A permanent or temporary residence which adjoins a family home to enable older people to maintain independent living while remaining close to the family. May be newly built or converted.
Flat-foot, or pes planus, is a deformity of the foot in which its arch sinks down so that the inner edge of the foot comes to rest upon the ground.
Causes The disorder may develop in infancy or occur in adult life, usually resulting from a combination of obesity and/or an occupation involving long periods of standing.
Symptoms Often none, but there may be pain along the instep and beneath the outer ankle. The foot is sti? and broad, walking is tiresome, and the toes turn far out.
Treatment A change of occupation may be necessary, to one which allows sitting. In early cases the leg muscles may be strengthened by tiptoe exercises performed for ten minutes night and morning. A pad to support the arch may have to be worn inside the shoe. Rarely, children may require surgery.... flat-foot
A condition, usually affecting both feet, in which the arch is absent and the sole rests flat on the ground. The arches form gradually as supportive ligaments and muscles in the soles develop and are not usually fully formed until about age 6. In some people, the ligaments are lax or the muscles are weak and the feet remain flat. Less commonly, the arches do not form because of a hereditary defect in bone structure. Flatfeet can be acquired in adult life because of fallen arches, sometimes as the result of a rapid increase in weight. Weakening of the supporting muscles and ligaments may occur in neurological or muscular diseases such as poliomyelitis.
In most cases, flat-feet are painless and require no treatment, although in some cases the feet may ache on walking or standing. Arch supports can be worn in the shoes for comfort.... flat-feet
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