Pes planus
1. [noun] pes planus , also known as flat feet or fallen arches, your feet don’t have a normal arch when you’re standing. The arch appears as “flattened or dropped”. Flat feet are related to the tissues and bones in your feet and lower legs. Pes planus is normal in infants until age 2 or 3 as the ligaments and tendons in the foot and leg tighten. If tightening doesn’t occur, flat weet will result. For approximately 25% of adults in the U.S. this conditions continues into adulthood. Having flat feet is rarely serious, but can cause pain with activity. In some cases, flat feet are caused by injuries or illness, creating problems with walking, running, or standing for hours. Types of Pes Planus: Flexible flat foot: most common Arches will appear only when you lift the foot off the ground. When the foot is planted on the ground the plantar surface (sole of the foot) will then touch the ground. Shortened Achilles Tendon: The Achilles tendons reaches from the calcaneus (heel) to the calf muscle and when it is shortened the heel lifts prematurely in gait. This also may drop the arch and cause pain with activity. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: occurs in adulthood If the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the inside of the ankle is injured (swollen or torn), the arch doesn’t have the same support. It typically presents with medial and lateral ankle and foot pain. Other causes include: Damaged tendons Cerebral palsy Muscular dystrophy Athletic and physically active are at an increased risk due to foot or ankle injuries Aging: higher risk of falls or injuries causing tendon damage Obesity: weight on the arch Hypertension Diabetes Symptoms: Arches are flattened, tendency to be leaning inward (medial) Pain after walking or standing for long periods. Pain may also be in lower legs and ankles Feet feel stiff or numb May have plantar calluses
Frequently Asked Questions
How do everyday motions like walking or climbing stairs reveal differences in the foot’s arch?
In daily activities, individuals with pes planus show less pronounced arch support. When the foot bears weight during walking or stair climbing, the flattening is more noticeable, revealing how the foot’s structure distributes pressure.
How does the Latin root 'pes' help in understanding the nature of a flat foot?
The term 'pes' means foot in Latin, which underscores that pes planus concerns the foot’s anatomy. This etymology aids memory by linking the condition specifically to the structure and appearance of the foot’s arch.
Why might some people mistakenly assume that having flat feet is always a sign of a serious problem?
A common misconception is that flat feet automatically indicate issues, yet many cases remain harmless and normal, particularly in early development. Observing foot behavior during everyday tasks helps distinguish when the arch’s lack might be linked to discomfort or activity-related strain.