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What is pes planovalgus (flat-valgus) deformity of the foot?
To understand what a flat-valgus foot is, one must recall human anatomy. The human foot has an arch formed by the metatarsal bones, the tarsal bones, and the calcaneus, all united by muscles and ligaments into a single functional unit. Movement is produced by the contraction and relaxation of the leg muscles. When the ligaments and muscles weaken, the heel shifts laterally.
Flat-valgus feet are characterized by a flattened arch and lateral displacement of the heel. This may be accompanied by subluxation of the navicular bone and the development of pain in the calf and foot. Initial signs appear around one year of age, when the child begins to walk independently. Weak ligaments and muscles often persist until school age, which is considered within normal limits. However, this does not mean that no measures should be taken before the age of seven.
On the contrary, when deviations are visibly apparent, you should consult a pediatric orthopedist, obtain qualified medical care, and work with the child at home on a regular basis. In a healthy one-year-old child, a flat foot, normal muscle tone, and visibly prominent fat pads on the soles are normal.
Pes planovalgus (flat-valgus foot) occurs in children with reduced muscle tone. Its causes may include rickets and frequent respiratory infections, as well as a history of hypotrophy and prematurity, which further weaken the plantar muscles and ligaments. Under the load of body weight the longitudinal arch of the foot flattens, the medial concavity becomes indiscernible, and the lower-leg (tibial) muscles, ligaments, and toe flexor muscles become stretched and weakened.
An orthopedist can diagnose pes planovalgus in an infant within the first six months and will recommend orthopedic shoes, specialized massage, physiotherapy, and foot exercises. The physician’s treatment plan is best followed as a comprehensive program and carried out by qualified specialists. If the physician’s advice is ignored, the condition will progress. After the age of four, a child may develop a valgus deformity of the knees, producing an X-shaped alignment.
Flat-valgus feet are characterized by a flattened arch and lateral displacement of the heel. This may be accompanied by subluxation of the navicular bone and the development of pain in the calf and foot. Initial signs appear around one year of age, when the child begins to walk independently. Weak ligaments and muscles often persist until school age, which is considered within normal limits. However, this does not mean that no measures should be taken before the age of seven.
On the contrary, when deviations are visibly apparent, you should consult a pediatric orthopedist, obtain qualified medical care, and work with the child at home on a regular basis. In a healthy one-year-old child, a flat foot, normal muscle tone, and visibly prominent fat pads on the soles are normal.
Pes planovalgus (flat-valgus foot) occurs in children with reduced muscle tone. Its causes may include rickets and frequent respiratory infections, as well as a history of hypotrophy and prematurity, which further weaken the plantar muscles and ligaments. Under the load of body weight the longitudinal arch of the foot flattens, the medial concavity becomes indiscernible, and the lower-leg (tibial) muscles, ligaments, and toe flexor muscles become stretched and weakened.
An orthopedist can diagnose pes planovalgus in an infant within the first six months and will recommend orthopedic shoes, specialized massage, physiotherapy, and foot exercises. The physician’s treatment plan is best followed as a comprehensive program and carried out by qualified specialists. If the physician’s advice is ignored, the condition will progress. After the age of four, a child may develop a valgus deformity of the knees, producing an X-shaped alignment.
If a child is diagnosed with pes planovalgus, appropriate footwear must be selected featuring orthopedic insoles and a high, rigid (stiff) heel counter.
Key requirements that footwear for children with pes planovalgus must meet:
With this diagnosis, children must not be fitted with soft shoes, valenki (felt boots), fabric shoes, or open sandals with exposed heels. Repeated heel impacts during running and jumping can cause deformation of the foot.
The foot’s primary function is to provide support. In the normal state the foot’s ligaments are kept taut and the calf muscles are engaged. The longitudinal and transverse arches of the sole act as natural shock absorbers during walking, jumping, and running.
Under excessive load, the musculo-ligamentous apparatus can weaken, causing the arches to flatten and lose their concavities. When both the longitudinal and transverse arches collapse simultaneously, a combined form of flatfoot develops.
Flatfoot must be treated without fail, and the earlier treatment begins the greater the benefit. After the age of five, when the foot has largely formed, achieving a good outcome requires significantly more time and effort.
If left untreated, joint deformities and spinal curvatures develop, precipitating secondary pathology of internal organs.
The foot’s primary function is to provide support. In the normal state the foot’s ligaments are kept taut and the calf muscles are engaged. The longitudinal and transverse arches of the sole act as natural shock absorbers during walking, jumping, and running.
Under excessive load, the musculo-ligamentous apparatus can weaken, causing the arches to flatten and lose their concavities. When both the longitudinal and transverse arches collapse simultaneously, a combined form of flatfoot develops.
Flatfoot must be treated without fail, and the earlier treatment begins the greater the benefit. After the age of five, when the foot has largely formed, achieving a good outcome requires significantly more time and effort.
If left untreated, joint deformities and spinal curvatures develop, precipitating secondary pathology of internal organs.
