Abstract
The prevalence of pes planus was determined in an adult Nigerian population in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 649 subjects comprising 325 males and 324 females aged 18-27 years were used for the study. The dynamic footprints of the subjects were obtained using endorsing ink and plain duplicating paper. Based on the objective index developed by Qaura et al, (1980) the contact index II was determined as the ratio of the contact width to the total width of the footprints. Descriptive statistics for each variable included mean and standard deviation (SD). Mean ±1-2SD was regarded as normal but greater than that was considered as pes planus. A total of 45 subjects had pes planus comprising 22 males and 23 females. The overall prevalence of pes planus was 13.9% with a prevalence of 6.8% among males and 7.1% among females. Bilateral pes planus was commoner among males (4.9%) than females (4.0%). Unilateral pes planus was commoner among females (3.1%) compared to males (1.9%). The results showed that the prevalence of pes planus was higher (P<0.05) among females than males in our study.
Highlights
The tarsal and metatarsal bones are arranged in longitudinal and transverse arches that add to the weight bearing capabilities and resiliency of the foot[1]
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of pes planus among adult Nigerian population at the Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria and to establish a baseline data for the study population for research purposes in the field of podiatrics and clinical biomechanics
The present study shows a higher incidence of bilateral pes planus (8.9%) and unilateral pes planus (5.0%) than another study by Didia et al[12] who reported an incidence of 7.5% and 3.5% of bilateral and unilateral pes planus respectively
Summary
The tarsal and metatarsal bones are arranged in longitudinal and transverse arches that add to the weight bearing capabilities and resiliency of the foot[1]. They act as shock absorbers for supporting the weight of the body and for propelling it during movement. Pes planus is a condition in which there is loss of the longitudinal arch of the foot. The other names are flat foot, pes planovalgus, fallen arches and foot pronation[2,3]. Most children are born with flat foot, but as they begin to walk, they develop normal arches within the feet in the first decade of life[4,5]. Parents should notice whether a child begins to walk oddly or clumsily for example, on the outer edges of the feet, or to limp, during long walks, and to ask the child whether he or she feels foot pains or fatigue during such walks
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