A gradual worsening of a flat foot or dropped arch in an adult is commonly called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or perhaps adult acquired flatfoot and may have significant outcomes if not recognized early and treated. This is more prevalent in older and overweight adults. The main problem is how the posterior tibial muscles that are given the task of holding up the arch of the foot is no longer very good at undertaking this, and so a progressing flattening of the foot takes place. As well as a falling with the arch of the feet there is generally increasing pain and discomfort within the arch area of the foot and the rearfoot. As the posterior tibial tendon dysfunction progresses, further walking will become progressively harder and is extremely tireing.
There are typically four stages associated with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction how the condition progresses through with one being the initial phase and 4 being the final phase that only surgery can deal with. There is a bit of difference of opinion of the classifications of this as their is variability among health professionals plus some reliability issues. With that in mind, stage one is commonly treated with foot orthoses as well as exercises and some relief for the pain. Stage 2 generally needs much more aggressive and supportive foot orthotics, continuing with the exercise routines as well as increasing amounts of pain relief drugs are usually necessary. Both stage 1 and 2 will benefit from high top supporting shoes. Long term weight loss programs may also be going to be very helpful. If that doesn't prevent the development and the feet are moving towards a stage 3, then there is increasing likelihood that reconstructive foot surgical treatment is likely to be required. Because of this it's so critical that there be more aggressive conservative management of the foot when it's still in stage 2 to stop the progression.
An extremely frequent approach to adult acquired flat foot while it moves along to stage two would be the Richie Brace. The brace is now being widely used and has been shown to be really successful at stopping the advancement with this disorder and keeping away from the need for surgery. Surgical treatments are usually effective, but there is usually a left over degree of impairment left over since the surgical procedures commonly may need the fusing of some important joints and the transfer of muscles insertions with other parts of the foot. The Richie Brace is a combination of an aggressively made bespoke foot orthoses and an ankle foot orthotic with struts to aid both sides of the joints at the ankle. The custom foot orthoses is designed off a plaster cast or optical scan on the feet with the feet held in a fixed position. The intention of the foot orthoses section of the Richie Brace will be to attempt to support the foot in this corrected placement. The struts which get included up the outside of the ankle joint are articulated with the ankle joint to permit movement to happen at the joint. These struts are then held on by Velcro on the lower leg to further support and enhance the impact of the foot orthoses. When the advancement of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can be stopped making use of this, then surgical procedures are typically avoided.
