Flexible Flatfoot

The goal of this observational study is to assess tibialis posterior muscle morphology in adults with flexible flatfeet. The main question it aims to answer is: Are there differences in tibialis posterior muscle morphology between adults with symptomatic flexible flatfeet, asymptomatic flexible flatfeet, and individuals with normal foot posture? Participants will undergo clinical assessment of foot posture and symptoms and an ultrasound assessment of the tibialis posterior muscle. The study will compare muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, and echo intensity among the three groups.

This study aims to compare the effects of hip-based and knee-based exercise interventions on medial longitudinal arch height, dynamic balance, and lower limb muscle strength in individuals with flexible flat feet. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving hip-focused strengthening and stretching exercises, and the other receiving knee-focused exercises, while both groups will perform a common set of foot intrinsic exercises. The intervention will be conducted over 6 weeks. Outcomes will be measured pre- and post- intervention and in the middle of intervention to determine which approach is more effective in improving foot stability and functional performance.

Background: Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a deformity of the foot which leads to pain and an altered gait pattern. There are several different surgical interventions available for treatment of AAFD. One of the most common treatments for mobile AAFD is medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO) with or without adjuvant soft tissue procedures. However, the medial displacement of the calcaneus only aims to correct the deformity in one plane despite AAFD being a deformity of three planes with hypereversion of the calcaneus, anterior translation of the talus over the calcaneus and tilting/drop of the calcaneal head. Because of these multiple forces, the healing of MDCO in the intended position can sometimes be hard to achieve and medial soft tissue is still stressed leading to recurring deformity. The investigators believe that adjuvant insertion of a sinus tarsi implant (STI) could work as an internal splint, protecting soft tissue procedures on the medial side, reversing anterior translation of the talus, opposing calcaneus eversion, and lifting talar head. This additional procedure will create a better correction of the deformity with enhanced appearance of the foot and better long-term functional results. Methods: This is a multi-center randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of STI as an adjuvant procedure to MDCO in patients with mobile AAFD (Stage II). Patients aged 16 to 75 years, referred to one of the orthopedic centers involved in this study, will be invited to participate if they fulfil the trials eligibility criteria. In total, 130 patients who provide informed consent will be randomized to either MDCO with STI or MDCO without STI (65 patients in each group). The included patients will be clinically and radiographically examined. They will also fill out a form before surgery and 4-5 months, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. The form will include Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) and Euro-QoL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). The trials primary outcome will be change in Meary's angle. Secondary outcomes include additional radiographic changes, change in SEFAS score, EQ-5D index, pain according to visual analog scale (VAS), satisfaction assessment, clinical outcome measures, the length of postoperative sick-leave and rate of complications. Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of a sinus tarsi implant as an adjuvant procedure to MDCO.

This study was a clinical trial to investigate the effects of Short Foot Exercise (SFE) and standard physical therapy on knee muscle tone, knee pain and function, balance ability, and quality of life in adults with flexible flat feet and knee pain.

This clinical study was a prospective intervention study. The growth and development parameters and kinematic parameters of 120 children were planned to be collected for an observational study, and then the sensors were used to collect long-term gait data for 4 weeks and record the occurrence of foot pain. Children were assigned to the observation group, exercises intervention group, or WBV vertical rhythm intervention group according to their wishes. After 4 weeks of intervention, the dynamic and static foot posture differences between the intervention group and the observation group were analyzed and compared.