Medical Terminology for Collapsed Arch with Inward Rolling
The medical term for a collapsed arch on the left foot that is rolling inward is "pes planus" (flatfoot) with "overpronation" or "excessive pronation." 1, 2
Primary Terminology
- Pes planus (flatfoot): The formal medical term describing the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot 2
- Overpronation: The specific term for the inward rolling motion of the ankle and foot, characterized by inward tilting of the ankles and flattening of the arches 1
- Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD): The newer, more comprehensive terminology adopted by expert foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons in 2020 to replace older terms like "adult acquired flatfoot deformity" and "posterior tibial tendon dysfunction" 3
Clinical Context and Nuances
The terminology depends on whether this is an acute presentation or chronic condition. For acute presentations, the traditional terms "pes planus" and "overpronation" remain appropriate 1. However, for progressive or adult-onset cases, the consensus among foot and ankle specialists now favors "progressive collapsing foot deformity" as it more accurately encompasses the three-dimensional nature of the deformity 3.
Important Terminology Distinctions
- The terms "abnormal-pronation," "excessive-pronation," "over-pronation," and "hyper-pronation" are all used interchangeably in medical literature, though there is no universally agreed-upon quantitative definition for what constitutes "excessive" 4
- Pronation itself is a normal part of walking and running—only when it becomes excessive does it become pathological 1
- The lack of strict definition for "excessive" pronation means these terms describe a spectrum rather than a discrete pathological entity 4
Common Clinical Pitfalls
- Avoid using outdated terminology like "posterior tibial tendon dysfunction" alone, as it doesn't adequately describe the full deformity pattern 3
- Don't assume all flat feet are pathological—some research suggests there may be no such thing as a truly flat foot, only a deconditioned foot that lacks proper muscular support 5
- Be cautious about over-relying on arch support as a long-term solution, as supporting any biological structure long-term may weaken it rather than strengthen it 5