Symptomatic pes planus in children : a synthesis of allied health professional practices

Morrison, SC; Tait, M; Bong, E; Kane, KJ; Nester, CJ

Abstract

This study sought to explore professional perspectives on the assessment and management of symptomatic pes planus in children. Data was collected from three professional groups (podiatrists, physiotherapists, and orthotists) with experience of managing foot problems in children. The survey was undertaken in the United Kingdom via a self-administered, online survey. Data was captured over a four-month period in 2018. Fifty-five health professionals completed the survey and the results highlighted that assessment techniques varied between professions, with standing tip-toe and joint range of motion being the most common. Treatment options for children were diverse and professionals were adopting different strategies as their first line intervention. All professions used orthoses. There were inconsistencies in how the health professionals assessed children presenting with foot symptoms, variation in how the condition was managed and differences in outcome measurement. These findings might be explained by the lack of robust evidence and suggests that more effort is needed to harmonise assessment and treatment approaches between professions. Addressing discrepancies in practice could help prioritise professional roles in this area, and better support the management of children with foot pain. [Abstract copyright: © The Author(s). 2020.]

Citation

Morrison, S., Tait, M., Bong, E., Kane, K., & Nester, C. (2020). Symptomatic pes planus in children : a synthesis of allied health professional practices. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 13, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-020-0372-8

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 20, 2020
• Publication Date: Jan 23, 2020
• Deposit Date: Feb 13, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 13, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Volume: 13
• Pages: 5
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-020-0372-8
• Keywords: Feet, Orthoses, Orthotist, Paediatric, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-020-0372-8
• Related Public URLs: https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ** From PubMed via Jisc Publications Router **Journal IDs: eissn 1757-1146 **Article IDs: pubmed: 31998410; pii: 372; pmc: PMC6979376 **History: accepted 20-01-2020; submitted 11-09-2019