RESEARCH
PES PLANUS (FLAT FEET)
Pes planus is a condition in which the foot has an arch that is lower than normal.
BIOMECHANICAL ETIOLOGY
A true flat foot is rare. Generally, a flat-footed person is only suffering from a functional flat foot caused by excess pronation. Excess pronation causes the foot's arch to collapse and elongate, giving the appearance of a flat foot.
A functional flat foot is quite common and generally causes symptoms ranging from sore and tired feet to general leg fatigue and body aches.
TREATMENT
Orthotics control excess pronation by preventing excess calcaneal eversion during the contact phase of gait. This prevents secondary unlocking of the mid-tarsal joints during the mid-stance phase of gait, which is commonly representative of pes planus.