1.1 Introduction
Flat Feet also known as “Pes Planus” can be defined as a collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, in which there is absence of the normal concavity under the medial longitudinal arch, in addition there is bulging of the foot medial side as a medial convexity, especially on weight bearing (Daniel et al., 2015). Flat foot can be congenital or acquired. Acquired flat foot develops due to injury, prolonged stress to the foot, obesity, illness, faulty biomechanics (Low, 2009). It is a postural deformity in which the arch of the foot collapses. This has a significant impact on the foot function of the individuals and leads to the development of musculoskeletal pathologies (Burns et al., 2005) and negatively impacts quality of life (López et al., 2012).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The prevalence of pes planus declines with age, being higher in children with ligament laxity and early shoe wearing which impairs longitudinal arch development (Hernandez et al., 2007). The lower limb, and particularly the foot, is amongst the most distinctive characteristics of human anatomy (Hernandez et al., 2007). Footprint of hominoids already demonstrated the existence of plantar arch 3.7 million years ago (Hernandez et al., 2007). The orthopaedic examination served to recognize disorders that are known to change feet consistency. The identification of congenital problems, particularly involving the feet; postural abnormalities of the spine, pelvis, hips, Knees Achilles Tendon shortening, and restraint to subtalar joint movements are essential for ruling out the possibility of secondary pes planus (Hernandez et al., 2007).
Flat foot is a very common problem in children and if not diagnosed or treated early will leads to disturb whole biomechanics of body. There is a functional relationship that exists between the structure of the arch of the foot and the biomechanics of the lower limb. The arch of the foot provides an elastic, springy connection between the forefoot and hindfoot. This relationship ensures that most of the forces incurred during weight bearing can be dissipated before reaching the long bones of the leg and thigh.
The arch of the foot demonstrates two extremes of anatomical structural position—the high arch characterizes of the pes cavus and the flat arch the pes planus. Although three distinct arches function to support the foot, the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) has been found to be the arch of clinical significance in both these disorders. Problems and mal-alignments originating specifically with the MLA ultimately affect the functioning of the muscles and joints of the ankle, knee, hip, and low back, all of which depend on the base of support provided by the MLA.
The medial longitudinal arch of the foot is of great importance because it helps protect the foot from injuries (Xiong et al., 2010). An important highly variable structure characteristics of the human foot is its medial and longitudinal arch, which provides necessary shock absorption for the foot during activities. Traditionally, feet are classified as being high, normal or low arched. A high arched foot is supposed to be at increased risk of injuries to the bony structures on the lateral aspect of the foot, where as a low arched foot can be at greater risk for soft tissue damage on the medial part of the foot (Xiong et al., 2010).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess the Plantar Arch Index and Prevalence of Flat Feet Among Residents.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that flat foot is a very common problem in children and if not diagnosed or treated early will leads to disturb whole biomechanics of body. Having lived in Ovia North East L.G.A. The researcher have observed some unhealthy attitudes and suffering of indigenes of the community; such as having pins, nails or bottle fragments stuck in their foot which leads to infection in the blood. While other residents carry open injuries in the aches of their foot, exposing the injuries to dirt, infections and causing social embarrassment to the patient or guardian.
Hence, the researcher wants to determine the different types of foot arches, age variance of people and also to learn the prevention of the problems associated with the arches of the foot.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Plantar Arch Index and Prevalence of Flat Feet among Residents using Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To know the lower limb disorders that affect pes planus among residents in the area under study;
- To determine the prevalence of pes planus among residents in the study area;
- To find out what people know about the arches of the foot in the study area; and
- To examine the prevalence of pes cavus among residents in the area under study.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does the lower limb disorder affect pes planus among residents in the area under study?
- What is the prevalence of pes cavus among residents in the area under study?
- What is the prevalence of pes planus among residents in the study area?
- What is the level of awareness about foot arches among people in the study area?
1.6 Significance of Study
The relevance of this research will help parents, guardians and teachers learn more about the arches of the foot and enforce it among their children. Also, it will Minimize the incidence of foot injuries due to utilization of appropriate techniques on the preventive measures of the foot.
This study will also be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Assessment of Plantar Arch Index and Prevalence of Flat Feet among Residents using Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Operational Definition of Terms
PAI: Is an acronym for Plantar Arch Index
Residents: In sub-Saharan Africa, the term “Residents” is associated with people of different races that live in a community.
Arches of the Foot: They are formed by tarsals and metatarsal bones; it allows the foot to support the weight of the body in the erect posture with the least weight.
