OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Understanding Pes Planus Severity

7/30/2025, 4:50:24 PMMale25-34

Greetings, everyone, I’m a 24-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 143 pounds. Recently, I received an X-ray of my feet, which revealed that I have pes planus, also known as flat feet. I’m uncertain about the extent of the condition. I occasionally experience discomfort in my knees, and my feet tend to ache after being on them for extended periods or after long walks. I’m curious if anyone can guide me on how to determine the calcaneal pitch angle. I attempted to use ChatGPT for this, but the responses were inconsistent, fluctuating between 8 degrees and 46 degrees, making it quite confusing! I would greatly appreciate any insights or assistance. Wishing good health to all!

AsthmaArthritisInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/30/2025, 4:50:40 PM

OpenHealth AI

To better understand your condition of pes planus (flat feet) and the associated discomfort, it's important to clarify the severity and what you can do to manage your symptoms effectively.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Pes Planus Definition: This condition refers to the collapsing of the arch of the foot, which can lead to knee and foot pain.
  2. Symptoms Monitoring: You should pay attention to your symptoms, especially those related to discomfort during or after physical activities.
  3. Calcaneal Pitch Angle: Understanding this metric can provide insights into the extent of flatness, but is not always essential for managing symptoms.

Explanation:

Pes planus can range from mild to severe. In many cases, individuals may not experience significant problems, but others may have discomfort that can affect mobility and daily activities. Your knee discomfort and foot aching are common complaints associated with flat feet, especially when standing or walking for long periods. The calcaneal pitch angle measures the angle between the heel bone and the ground; a lower angle suggests flatter feet. However, exact angles can vary based on several factors.

Next Steps:

  1. Footwear: Invest in supportive footwear designed for flat feet. Look for shoes with good arch support and a cushioned insole, which can help alleviate discomfort.
  2. Orthotics: Consider using custom or over-the-counter orthotic insoles. These can help support the arch and improve foot alignment.
  3. Foot Exercises: Engage in strengthening and stretching exercises for your feet and calves. For example, calf raises and arch lifts can be beneficial.
  4. Activity Modification: Pay attention to how long you're on your feet. Try to take breaks and elevate your feet when you're feeling discomfort.
  5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your knee and foot discomfort in relation to your activities. This will help you notice patterns and manage your condition better.

If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with these measures, it may warrant a more thorough evaluation, but these steps can serve as a practical starting point. Feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns! Wishing you comfort and good health!

Related Questions

What Could Cause an Ovarian Cyst to Appear Like Yin and Yang?

Greetings everyone, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on my current health situation. As a 40-year-old female, I recently underwent an MRI to evaluate a previously identified endometrioma, which measured 2 centimeters last month. To my surprise, just one month later, its size has increased to 4.5 centimeters. In addition to this change, the MRI revealed a distinct separation within the mass or fluid present. As it stands, even the medical professionals have been unable to reach a consensus on the nature of this ovarian cyst. I've received four varying diagnoses: 1. Serous cystadenoma 2. An endometrioma with a mix of fresh and old blood 3. A hemorrhagic cyst 4. A functional cyst that has leaked into the existing endometrioma Has anyone else encountered a similar finding on an MRI? I would be thankful for any insights, as I am beginning to feel a sense of concern about my health...

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
12 minutes ago

Seeking Advice on a Mysterious Rash

I’m a 28-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds. My boyfriend, who is 29, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds. Neither of us has any persistent health conditions and we don’t take any medications or recreational drugs, maintaining generally good health. Recently, while we were camping close to the ocean, I started noticing a small rash forming, which features a brown center and has since worsened and spread to both of us. The rash is primarily located on our midsections, and mine appears quite swollen, with hardening beginning to show on my thigh. Unfortunately, I cannot upload images here, but one is available on my profile. Any insights or suggestions regarding this rash would be greatly appreciated!

LupusInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
21 minutes ago

Can I Use Hydrocolloid Bandages on a Recently Removed Mole?

Hello, I'm a 28-year-old female who recently had a mole excised from the left side of my lower back, specifically on July 18th. Currently, I’m experiencing significant discomfort at the site, primarily caused by friction with my clothing. So far, I’ve attempted using standard band-aids, Neosporin, and Aquaphor, but my attire continues to aggravate the area and occasionally adheres to it. At this point in my recovery, would it be suitable to apply a hydrocolloid bandage, or is it advisable to hold off for a bit longer? Thank you in advance for your guidance.

ArthritisInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
42 minutes ago

Understanding Visual Disturbances and Dizziness Upon Standing

Experiencing a temporary loss of vision, accompanied by flashes, spots, or unusual patterns when standing up can be unsettling. This can also be coupled with trembling sensations, prompting the need to crouch or lie down to regain stability. Such occurrences, particularly at the age of 27, may raise concerns. For context, here are some details about the individual: - Gender: Female - Height: 1.68 meters (approximately 5 feet 5 inches) - Weight: 58 kilograms - Medical Background: No thyroid conditions or other significant health concerns reported. It’s essential to consider that various factors can contribute to these symptoms, including blood pressure changes when transitioning from sitting to standing. Consulting a healthcare provider would be a prudent step to investigate these alarming visual and physical sensations further.

Thyroid DisordersCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Is There a Reason for Concern? Potential MRSA Exposure at My Job

F21, I am employed part-time at a senior living facility, and recently I assisted a resident in their apartment. It wasn't until afterward that I was informed of their MRSA status. By that point, I'd spent a significant amount of time close to them, wiped down their dining area post-meal (I believe I wasn't using gloves at that time), and even closed the toilet lid while organizing the bathroom and assisting her with her clothing. Initially, I didn't think much of it, but now, upon researching MRSA, I'm feeling uneasy. Some information I found online suggests I'm likely already infected, while other sources imply there's minimal risk, particularly if I don't have any open wounds or if she didn't cough around me. My colleagues have advised me to remain calm, but I can't shake this feeling of anxiety. Should I genuinely be concerned? I've scheduled a test for reassurance, yet when I inquired about the situation, they were vague in their responses.

Multiple SclerosisInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
2 hours ago