ABSTRACT
Pes planus, commonly referred to as flatfoot, is a congenital foot deformity characterized by the descent of the medial longitudinal arch, resulting in reduced spring action and increased stress on the foot during ambulation. This condition, opposite to pes cavus, typically lacks symptomatic presentation despite its structural abnormality. This case report discusses a 20-year-old female presenting to the musculoskeletal department of physiotherapy with impaired gait attributed to developmental flatfeet and an underdeveloped heel on one foot since birth. Apart from these foot deformities, no other significant abnormalities were noted upon examination. Orthotic management and ongoing monitoring have been initiated to facilitate functional independence. The prognosis for the patient's gait impairment remains optimistic with continued rehabilitation efforts aimed at dispelling misconceptions and barriers surrounding the correction of flatfoot deformities. This report underscores the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies in managing flatfoot conditions to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life.
ABSTRACT
Congenital deformities of the foot significantly challenge the mobility and quality of life of affected individuals. While surgical interventions are common, rehabilitation protocols tailored to address the specific needs of adults with congenital foot deformities are less explored. This case series aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specialized foot rehabilitation protocol in improving functional outcomes and quality of life in adults with congenital foot deformities. A series of cases involving adults diagnosed with congenital foot deformities were enrolled in a structured rehabilitation program. The protocol incorporated a combination of therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, gait training, and orthotic management tailored to individual needs. Outcome measures included functional assessments, gait analysis, pain levels, and patient-reported outcomes at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the rehabilitation program. Preliminary findings from the case series indicate significant improvements in various outcome measures following the foot rehabilitation protocol. Participants demonstrated enhanced gait parameters, reduced pain levels, increased range of motion, and improved functional capacity. Moreover, subjective assessments revealed enhanced satisfaction and perceived improvements in quality of life among participants. The findings suggest that a tailored foot rehabilitation protocol can be beneficial in improving functional outcomes and quality of life in adults with congenital foot deformities. This underscores the importance of integrating comprehensive rehabilitation strategies alongside surgical interventions to optimize long-term outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of individuals with congenital foot deformities. Further research with larger sample sizes and controlled study designs is warranted to validate these findings and establish evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines for this population.
