Pes Planus: Diagnosis, Etiology and Management: Medical Education

The plantar arch differs within a selected population, thus leading to foot disorders. Pes planus as a term defines a low medial plantar arch and is also known as flat foot. The collapse of the medial longitudinal arch may result from plantar deviation of any one or all three of the components that constitute the arch, namely the talocalcaneal, talonavicular, naviculocuneiform joints. The diagnosis of pes planus is difficult because no reference values have been defined for the height of the longitudinal arch. Physiological pes planus is the common and the benign form. It is also known as flexible pes planus. Pathological pes planus may have different degrees of rigidity. It is less frequent than flexible flatfoot. The decision for conservative or surgical management of flat foot depends on the patient's age, sex, severity of symptoms, functional status and etiological factors. Pes planus includes many cases with different etiologies, pathologies, prognosis and therapies. This review includes information about pes planus with regard to its diagnosis, etiology and management.