Effect Of Modified Foot Orthosis On Foot Architecture In Flat Foot Individuals.

Abstract

Background: Pes planus is also known as flatfoot. It comes from Latin word which means pes as foot and planus as flat or ground level. A foot abnormality that is the opposite of pes cavus. Here, the medial longitudinal arch of the foot descends, resulting in a lack of spring action and increased stress on the entire foot with each step.1. Among the most common deformities of the foot area, we can mention the deformity of flat feet, so that its prevalence in the adult population is reported between 2% and 23% . One of the most important and variable structural features of the foot is the height of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) . A decrease in the height of this arch is called a flat foot 2. This study holds clinical relevance for physiotherapists, podiatrists, orthotists, and other healthcare providers involved in the management of lower extremity disorders. Additionally, findings from this study may contribute to evidence-based guidelines for the non-surgical management of flatfoot and inform future research directions in the field of foot biomechanics.

Method: This study adopts a pre-test and post-test experimental design to assess changes in foot architecture following orthotic intervention. Participants were evaluated at baseline (pre-orthotic) and after a defined period of orthosis use (post-orthotic), using standardized clinical and biomechanical measurements. The participants were chosen based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, which are given below.A total of 30 individuals with diagnosed flexible flatfoot were enrolled in the study (mean age: 25.3 ± 4.1 years).

Result: The application of foot orthosis over 6 weeks significantly improved foot architecture, as evidenced by decreased navicular drop, Improved foot alignment (FPI-6), increased arch height (AHI), enhanced subjective pain relief, and functional ability (FFI). These results suggest that foot orthoses are an effective conservative management tool for improving both structural and functional outcomes in individuals with flexible flat feet.

Conclusion: The study concludes that foot orthoses have a significant positive effect on foot architecture in individuals with flexible flat feet. Regular use of orthoses over 8 weeks led to improvements in medial arch height, foot posture, and rearfoot alignment. These findings support the use of orthotic devices as a non-invasive, cost-effective intervention for the structural management of flat foot. Incorporating foot orthoses in clinical rehabilitation protocols can help in reducing biomechanical stress and preventing further complications related to abnormal foot posture.