Pes planus, also referred to as flatfoot, is the medical condition in which the arch of the foot collapses and all the parts of the foot touch the ground. This condition can be accompanied by constant pain after a few hours of activity, discomfort, and in severe cases; it might lead to the inability to walk or even stand at a particular time. Patients with flat feet require the following clinical needs:
Pain Management and Recovery
Custom foot orthoses alleviate foot pain by correcting wrong positioning of foot, offloading pressure from the affected parts and promote healing. They are very useful for the management of musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limbs and particularly for the disorder affecting the foot such as tendinitis of the Achilles tendon and Plantar fasciitis.
Preventing More Damage
Since orthoses reduce the concentration of the stresses experienced by the foot and help to prevent reinjury, and since many people with peripheral neuropathy develop other foot problems such as corns, calluses, and foot ulcers, wound care nurses should recommend orthoses to patients who are prone to foot injuries. In this regard, it becomes relevant for those who perform physical work or have constant diseases or chronic illnesses.
Improved Functionalities
Orthoses enhance movement or mobilization, assists in disorders in posture or gait and provides support to the foot. For elderly individuals who have balance problems or who fall frequently, this is very important.