[Relationship of flatfoot and high arch with main anthropometric variables].

OBJECTIVES: The deformities of flatfoot (pes planus) and high arch (pes cavus) are serious health problems causing gait and postural defects in all age groups. The aim of this study was to seek relationships of these two deformities with main anthropometric variables in adults.
METHODS: This study was carried out in 516 community individuals (253 males, 263 females) aged between 18 to 83 years, living in Ankara, Turkey. The mean age was 40.5+/-13.4 years in males, and 43.3+/-14.9 years in females. The participants were analyzed in five age brackets, namely 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and = or > 60 years. The presence of flatfoot or high arch was determined by the analysis of footprints. A total of five anthropometric variables were measured including body weight, body height, foot length, metatarsal width, and heel width. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and shoe size of the individuals was recorded, as well.
RESULTS: The incidences of flatfoot and high arch were 4.1% (n=21) and 1.2% (n=6), respectively. There were no significant differences between sex and age groups with respect to the frequency of both deformities (p>0.05). No associations were found between the presence of flatfoot or high arch and body weight, body height, BMI, foot length, metatarsal width, and shoe size (p>0.05). Only heel width showed a significant association with the presence of flatfoot (p=0.027).
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the presence of high arch is not related to body composition and foot dimensions, while flatfoot is associated only with heel width.