Abstract
Background: Flexible flatfoot deformity is likely to be caused by ligamentous laxity of the medial longitudinal arch, and this deformity could change the mechanics of other joints, ligaments and tendons as well as foot alignment.
Aim: We hypothesized that position sense and muscle strength could be impaired in patients with flatfoot compared to normal controls, therefore we investigated position sense and ankle eversion inversion strengths of individuals with flexible flatfoot.
Design: Cross sectional study.
Setting: A rehabilitation center.
Population: Twenty-six individuals with flexible flatfoot and 27 healthy control subjects were evaluated.
Methods: Absolute error (in degrees) for passive reproduction of joint position tests and peak isokinetic strength of ankle muscles for eversion and inversion were tested using the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer.
Results: For individuals with flatfoot, passive reproduction of joint position error scores in eversion were significantly higher for the dominant side compared with the control group. No significant differences in eversion and inversion muscle strength between flexible flatfoot and control groups were found.
Conclusion: We suggest that flexible flatfoot deformity may cause deficits in proprioception accuracy.
Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: In our opinion, clinicians must be aware and should take into account this possible deficit in the management of these patients.