Prevalence of flat feet among children at Ivan GoranKovačić primary school in Sveti Juraj na Bregu, Međimurjecounty

Abstract

Aim: Flatfoot is a condition characterized by a lowered medial longitudinal arch of the foot, which can be partial or complete. It is classified by degrees. The causes of flatfoot include ligament laxity, genetic conditions and syndromes, as well as collagen disorders. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of flatfoot deformity among children in Međimurje County and to investigate the risk factors contributing to the development of arch deformities.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a
sample of 64 children aged 6 to 10 years. A physiotherapeutic examination of the knees and heels was performed, and a footprint was taken using the plantogram method. Based on the obtained prints, the Chippaux-Smirak index (CSI) was calculated to classify the foot as normal, mildly flat, or flat. Data from the questionnaire were statistically processed and graphically presented. 
Results: Of the total number of participants, 39% of
children had some degree of flatfoot, of whom 56%
were overweight. A higher percentage of boys (40%)
compared to girls (38%) had flat feet, as did approximately 55% of children involved in athletics, football, and handball. Excess weight was found in 16% of the children, while 17% were obese, meaning...