FEISS LINE

TEST POSITIONING

The client sits on the examining table with the involved leg extended.

The therapist places a mark at the tip of the medial malleolus and at the base of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

A line is then drawn between the two points and the therapist notes the position of the navicular tuberosity.

ACTION

The client is asked to stand with feet 3 to 6 inches apart.

The therapist ensures the marks are still positioned over the medial malleolus and first metatarsophalangeal joint and then again notes the position of the navicular tuberosity.

POSITIVE FINDING

The navicular tuberosity should be in line with the other two points.

If while seated the navicular tuberosity is below the line, the client has congenital pes planus.

If the navicular tuberosity is in line with the other two points while the client is seated, and then it falls below the line when the client stands, functional pes planus is indicated.

CONSIDERATIONS & COMMENTS

This test may denote varying degrees of pes planus depending on how far the navicular drops to the floor.

Pes planus may also be indicative of hyperpronation.