ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Traditionally, feet are classified as high, normal or low arched. Studies on flat foot (pes planus) have been conducted in different ethnic groups in Nigeria but none has been conducted among young Ika adults. This study is therefore aimed at determining the prevalence of flat foot using plantar arch index among young adults of Ika. Methods: A total of 384 subjects comprising 199 females and 185 males aged 18-37 years participated in the study. Foot prints of subjects were obtained using the simple ink and duplicating paper method. The Plantar Arch Index was calculated by dividing the foot prints in three equidistant regions excluding the toes. The index value was the ratio between the area of the mid foot and the total area of the foot print. Descriptive statistics for each variable included mean and standard deviation while statistical tools included independent sample t-tests and paired samples test respectively. Results: After data analyses, the total prevalence of flat foot was 8.6% while a total of 24(6.3%) males had flat foot on their right foot while 16(4.2%) had on their left. However, 14(3.6%) and 12(3.1%) females had flat foot on their right and left foot sides respectively. The prevalence of Pes planus was significantly higher among males (P< 0.05) than their female counterparts on both foot sides. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between flat and normal foot on both foot sides while the difference between flat foot of the right side and that of the left was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Being the first of its kind in Ika, this study is therefore important to the Orthopaedist and Podiatrist in Nigeria for diagnosis and treatment choices of foot deformities amongst young adults of Ika.
ABSTRACT
Background: A flexible flatfoot is considered to be a variation of a normal foot. Any deviation from the anatomical plantigrade foot is a deformed foot. Some of the deformities of the foot are: Flat Foot. The normal concavity due to the medial longitudinal arch is absent. High Arch Foot - A normal foot has a medial longitudinal arch which is higher. Materials and Methods: A total population of 625, in age ranging from 5 year to 9 years in Kanchipuram district was chosen. Each individual was made to sit and the foot was brought in contact with the Foot Impression gaining Kit on white sheets in standing posture. Results: The flat feet and high arch feet evaluation was obtained by means of foot prints and the plantar arch index was established. The mean values of plantar arch index within the age group were stable and ranges from 0.72 to 0.73. With plantar arch indices greater than 1.15 was regarded as flatfeet and less than 0.10 was regarded as High arch feet. Discussion: In normal feet with presence of an arch, the stress will be distributed in an even manner so that the person will not experience any kind of pain. Under an abnormal condition that occurs due to lack of stretching of muscles, bones and tendons, there will be absence of arch among these people. In this condition, all the weight will be concentrated in smaller area on the feet and generates a lot more pain than normal. This condition might occur in both children and adults. In some people both feet will be flat and in some only one foot will be flat. Conclusion: Flat foot is highly prevalent in the ages between 5-9. The average values for plantar arch indices are stable and ranges from 0.72 to 0.73 in our sample regarded as Normal foot. Plantar arch index > 1.15 is regarded as Flat foot. Plantar arch index < 0.10 is regarded as High arch foot.