Factors affecting foot arch development in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Objectives:Bones of the foot form longitudinal and transverse arches which absorb and distribute downward forces fromthe body during standing and moving on different surfaces. The medial longitudinal arch is the longest, highest and mostimportant in static position and moving. Studies classify the medial longitudinal arch as high, normal, and flat. This studywas designed to determine the factors that affect the development of the medial longitudinal foot arch. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed, 424 subjects were selected using quota sampling method. The footprint areas were measured using a planimeter. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regressions were used for dataanalysis and p value