Procedure
- The child lies in supine position.
- Hold the lower leg just above the ankle with one hand, and with the other, hold the foot.
- While doing this, try to passively bring the foot into slight plantar flexion.
- If this is possible, the talipes calcaneus will spontaneously correct.
Flat Feet
The term flat feet (pes planovalgus) is used if the medial arch has collapsed and the calcaneus is in the valgus position. A distinction can be made between rigid flat feet and flexible flat feet. Flexible flat feet are caused by a weakness of the soft tissues. Rigid flat feet are due to an abnormal connection in the root of the foot (tarsal coalition) or a deformation of the root of the foot (after a calcaneus fracture or as a consequence of congenital vertical talus).
In children up to the age of four, pseudo-flat feet as a consequence of a physiological fat pad at the medial arch are often seen [Figure 151]. In general practice, pes planovalgus is mostly seen in children aged between five and fourteen. In 95% of the cases, flexible flat feet correct themselves. Flexible flat feet that cause complaints (tired feeling), can be corrected with support soles. Rigid flat feet should be referred because in 50% of these cases surgical intervention is necessary.
Figure 151