Calf Muscle Tightness in Flat Foot Subjects
Calf Muscle Tightness in Flat Foot Subjects
The purpose of the current work is to determine the prevalence of calf muscle tightness in
 asymptomatic flat foot subjects.
Pes planus (Flat foot) deformity is a common chronic foot and ankle condition characterized
 by flattening of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA), rearfoot valgus and abduction of the
 midfoot on the hind foot.

 A flexible pes planus is caused by tibialis posterior dysfunction, ligament loosening,
 Achilles tendon shortening, and weakness of the intrinsic foot muscles. These deformations
 cause plantar flexion and adduction of the talus bone and valgus of the calcaneus bone.

 Up to our knowledge:

 1. No previous studies investigated whether all flat foot is usually associated with
 gastrocnemius and soleus muscle tightness or it is a random association.

 2. And whether tightness of gastrocnemius and soleus is highly found in all cases of flat
 foot.

 Consequently this study is conducted.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. Subjects should have flexible flat foot.

 2. Age between 20 and 40 years.

 3. Navicular drop of more than 10 mm.

 4. Body Mass Index from 18.5 kg/m2 to 29.9 kg/m2.

 5. Subjects will sign the written consent form after the aim and methods of the study are
 explained clearly.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. Subjects with history of foot and ankle surgery, trauma, fracture or dislocation.

 2. Subjects with congenital deformities in the ankle and foot.

 3. Subjects with systemic or neurologic diseases that could affect lower extremity
 biomechanics.