Static postural differences between neutral and flat feet in children with and without symptoms

Area of Science:

• Pediatric orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Podiatry

Background:

• Flatfoot is a common foot posture in children, often benign.
• Symptomatic flatfoot can present with pain and functional issues.
• Limited research compares asymptomatic and symptomatic flat feet posture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in lower limb posture between neutral and flat feet in children.
• To compare asymptomatic and symptomatic flat feet.
• To identify potential biomechanical factors contributing to pediatric flatfoot symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the multi-segment Oxford Foot Model to assess lower limb posture in 97 children (5-18 years).
• Classified feet into four groups: asymptomatic neutral, asymptomatic mild flatfoot, asymptomatic flatfoot, and symptomatic flatfoot.
• Calculated mean Euler angles at foot, ankle, and knee joints during standing and analyzed differences between groups.

Main Results:

• Significantly increased hindfoot eversion was observed in both asymptomatic and symptomatic flat feet, more pronounced in the symptomatic group.
• Forefoot abduction was significantly greater in symptomatic versus asymptomatic groups and in flat versus neutral foot groups.
• Forefoot supination relative to the hindfoot was greater in flatfoot groups, though specific group differences were not identified.

Conclusions:

• Symptomatic pediatric flat feet demonstrate significantly greater hindfoot eversion and forefoot abduction.
• These distinct foot alignment characteristics in symptomatic flat feet may be associated with the presence of pain and functional complaints.