction - PTTD)
Nerve damage
Pregnancy
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen, or stronger prescription pain relievers in severe cases.
Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation and pain (used sparingly due to potential side effects).
No specific medication directly cures flatfoot; treatment focuses on symptom management and addressing underlying causes.
Is Communicable
No, Pes Planus is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the feet.
Wear supportive shoes with good arch support.
Avoid activities that aggravate pain.
Stretch the foot and ankle regularly.
Use orthotics or arch supports as recommended by a doctor or podiatrist.
Avoid prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces.
How long does an outbreak last?
Pes Planus is not an "outbreak" condition like an infection. It is a structural issue. Symptoms can be intermittent or chronic, depending on the cause and severity. Pain may flare up after activity and subside with rest. Without intervention (such as orthotics, physical therapy, or surgery in severe cases), the underlying flatfoot condition persists.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: The doctor will examine the feet while standing and sitting, observing the arch and flexibility.
Gait analysis: Observing how the patient walks.
Footprint examination: Taking a wet footprint to assess the arch.
Imaging tests: X-rays to evaluate the bones of the foot; MRI or ultrasound to assess soft tissues (tendons, ligaments) if tendon damage is suspected.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms can be gradual or sudden, depending on the cause.
Gradual: Pain may develop slowly over weeks or months, often associated with overuse or PTTD.
Sudden: Pain may appear suddenly after an injury.
Symptoms might fluctuate depending on activity level and footwear.
In children, flat feet are common and often resolve on their own. If symptoms persist beyond childhood, further evaluation may be needed.
Important Considerations
Many people with flat feet have no symptoms and require no treatment.
Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and improving function, not necessarily "correcting" the flatfoot.
Children's feet are often flexible and appear flat; most develop an arch by age 10.
Severe cases may require surgery to reconstruct the arch or repair damaged tendons.
If you experience persistent foot pain, consult a doctor or podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.