Pes planus and/or flat feet are simply the decrease or disappearance of the medial longitudinal arch (inner area of the sole of the foot). Individuals with pes planus deformity may have problems with transferring loads to the soles of the feet. With wrong load transfer; Although pain occurs in the soles of the feet, ankles, knees and hips, it prevents the patient from walking for a long time.
Pes planus is a chronic condition involving flattening of the medial longitudinal arch, abduction of the midfoot relative to the hindfoot, and valgus of the hindfoot. The most important problem with pes planus is excessive pronation of the foot during walking and standing. pes planus; It can be seen together with problems such as hallux valgus deformity, tibialis posterior dysfunction, patellofemoral pain syndrome and plantar fasciitis, and increased and prolonged pronation in the hindfoot. Increased load on the medial foot with excessive pronation of the foot is among the symptoms of pathological changes in the distal and proximal subtalar joint. We can say that it is a genetically transmitted health problem among family members. Pes planus deformity can be seen in individuals of all ages. Low medial longitudinal arch in babies up to the age of three is physiological in almost all of them. We can clarify the view that children at this age have flat feet due to the fatty tissue on the soles of their feet, with radiographic findings. The critical stage in arc development is considered to be 6 years of age. It is known that after the age of 6, the medial longitudinal arch is formed and the underlying fat tissue disappears. The pathological planus appearance of individuals after this age is accepted. It is more common in individuals who live in cities, whose feet are constantly on concrete floors, and who do not use shoes with orthopedic insoles. Because the human foot is designed to walk on soil and sand instead of concrete ground.
Stating that there are different treatment approaches for pes planus deformity, Lecturer. See. Şabo Kesler stated that the most frequently and first recommended approach is custom made insoles. He added that the use of insoles in pes planus deformity differs according to whether the deformity is flexible or rigid, and whether it is symptomatic or asymptomatic in children. The first recommended support is the medial longitudinal posterior 6 – 8 mm high reinforcement. In the medial (inner region) of the sole of the foot, the widest region of the reinforcement, starting from the calcaneus (heel) and proximal to the head of the 1st metatarsal bone, extends medio-laterally to the inner region of the base of the 5th metatarsal bone. Our main aim is; It is to prevent excessive pronation of the foot by providing medial longitudinal back support and to bring it to a neutral position. The main goals of treatment in children are to reduce pain and disability, and to prevent future problems. Stating that the use of specially produced insoles in pes planus deformity is better than ready-made insoles, Lecturer. See. Şabo Kesler also stated that early diagnosis is the most important step in preventing the progression of the deformity.
Apart from the effect of genetic factors, pes planus deformity is a common deformity in the society, which is caused by the use of wrong shoes. Based on the foregoing, we can say that it is possible to reduce the incidence of deformity and prevent its progression by raising awareness of the society on this issue, screening for early diagnosis and the use of insoles in the early period.
