, it spreads out with the toes extended until
the entire sole is in contact with the ground. In advanced cases, the
medial border of the foot may be actually convex. Below and in front
of the prominent medial malleolus, the head of the talus forms a
rounded eminence, and a little farther forwards and lower still is the
projection of the tubercle of the navicular. The eversion of the foot
as a whole is best seen from behind; if the central axis of the leg is
prolonged downwards, it approaches the medial border of the heel
instead of passing through its centre; or, stated differently, instead
of the axis of the calcaneus being a continuation of that of the leg,
it deviates laterally and the medial malleolus is abnormally
prominent. When the eversion is more pronounced, the sole looks
laterally and the tendons of the peronei stand out in relief. The
anterior part of the foot is displaced laterally. Flat-foot is
frequently associated with stiff great toe; the patient having lost
the power of dorsiflexing the toe, the first phalanx and first
metatarsal are in a straight line, instead of forming an angle open
towards the dorsum.

The muscles of the leg are flabby and poorly developed. When the
patient is seated and asked to move the foot in different directions,
there is a characteristic stiffness, ungainliness, and restriction in
the range of movement. The feet are usually cold and sweat
excessively. The gait is slouching, and there is a want of spring and
elasticity. The lengthening of the foot results in the tendons,
especially the flexors, being too short, hence hammer-like contraction
of the toes may be brought about. The boots, after being worn, show a
bulging of the instep towards the sole, greater wearing away of the
sole along the medial border, and, when there is stiff great toe, an
absence of the transverse crease on the dorsum opposite the balls of
the toes. Footprints may be obtained by wetting the soles of the feet.
The print of a normal foot shows only the heel, the lateral border of
the foot, and the balls and tips of the toes. In flat-foot the medial
border appears in the print to a greater or less extent (Fig. 154). If
a record is wanted to estimate the progress of treatment, the sole of
the foot is painted with a 5 per cent. solution of ferro-cyanide of
potassium, and the patient stands on paper painted with the liquor of
the perchloride of iron diluted one-half; the print appears dark blue
on a yellow gro