Foot and Ankle Assessment Programme

Details

Common Problems

Flat feet: There are two types of flat feet – flexible flat fleet and rigid flat feet. In a flexible flat foot, which accounts for most of the cases, an arch is present when the heel is elevated and no weight is put on the foot; while in a rigid flat foot, no arch is present at any time.

High-arched feet (cavus feet): As the name implies, a high-arched foot has an abnormally high arch, which puts extra pressure on the ball and heel of the foot.

Bunion (hallux valgus): It is a deformity of the joint connecting the big toe to the foot that causes a bony lump on the side of the foot. The rubbing of the bunion against footwear can cause redness, soreness and swelling around the joint.

Plantar fasciitis: It is believed to be caused by repetitive strains that created tears in the ligament of the sole. Patients usually feel pain around the heel when standing and walking. Flat feet and high-arched feet are some common causes of plantar fasciitis.

Intoeing (pigeon toes): It refers to the condition in which the feet turn inward instead of pointing ahead when walking. It is a common problem among children younger than 5. There are three possible causes of intoeing, which include internal rotation of the femur, internal rotation of the tibia, and metatarsus adductus (a condition where the metatarsal bones are turned toward the body). Many cases of intoeing in children are caused by w-sitting, a position in which children sit on the bottom with their knees bent and their feet positioned outside of their hips.

Out-toeing (duck feet): It refers to a condition in which the feet turn outward instead of pointing ahead when walking. One common cause of out-toeing is the external rotation of the femur.

Bowlegs: Bowlegs are legs that curved outward at the knees when the ankles are together.

Knock knees: Knock knees are legs that curved inward at the knees when the ankles are apart.

Leg length discrepancy: The common causes of the length difference between the legs are pelvic obliquity and scoliosis.