Biomechanical differences among pes cavus, neutrally aligned, and pes planus feet in subjects with diabetes

The purpose of this study was to quantify differences in joint range of motion, foot deformity, and foot morphology among pes cavus, neutrally aligned, pes planus rigid, and pes planus flexible feet. A cohort of 1047 veterans with diabetes (contributing 2047 feet) was enrolled in a prospective study of diabetic ulcer risk factors (the Seattle Diabetic Foot Study). Significant differences between foot types were found. Pes cavus feet had an increased percentage of prominent metatarsal heads, bony prominences, and hammer/claw toes (p < .0001), as well as significantly increased amounts of hallux dorsiflexion and decreased amounts of hallux plantarflexion (p < .0001) with a total range of motion equal to the other foot types (p = .3). Neutrally aligned feet had a lower percentage of intrinsic muscle atrophy, bony prominences, and hammer/claw toes (p < .0001). Pes planus feet had an increased lateral talometatarsal angle (p < .0001) and an increased second metatarsal length. These data demonstrate structural differences between foot types in a population with diabetes.