Evaluation of effort- induced pain, function and balance in patients with pes planus

Flatfoot is the flattening of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. An abnormal foot arch negatively affects functional efficiency and balance. Changes in walking after physical fatigue can be a risk factor for falls. In this study, we aimed to investigate the differences in pain, function, and balance that occur with exertion in individuals with flatfoot deformity. Participants aged 18 to 50 years with a body mass index of 18.5–25 were included, and flatfoot or control groups were determined based on Clark's angle using the footprint method. Average BMI, gender, and age were recorded. Foot posture was assessed with the foot posture index; foot pathologies in terms of pain, disability, and activity limitation were evaluated with the foot function index; dynamic walking index was evaluated for balance before and after the walking intervention. Participants were asked to walk on the Voit Medical 340 treadmill at a speed of 4 kilometers per hour for 30 minutes, followed by a 5-minute rest, and then their balance was reassessed. After 3 hours post-intervention, foot pain and functional limitation were measured using a visual analog scale. There was a significant difference in Clark's angles between the two groups (p < 0.05). The distribution of gender, Body mass index, and age was similar between groups. Of the parameters in the foot function index, only right foot pain was found to be 20.2 ± 14.6 in the flatfoot group compared to 12.9 ± 14.6 in the control group, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the foot posture index, dynamic walking index, pain, and foot function on the visual analog scale (p > 0.05). In our study, apart from the pain identified in the functional assessment of flatfoot patients, no other differences were detected. The results of this study indicate that more comprehensive studies are needed to evaluate pain, function, and balance parameters after walking interventions in individuals with flatfoot. Keywords: Flatfoot, Balance, Pain, Mobility Limitation