Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Bābul (Jan 2008)
PREVALENCE OF FLAT FOOT IN ELEMENTARY, GUIDANCE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (BABOL 2005-2006)
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Flat foot is a common problem for which the children visit the orthopedic clinic however it is not known exactly. Flat foot causes the feet tire easily and become achy after prolonged standing. There is controversy about its importance, prevalence and management. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of flat foot in elementary, guidance and high school students in Babol for educational year 2005-2006. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, foot prints of 1132 students (628 boys and 504 girls) between the ages of 6-18 years in four age groups of 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-18 years were recorded. FINDINGS: Among 1132 students, 134 (11.8%) had flat foot that 73 (11.6%) were boy and 61 (12.1%) were girl. Fifty nine (5.2%) had bilateral flat foot, 48 (4.2%) and 27 (2.4%) had right and left flat foot, respectively. The rate of prevalence of flat foot decreased with increasing age and with different oscillation in both sexes. CONCLUSION: With regard to the rate of prevalence of flat foot is high among students of Babol city, further studies related to factors such as obesity, prevalence of ligament laxity and wearing shoes are recommended.
