Stating that the treatment of flatfoot usually starts in childhood, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yalkın Çamurcu said, “In children, the arch of the foot usually develops until the age of 4-6. If the arch does not develop at this age and symptoms appear, treatment can be started. Early intervention ensures better results in the long term.”
VM Medical Park Bursa Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yalkın Çamurcu, who defines flatfoot (Pes Planus, Pes Planovalgus) as a condition in which the sole of the foot takes a flat appearance as a result of the collapse of the arch that forms the arch that should be on the sole of the foot, gave information about what to pay attention to. Stating that the arch of the foot, which forms the sole and arch of the foot, balances the weight of the body and absorbs impacts during walking and running, Prof. Dr. Yalkın Çamurcu said, “Flatfoot occurs when this arch is absent or insufficient and can lead to foot pain, fatigue, ankle, knee, hip and lower back problems. Flatfoot can be congenital or develop over time. In infants and young children, flatfoot is normal because the development of the arch of the foot is not complete. However, if the arch does not develop until the age of 6-7, this condition may become permanent and treatment may be required.”
Underlining that flatfoot (pes planus) is a foot deformity that occurs as the collapse of the arch of the foot, Prof. Dr. Çamurcu stated that this condition is considered normal development (physiological) until the age of 6, with some exceptions. Stating that there are many answers to the question of why flatfoot develops, Prof. Dr. Çamurcu stated that genetic factors, muscle and tendon weaknesses, injuries, aging, obesity, neuromuscular diseases and developmental factors are effective in the emergence of the disease. Prof. Dr. Çamurcu shared the following information about the 8 factors that trigger flatfoot the most:
“This condition is more common in individuals with a family history of flatfoot. Genetic predisposition can cause the arch of the foot not to develop sufficiently. A systematic review and meta-analysis study by Liya Xu et al. shows that flatfoot may be due to genetic factors. In this study, 15 studies on 3,602 children published between 2001 and 2021 were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that boys are more likely to be flatfooted and that the rate of flatfoot decreases with age. Muscle weakness, weak foot muscles and tendons can lead to a collapse of the arch of the foot. Tendon problems, weakness or injury to the tendons around the ankle can cause flatfoot. Trauma, foot or ankle injuries can disrupt the bone and joint structure, leading to flatfoot. Surgical interventions in the foot or ankle can affect the bone or tendon structure and cause flatfoot. During the aging process, foot muscles and connective tissues weaken and lose elasticity. This can cause the arch of the foot to collapse. Excess weight can put extra strain on the arch of the foot, causing it to collapse. This becomes more pronounced, especially in individuals who stand or walk for long periods of time.”
Pointing out that it is possible to treat flatfoot, Çamurcu pointed out that it is important to determine the causes of the disease correctly in order to create an appropriate treatment plan. Prof. Dr. Çamurcu stated that treatment options include non-surgical methods (foot exercises, insoles, orthopedic shoes) and surgical interventions; and that the treatment process is planned depending on the age, complaints and degree of flatfoot (deformity) of the individual. Prof. Dr. Çamurcu stated that foot exercises, orthopedic shoes and insoles may be sufficient in mild cases in the treatment of flatfoot, but in more severe cases, physical therapy or surgical intervention may be required.
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240909AW283816