A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF FLAT FEET AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KANCHIPURAM POPULATION

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.