This post is about assessing patients with flat feet, particularly the paediatric foot. If the foot, particularly the rear foot, is fixed or rigid, something more complex may be present and further in-depth investigation should be carried out. In recent months I have had a few children present with markedly painful flat feet that have been treated unsuccessfully for many years solely with orthotics. When the foot is rigid and non-reducible, radiographs are essential with possible MRI or CT.
All these cases had undiagnosed tarsal coalitions and responded very well to excision of the coalition.
If you have any specific questions or would like to discuss similar cases, feel free to contact me.
Also read:
Adult-acquired flat foot (PTTD)
Biomechanics of a pathology (bunions and pes planus)
Post-operative pes planus/flat feet/excess pronation
Accessory navicular with pes planus
Pes planus
Hyperpronation cure
(This content is intended for healthcare professionals only)