Assessment of flat foot using plantar arch index in young adults

Amith Ramos,Pooja Pooja,Pooja J Panicker,Shannon Fernandes,Pooja Krishnan

doi:10.51248/.v41i3.649

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Flat foot or pes planus results from collapse of the arches of the foot. Etiology, however varies in different age groups. As anthropometric measurements are age dependent, their correlation with different foot postures should be age specific. Our study aimed at using Plantar arch Index (PAI) to identify prevalence of flat foot in a young student population and find any association of obesity with flat foot. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 150 medical students of a medical college. Staheli’s method was used to calculate PAI after collecting the footprints of students by ink method. Results: Prevalence of type III flat foot deformity was 6%, with a male preponderance. The PAI values ranged from 0 to 1.818. No association was found between obesity and PAI. Conclusion: Obesity was not associated with flat foot in the age group 18-25 years probably indicating different etiology for acquired flat foot in this age group. Our study also suggests that simple ink print method is a simpler method to diagnose flat feet deformity clinically using PAI.

Highlights

Introduction and AimFlat foot or pes planus results from collapse of the arches of the foot
No association was found between obesity and Plantar arch Index (PAI)
Obesity was not associated with flat foot in the age group 18-25 years probably indicating different etiology for acquired flat foot in this age group

Summary

Introduction

Flat foot or pes planus results from collapse of the arches of the foot. Pes planus (flat foot) has a much higher prevalence compared to other forms of foot deformities. Acquired flat foot develops due to injury, prolonged stress to the foot, obesity, illness, faulty biomechanics [3]. It is a postural deformity in which the arch of the foot collapses. This has a significant impact on the foot function of the individuals and leads to the development of musculoskeletal pathologies [4] and negatively impacts quality of life [5]

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Discussion

Conclusion