Which sign is associated with pes planus and medial curvature of the Achilles tendon?

Which sign is associated with pes planus and medial curvature of the Achilles tendon?

• A. Helbing's Sign – increased pes planus with medial curvature of the Achilles tendon
• B. Helbing's Sign – increased pes planus with lateral curvature of the Achilles tendon
• C. Helbing's Sign – increased pes cavus with medial curvature of the Achilles tendon
• D. Helbing's Sign – increased pes cavus with lateral curvature of the Achilles tendon

Answer: (A)

Pes planus, or flat foot, involves flattening of the medial arch and a tendency toward pronation of the foot. In this pattern, the Achilles tendon often follows a medially curved path behind the ankle. Helbing's sign captures this specific combination: increased pes planus with medial curvature of the Achilles tendon. The other options describe either pes cavus (high arch) or a lateral curvature of the Achilles tendon, which do not match the flat-foot pattern. So the sign that best fits is the one describing flat feet with medial tendon curvature.

Pes planus, or flat foot, involves flattening of the medial arch and a tendency toward pronation of the foot. In this pattern, the Achilles tendon often follows a medially curved path behind the ankle. Helbing's sign captures this specific combination: increased pes planus with medial curvature of the Achilles tendon. The other options describe either pes cavus (high arch) or a lateral curvature of the Achilles tendon, which do not match the flat-foot pattern. So the sign that best fits is the one describing flat feet with medial tendon curvature.