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Pes planus is the scientific
term that describes low arch or "flat" feet. As
podiatric physicians, we are very interested not only in
structure but also in function of the feet. While very few
people have 20-20 vision, it is also true that very few people
have perfect arch structure.
High and low arch feet are just
the two ends of the spectrum of foot structure. The more
deviation from what is considered perfect, the worse the
function becomes.
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We describe deviation from "the ideal" as
imbalance in structure. It is the imbalance in structure
that leads to abnormal function. Abnormal function causes
pain and/or deformity.
Deformity can manifest itself in a
variety of foot problems such as
bunions
or hammertoes.
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Likewise, pain can manifest itself in a variety of ways such
as heel
pain (
plantar fasciitis or
heel spur),
corns or
calluses,
metatarsalgia or pain in the ball
of the foot (
neuromas,
stress fractures, or
tendonitis), or even in
pediatric problems.
Invariably, we can treat most foot
imbalance or biomechanical insufficiencies with
orthotic therapy.
 
other online resources
You can also download our Podiatry-at-a-Glance newsletter:
A Guide to Flatfoot (Pes Plano Valgus)
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