b. Tension in the joints.
c. Pain.
d. Grinding and grating sound from joints.
e. Bulging bone formation. Restriction of movement.
2-16. TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS OF THE FEET
Treat by applying heat such as warm baths, short wave diathermy (heat by
electric current applied to an area of body tissues), and microwave diathermy. Other
possible treatments include antirheumatic preparations, hormones, drugs, bed rest, and
supportive devices. In some cases, surgery to immobilize the affected joint is
necessary.
2-17. PES PLANUS (FLATFOOT)
Today, the term "flatfoot" is used to describe a foot that is normally flat from birth.
(see figure 2-9). In years past, a flat foot was considered inferior, and the United States
Army (US Army)routinely rejected men with flat feet as being unfit for military service.
Figure 2-9. Pes planus (flatfoot).
a. Dissimilarity of Flatfoot. Research reveals that individuals born with flat
feet are well suited to marching in contrast to some people who have higher arches.
The higher arched feet sometimes collapse under rigorous strain. The flat foot condition
in which the heel has turned outward and the medial longitudinal arch has lowered can
be a problem. The individual with this condition has not been born with low arches and
may have foot problems such as weak ankles and/or collapsed foot ligaments.
b. Signs/Symptoms of Flatfoot. The signs and symptoms of flat feet include
pain in the longitudinal arch and pain behind the medial malleolus. Treat with arch
supports, warm footbaths, and aspirin.
MD0577
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