title: Current concepts for treatment of the painful flatfoot in the elderly.
abstract: Flatfoot deformities are predominantly asymptomatic variants of normal, which do not adversely affect function. However, the acquired flatfoot deformity secondary to attrition of the posterior tibial tendon is a progressively painful condition, ultimately affecting the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. It is most common during the sixth and seventh decades of life. Chronic micro-trauma to the tendon causes eventual rupture and the resulting deformity. Prior to tendon rupture, early symptoms are those of a unilateral localized inflammatory condition with tenderness and swelling behind the medial malleolus of the ankle. Early diagnosis is a key factor in limiting patient disability.
authors.affiliation: Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Karges
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D037081:Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction / Q000150:complications*; D011859:Radiography