Collagen refers to fibrous, triple helical glycoproteins that represent the building blocks of several structures of the body such as the skin, tendons, cartilage and the bones.
These form a major constituent of the extracellular matrix and are important for maintaining the structural integrity of connective tissues and for providing rigidity, elasticity and strength to the body.
With a considerable number of structural and functional disorders associated with dysfunctional collagen, the role of collagen in health and disease was further investigated by Sandhu et al. in their review on the subject.
The authors categorised collagen disorders as genetic, autoimmune and miscellaneous; heritable collagen disorders include Ehlers-Dalnos syndrome, Osteogenesis imperfecta and Marfan syndrome.
Offer your Patients a Custom Calibrated Insole with a 98% Patient Satisfaction Rate know more
Degradation of collagen can be linked to – the secretion of enzymes by cells that lead to the sequential, extracellular degeneration of collagen and other matrix molecule or the selective ingestion of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts and their intracellular degradation.
The aetiology of an acquired flexible flatfoot deformity includes ligamentous laxity which is normally associated with a collagen vascular disorder or age-related changes to the collagen structure which lead to decreases in the tendon’s elastic compliance.
As mentioned by Giza et al., this causes weakening in tendons and a subsequent failure of the static stabilisers of the medial longitudinal arch which in conjunction with poor blood supply can prevent adequate healing response, resulting in chronic inflammation, tenosynovitis and tendinosis.
A patient with flexible pes planus will often complain of calcaneal pain at heel strike, muscle spasm of plantar fascia, frequent ankle sprains, or pain in the lower back, knee or hip.
In order to improve symptoms, it is necessary to design treatment strategies that include weight loss consulting (if required), stretching and strengthening programmes, modification of repetitive loading activities and the regular use of customised foot orthotics such as MASS4D®.
The MASS4D® custom foot orthotic provides the structural support needed to manage postural abnormalities while addressing issues such as the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch and the eversion of the heel.
The inclusion of such an orthotic intervention in an active rehabilitation programme will typically yield positive results, providing a more holistic treatment for the patient’s condition.
Copyright 2017 MASS4D® All rights reserved.
Offer your Patients a Custom Calibrated Insole with a 98% Patient Satisfaction Rate know more
Flexible Flatfoot: Diagnosis & Treatment
Medial Arch Height
Configuration of the Plantar Fascia
References:
Rehabilitation of Your Foot and Lower Back Conditions.
Long Lasting Wear
Strong Foot Support
Easy to use
Handmade MASS4D® Quality
FREE EXERCISES
Sign up for free recommended foot exercises, stretching, medical news and everything good for your feet
Please have a a look at our medical reviews and clinical articles on everything about lower biomechanics.
You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding personal health or medical conditions.
The content, products and services offered herein, are here to educate consumers on healthcare and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Nothing in the content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other professional healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The marks "MASS4D" and the MASS4D logo are trademarks. The content and design of MASS4D.com is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, display, transmit or frame any of these materials without prior written consent from MASS4D®.
Medical Disclaimer
The content, products or services on this site should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Included materials and conversations do not imply a personalised doctor-patient relationship.
Copyright and Intellectual property
MASS4D® and Logo are registered trademarks of MASS4D Inc. All content, trademarks, artwork, and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of MASS4D® Inc.