Evaluation of the Foot Arch Shape and Toes Deformities among University Students

Abstract

Pes planus (“flat feet”) is one of the most common orthopedic conditions observed in adult health practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the foot arch quality and the occurrence of toe deformities among physiotherapy students (N = 106; 33 men and 73 women). The mean age of students was 22.28 years. The CQ-ST Podoscope was used as the main research tool. We evaluated Clark’s angle and Weisflog index as foot parameters to assess the quality of the longitudinal foot arch and the transverse foot arch, respectively. We also evaluated the incidence of toes deformities of the big toe angle (ALFA) and little toe angle (BETA) according to Weisflog. Most students had a physiologically arched longitudinal foot arch. Despite the young age of subjects, we found an increased occurrence of the flat transverse foot arch and big toe deformities, especially among women.