What Is the First-Line Treatment for Symptomatic Pes Planus?
Clinical scenario
Patients with symptomatic pes planus present with foot pain and reduced foot function. This protocol addresses the structured first-line conservative approach targeting the posterior tibial tendon, with measurable functional outcomes expected within a defined treatment window.
Treatment approach
The first-line regimen centres on foot orthoses used in combination with a specific eccentric exercise programme — the complete structured protocol, including the precise exercise prescription and orthotic specification, is available via the link below.
Clinical goals
Within 10 weeks: decreased foot pain and improved foot function index scores.
References
DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2019.09.001
- Patient satisfaction can be found with foot orthoses in symptomatic adult-acquired flatfoot.
- Low-profile foot orthoses can stabilize the calcaneus and medial arch, providing improved pain relief in patients with AAFD.
- Eccentric strengthening exercises of the PTT can reduce patient symptoms in the early management of symptomatic adult-acquired flatfoot with the use of an orthotic.
- Kulig et al also demonstrated improvements in foot function index, pain, and disability using a 10-week PTT-specific eccentric program with the use of custom orthotics in patients with posterior tibial tendinosis.
- Their results showed that foot function index scores improved and pain decreased in patients who wore an orthotic and underwent stretching with eccentric progressive resistant exercises.
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