Foot examination in the period of development

Feet are maybe the key part of our musculoskeletal system that establishes upright position and movement. Their role is multiple--they maintain the balance of the body, push the body forward when walking and absorb mechanical pressure created in contact with the surface. Therefore, correct anatomic and functional development of foot is of vital importance. The most frequent reasons for examination of foot in the period of development are pain, deformity and incorrect walk. Our task is to detect the cause of the problem with clinical examination in the shortest possible period of time or to assess which additional diagnostic procedure would be the most suitable. A clinical examination of foot in the period of development involves inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, examination of joint mobility, examination of sensory-motor function and conducting specific tests. In some cases detailed and properly conducted clinical examination can prove to be sufficient to establish a complete and accurate diagnosis. Patients of this specific age may be insufficiently cooperative, mistrustful, shy or even afraid. Our approach and manipulations during the clinical examination need to be adapted completely to such patients and their characteristics.