Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Flatfoot

Foot and ankle specialists agree that flatfoot is a frequently encountered pathology in the adult population. For the purpose of this document, adult flatfoot is defined as a foot condition that persists or develops after skeletal maturity and is characterized by partial or complete loss (collapse) of the medial longitudinal arch. Adult flatfoot may present as an incidental finding or as a symptomatic condition with clinical consequences ranging from mild limitations to severe disability and pain causing major life impediments. Adult flatfoot encompasses a wide variety of pathologic etiologies that may include a benign process reflecting continuation of a congenital problem, trauma, or a condition associated with systemic pathology. The adult flatfoot is often a complex disorder with a diversity of symptoms and various degrees of deformity. Pathology and symptoms are caused by structural loading