When Do Feet Have Arches?

Discussion Pes planus or flat foot is a common presentation in children and is defined as the absent or diminished longitudinal medial foot arch. Parents usually become more concerned if the child appears to have problems with walking, tripping or falling, problems with alignment (i.e. feet turning outward or inward) or if there is perceived discomfort. Some parents of older children will become concerned when they notice excessive or abnormal shoe wear. The differential diagnosis in rare cases also includes rheumatologic, neurologic, neoplastic and genetic syndromes such as Ehler-Danlos and Marfan syndrome. The differential diagnosis of leg pain can be found here, and the differential diagnosis for intoeing and outtoeing can be found here. A history of chronic pain and/or rheumatological or neurological origins makes other diagnoses more likely. A history of trauma, gait abnormalities or refusal to bear weight should be gathered. Examination of the entire extremity is important checking for decreased range of motion, joint swelling or specific areas of pain. Feet should be examined with barefeet on a flat surface about shoulder width apart. The foot’s longitudinal arch may be absent or minimal with the heel in slight valgus. When asked to raise on toes or when seated, the arch returns. With weight bearing the heal swings varus also. When these arch changes are accompanied by no changes in range of motion, it is called a flexible flatfoot. The legs should also examined...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news