What is Adult Flatfoot?
posted: Sep. 29, 2014.
What is Adult Flatfoot?
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is one of several terms to describe a painful, progressive flatfoot deformity in adults. Other terms include posterior tibial tendon insufficiency and adult acquired flatfoot. The term adult acquired flatfoot is more appropriate because it allows a broader recognition of causative factors, not only limited to the posterior tibial tendon, an event where the posterior tibial tendon looses strength and function.
In the adult acquired flatfoot, pain occurs because soft tissues (tendons and ligaments) have been torn. The deformity progresses or worsens because once the vital ligaments and posterior tibial tendon are lost, nothing can take their place to hold up the arch of the foot. The painful, progressive adult acquired flatfoot affects women four times as frequently as men. It occurs in middle to older age people with a mean age of 60 years. Most people who develop the condition already have flat feet. A change occurs in one foot where the arch begins to flatten more than before, with pain and swelling developing on the inside of the ankle. Contributing factors increasing the risk of adult acquired flatfoot are diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
There are three stages of the adult acquired flatfoot:
Stage 1: Inflammation and swelling of the posterior tibial tendon around the inside of the ankle.
Stage 2: Visible deformity comparing one foot to the other, as the symptomatic foot becomes flatter and more deformed. The deformity is movable and correctable in this stage.
Stage 3: The foot progresses to a rigid, non-movable flat foot deformity that is painful, primarily on the outside of the ankle.
The adult acquired flatfoot is best treated early. If you are experiencing any foot pain, please call to schedule your appointment today!