Also, flat feet in children are detected using a simple test. You need to take a piece of paper, lubricate your bare feet with oil and then place the child on it so that the weight of his body is distributed evenly. If the feet are in order, the picture on the piece of paper will look like in Figure 1. If the print looks like in Figure 2, then this indicates the presence of flat feet, and you should contact an orthopedist as soon as possible.
As a therapy, a child suffering from flat feet is prescribed physiotherapeutic treatment, manual therapy, special massage, and physical therapy. Medicines can be prescribed only as a last resort.
- warm-up (the child should walk around the room for several minutes, first on his heels, then on his toes, gradually increasing the pace);
- sit the child on a chair and ask him to alternately straighten and bend his toes, while rotating his feet;
- put a sheet of paper on the floor and tell the child to crush it well with his bare feet, and then let him lift the crumpled lump from the floor with his toes;
- let the baby often pick up pencils, construction kit parts, and small toys from the floor with his toes;
- put a ball on the floor and ask the baby to roll it first with one leg, then with the other (balls need to be used in different shapes);
- It is very useful to walk barefoot on an uneven surface, for example, on the ground or grass.
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Flat feet ICD-10: M21.4 (Flat foot)
According to statistics, 60% of children aged 6-7 years have manifestations of flat feet, and in adulthood, about 75% of patients already suffer from flat feet.
If you consult a specialist in time, you can forever forget about such a disease as flat feet. Unfortunately, it is possible to slightly improve the condition of the feet only before the age of 12-13 years, when the arch of the foot is not yet fully formed and can be corrected.
At a later age, it is impossible to cure flat feet! And it is necessary to treat concomitant diseases of the musculoskeletal system to prevent their progression and reduce pain.
Dr. Ignatiev’s clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the feet and spine. Make an appointment with a pediatric vertebrologist using contact numbers.
Flat feet are often accompanied by diseases such as scoliosis, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias, and neurocirculatory dystonia, which indicates the need for comprehensive treatment of flat feet.
Flat feet is a disease of the feet, which is characterized by flattening of the longitudinal and/or transverse arch, which leads to rapid fatigue and pain in the feet when walking and standing . But since our feet serve as the “ foundation ” of the body, pain can manifest itself in the back, legs (knees, hip joints), unsteadiness when walking, poor posture, headaches , and more.
There are the following types of flat feet:
With longitudinal flatfoot, the longitudinal arch is flattened, with transverse - transverse, with mixed - longitudinal and transverse. The diagram shows foot prints in normal conditions (a) and with flat feet (b).
Our feet normally perform 3 functions:
When walking, each step is accompanied by an impact on some surface, thanks to the shock-absorbing function (arches) - the force of the push is evenly distributed over the entire foot. But with flat feet, the “impact impulse” is not compensated by the arches of the foot (they are absent) and causes damage to the knee, hip joints and lumbar spine, causing pain in the knees, pelvis, and spine.
Diagnosis of foot sensitivity. Clinic of Doctor Ignatiev
The balancing function ensures that balance is maintained when moving and standing, but since with flat feet the relative position of the parts of the foot is disturbed, the function is not fully performed, then when walking, unsteadiness, instability, and loss of balance can be observed.
The push function provides acceleration when walking. In this case, there is a redistribution of the load on the forefoot, and then a push. But since flat feet often cause pain, shifting the center of gravity and pushing with one point of the foot certainly leads to severe pain and the function is partially lost.
From this we can conclude that with flat feet, the feet cannot fully perform their functions and the quality of life decreases sharply.
This is why it is important to diagnose and treat the problem promptly. The diagnosis of flat feet can only be made at 5-6 years of age, when there are obvious disturbances in the formation of the feet, but a predisposition can be established already in the first years of life. If you establish a predisposition in time and engage in treatment, you will prevent your child from being diagnosed with flat feet in the future! Take care of your baby and make sure that he does not have a predisposition to flat feet or flat feet.
Color podoscopy (Diagnostics of flat feet): A. Longitudinal flat feet 1st degree. overload of the right foot; B. Longitudinal flatfoot in a child. Clinic of Doctor Ignatiev
Normally, the legs are straight and the heel is located in the center of the midline of the leg, but with pathology, the center of the heel may deviate outward (valgus) or inward (varus).
Both varus and valgus are signs of flat feet. With varus, the legs are O-shaped, and with valgus, they are X-shaped.
As the baby develops, he may periodically exhibit both valgus and varus, but by the age of 5 all manifestations should disappear and the foot should be in the center of the midline of the leg. Until the age of 5, one can only talk about a predisposition to flat feet. In childhood, longitudinally planovalgus feet most often occur; if this disease is not treated in time, it will certainly lead to flat feet .
Why is flat feet dangerous?
Flat feet, in addition to pain and disorders in the feet, causes a number of serious changes in the spine, joints and internal organs.
The feet, as the “foundation” of our body, are responsible for symmetry.
With flat feet, disturbances cascade across the entire body, damaging the ankle, knee, and hip joints, pelvic distortion occurs, and scoliosis forms. The lack of shock-absorbing function of the feet leads to rapid aging of the spine, osteochondrosis, and disorders in the spine are reflected in the functioning of the internal organs.
If flat feet occur, it can be almost completely eliminated by the age of 6-7 years, and slightly improved by the age of 11-13 years.
Diagnosis of foot condition
The longitudinal arch is pronounced. Clinic of Doctor Ignatiev
Foot manipulation in adults
At a later age, lifelong use of special insoles (arch supports) or surgical intervention may be necessary.
But remember, insoles and even surgery on the feet will never cure the problems that have arisen throughout the body due to flat feet. Timely prevention and treatment are the key to health.
Flat feet (longitudinal and transverse) in children bother modern parents almost from the first step the child takes. As a rule, treatment is prescribed if flat feet persist for up to 5 years or more.
Approximately 3-13% of children experience flat feet at a young age. In fact, this condition is physiological until 8-9 years of age. If the arch disappears when standing and appears when rising on your toes or sitting, then we are talking about flexible flat feet. Dr. Komarovsky, in his advice to young mothers, says that in children of 1 year, with a strong desire, any specialist will find a flattening of the foot, since this corresponds to the normal maturation of the limb.
Attention should be paid to children who have a hereditary predisposition to foot diseases, as well as when scoliosis, clubfoot and gait disorders appear. Congenital hip dislocation. Muscular dysplasia can be caused by overexertion and bowing of the foot. Children with established diagnoses are observed additionally.
Foot injuries, rickets. congenital muscle weakness forms the prerequisites for flat feet. The surgeon detects diseases before a year, but after 2 years, the strengthening of bones and ligaments continues, and it must be monitored by a specialist.
The question of whether diseases are treated in children is decided depending on the diagnosis established by the orthopedist. There are the following types of foot deformities:
You should worry about how to treat your child if there is discomfort or pronounced signs:
The child may refuse to walk and run, or not participate in games that require a lot of stress on the legs. If you complain of pain, you should consult an orthopedist.
By looking at the foot with the naked eye, an experienced orthopedist can identify flat feet. He observes the movement of the foot while walking, sitting, standing or doing exercises, and also examines the child's shoes and wear patterns.
In severe cases, you will need to take an x-ray to determine the degree of deformity. The doctor orders a surgeon to examine the child’s knees and hips to rule out the influence of other limb defects on the shape of the foot.
Most children outgrow the problem, and the doctor will advise you to come back for follow-up examinations. To reduce pain, insoles, inserts and orthopedic shoes are used. which is prescribed by a specialist.
Surgeries are rarely performed until the skeleton is completely formed. At this age, tendon plastic surgery does not bring results. Subtalar arthrorrhiza to form an arch is performed only when the pain increases, since a side effect may be degenerative arthritis in the future.
Concerns about how to treat flat feet in children are dispelled by the doctor's answer - strengthen the leg muscles. In case of obvious deformation, the exercise therapy complex should be developed by an instructor and performed under his guidance.
However, a few simple tips can be recommended to every adult to protect the child:
Children diagnosed with flat feet are strictly prohibited from skating, attending ballet, and doing weightlifting.
It is worth taking active action at an early age so that concerns about how to cure the disease in adolescents are not too late.
Home gymnastics for flat feet is the main way to strengthen your legs:
Increasingly, questions arise about how to treat flat feet in adolescents, when the process has started and cascading anomalies have appeared: ankles, knees, hip joints. A child is taken to a surgeon because of a curvature of the spine or pelvis, but they find out about a foot deformity.
The sooner you start prevention, the more noticeable the effect will be. Up to 12-13 years of age, foot deformities can be corrected. Flat feet are dangerous because the poor shock-absorbing function of the plantar arch leads to rapid wear and tear of the spine, osteochondrosis, and this affects the functioning of the internal organs.
Further treatment of flat feet in adolescents involves the use of arch supports and surgical intervention in case of significant pain.
The task of parents is to catch the disease at a stage when correction is still permissible. Therefore, visits to an orthopedist should not be “for show,” and physical activity should be introduced into a child’s life from kindergarten.
Flat feet in children is usually a reversible pathology, which is characterized by deformation of the bony arches of the foot. The causes of the disease are diverse, most of them are acquired. The disease can be detected by an orthopedist in a newborn or infant, but is more often detected at the age of 5 years and older.
Treatment of the pathology is usually conservative, but in advanced cases, surgery can be used to stop the destruction of the joints of the legs and spine, which was caused by flat feet. Prevention of the disease should be carried out for all children, but special attention should be paid to it if the child is at risk.
The human foot is a complex combination of bones, ligaments, muscles and their tendons.
Its task is to accept and support the weight of the entire human body, correctly distribute the load when moving, and maintain balance when walking on an uneven surface.
It is the foot that performs the task of shock absorber when walking. All these functions become possible thanks to the structure of this structure, namely the vaults:
In the physiological position, the arches are held in place by ligaments and muscles. Ligaments are passive fasteners that provide strong fixation. The muscles, stretching, change the angles and height of the arches, adapting to the conditions that arise when walking.
The longitudinal arch is a shock absorber that is important during standing and walking. When its angle and height change, longitudinal flatfoot develops. If the angle between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone increases, or between the first and second metatarsal bones becomes more than 10°, they say that the flatfoot is transverse.
As a result of flat feet, the support points of the foot change, which normally are the heel bone, 1st and 5th metatarsals. This alters gait mechanics, promoting the development of degenerative changes in the overlying joints.
The disease has non-fatal, but nevertheless dangerous consequences. This:
Depending on the causes of the disease, it can be congenital or acquired.
Such flat feet develop when the genes passed on from parents contain incorrect information about the strength of the ligaments, the extensibility of the foot muscles, or the relationships of the bones of the foot. The disease can be detected in infants (more often it is detected at 2-3 years old, when the baby is actively walking); it is often combined with other developmental defects.
How to identify it at such an early age? Only an orthopedist can do this. This is explained by the fact that until the age of 5, the instep of the foot is filled with adipose tissue, which is why a colored print on paper will not provide the necessary information.
This type of flatfoot is diagnosed in preschool children, adolescents and adults as a result of various factors:
Depending on the reasons, the following forms of acquired flatfoot are distinguished:
Many people wonder how to determine flat feet and the degree of its progression in a timely manner.
Flat feet is a serious disease characterized by changes in the arches of the feet.
First, let's look at the types and degrees of progression of the disease.
The human foot consists of a longitudinal and transverse arch. The correct location of the arches and the ligamentous-muscular system is necessary for optimal load distribution during movement, necessary to maintain balance.
However, in the presence of certain factors in the human body, processes can occur that lead to deformation of the arches and muscle tissue.
The process of flattening the arches (longitudinal, transverse) begins, which leads to a change in the functioning of the whole organism. If a combination of both deformities is observed, specialists diagnose longitudinal-transverse flatfoot.
Longitudinal flatfoot can be divided into 4 stages:
According to the severity of the pathology, it is divided into 3 degrees.
Flat feet. Why is it not being treated? Flatfoot. Why is not treated?
How to determine if you have flat feet?
Live healthy! Flat feet and the army
Flat feet. How to treat flat feet? Doctor Komarovsky | Question for the doctor
According to etiological division, pathology is:
Leg fatigue is one of the symptoms of flat feet.
In addition to what a plantograph (footprint) can show, there are a number of other symptoms of pathology:
Transverse flatfoot is characterized by special changes in the foot, such as a growth on the first toe.
Transverse flatfoot is characterized by special changes in the foot:
Despite the fact that the presence of such symptoms may indicate the development of other diseases, it would be advisable to do a plantograph yourself or consult a specialist.
Only he will be able to accurately establish the cause, determine the pathology and prescribe effective treatment.
A foot examination and diagnosis can be done either at home or in a hospital. There are several available ways to check whether a patient has flat feet or not.
The most common method by which you can find out whether there is a foot deformity is using a foot print, or plantograph. You can make such a plantograph at home using a sheet of paper and paint.
In order to build a plantograph, you need to smear your foot with paint and make an imprint on a blank sheet of paper. This way you can determine whether there is flatfoot, what is the degree of development of the disease.
The most common method by which you can find out whether there is a foot deformity is using an imprint, or plantograph.
If the plantograph does not show the notch on the foot or it is not sufficiently pronounced, it can be argued that there is flatfoot. The degree of development of the disease in this case must be determined by the doctor.
A plantograph can be made without using paint. To do this, just look closely at the footprint in the sand or use water instead of paint.
Using a plantograph to diagnose children under 6 years of age is ineffective, since the fat layer present on the foot at this age will not allow a real picture to be drawn. To diagnose children, doctors recommend using more modern methods.
In order to promptly determine whether there is flat feet or not, it is necessary to undergo an annual examination by an orthopedist until the age of 13.
Using modern methods for determining the pathology of the arches of the feet, it is possible to verify the absence or development of the disease.
Diagnosis of flat feet consists of several methods:
Inspection. The examination is carried out by an orthopedist, the result depends on the qualifications of the specialist. Regular examinations are very important for children under 6 years of age, since only by touch the doctor can determine hidden changes in the arch of the foot.
If the child experiences pain during palpation, the orthopedist may prescribe an additional examination. Due to the fat layer, which serves as a shock absorber while the baby learns to walk, it is very difficult to notice small deviations.
Radiography makes it possible to study changes in the longitudinal and transverse arches and heel height.
During the inspection, you need to pay attention to the following points:
The following diagnostic methods are used:
If the diagnosis determines that there are violations, it is necessary to begin treatment as soon as possible. Timely identification of the first symptoms makes it possible to quickly begin the fight against pathology and minimize subsequent deformation of the foot and restore the correct shape of the arches as much as possible.
Effective treatment of pathology consists of a set of individually selected techniques, the action of which is aimed at correcting the shape of the arches, reducing pain and discomfort, strengthening muscle tissue and the strength of ligaments.
Reducing pain in the legs, feet, calves and lumbar region can be achieved through special medications and physiotherapeutic procedures: magnetic therapy, phonophoresis, electrophoresis, massage. For any form of flatfoot, the basis of treatment is gymnastics.
Reducing pain in the legs, feet, calves and lumbar region can be achieved through special medications.
Experts have developed many special exercises that need to be performed constantly. Exercises are selected for each patient individually based on the type of diagnosed pathology and the patient’s characteristics.
One of the means for treating pathology is baths, hydromassage of the legs and feet. These procedures help strengthen muscles and restore blood flow.
Also, during treatment, doctors prescribe the use of specialized insoles that secure the bandages. The effectiveness of such orthopedic insoles is based on shape correction and proper distribution of the load on the surface of the foot. In this case, the insole acts as a shock absorber.
For stage 3 pathology, correction involves surgical intervention.
The above treatment methods are effective only at stages 1 and 2 of the disease. For stage 3 pathology, correction involves surgical intervention.
This treatment method is more often used when diagnosing transverse flatfoot, when there is a noticeable deformation of the position of the big toe and there are no other recovery methods. Surgery often involves removal of the protruding bone followed by plastic surgery of the joint capsule and tendons. This method is quite traumatic and relapses may occur.
Treatment methods for this disease are constantly being improved; a new correction method has been developed, which involves changing the transverse arch and the angle between the bones.
The result of the intervention is a gradual change in the distribution of load on the ligaments.
Prevention of childhood flat feet:
Prevention in adults:
Regular examination of the feet will help determine the development of flat feet long before the disease progresses to stage 3.
Timely diagnosis and effective treatment will help alleviate the patient’s suffering and slow down the development of pathology.
Normally, the human foot has arches: transverse (located under the bases of the toes) and longitudinal (running along the foot along its inner edge). These arches provide shock absorption during walking and maintain balance.
Flat feet is a deformation of the foot in which its arches (one or both at once) are lowered. As a result of this disorder, the feet lose their shock-absorbing and springing abilities. What causes flat feet and how to recognize it?
Many people are concerned about the question: “What causes flat feet?” So, the main causes of flat feet are as follows:
weakness of the ligaments and muscles of the foot due to insufficient physical activity (for example, it often develops during “sedentary” work);
genetically determined deviations in the development of muscles, bones, ligaments of the foot;
foot injuries (for example, fractures of the bones of the foot, damage to the ligaments and/or muscles that strengthen the arch);
significant increase in body weight (for example, appears with obesity);
some diseases, in particular rickets, polio;
poorly chosen shoes (tight, high heels, platform);
excessive physical activity (during “standing” work, jumping and running sports).
In general, there are many factors that cause the development of flat feet, but the main reason is the insufficient development of the ligaments and muscles of the foot. Therefore, in order for the arches of the feet to form correctly, it is necessary to constantly train these muscles. However, what to do if flat feet have already begun to develop? How to detect it at an early stage?
Diagnosing flat feet at an early stage is extremely important. After all, the sooner this disorder is identified, the sooner it will be possible to carry out treatment and achieve good results. Since flat feet are quite common, everyone should know its main signs.
The main signs of flat feet include:
rapid fatigue of the legs when walking (in particular, in high heels), “standing” work;
pain in the feet after heavy physical activity;
the appearance of leg fatigue and a feeling of heaviness at the end of the day; pain may also occur;
the appearance of wear on old shoes on the inside (this sign is especially noticeable if they have a heel);
inability to “fit” into old shoes: the foot seems to increase in size (width and/or length).
Further progression of the degree of this disorder is accompanied by the appearance of pain in the knees, hips, and lower back.
It must be remembered that many of the above symptoms can occur not only with flat feet, but also with other diseases, for example, varicose veins. Therefore, if such manifestations occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Types of flat feet can be as follows:
Anatomical or congenital: is a deviation in which the bones of the foot are placed so that the foot remains flat regardless of muscle contraction. In this type, only surgical treatment is effective. Fortunately, this pathology occurs very rarely.
Functional or acquired: common. With this disorder, the foot has no anatomical defects, but its muscles do not perform their function well.
According to another classification, the types of flat feet are as follows:
longitudinal flatfoot (a decrease in the longitudinal arch is noted);
transverse flatfoot (a decrease in the transverse arch is observed);
combined flatfoot or longitudinal-transverse (characterized by simultaneous flattening of both arches).
In addition, depending on the cause of flat feet, the following types are distinguished:
Traumatic - occurs after fractures of the bones of the foot, damage to the ankle joint, muscles, ligaments that strengthen the arch.
Paralytic develops after polio due to paralysis of the foot muscles.
Rickets is a consequence of rickets, in which the normal formation of the bones of the foot is disrupted.
Static flatfoot is its most common form. Its main reasons are as follows:
weakness of the muscles and ligaments of the foot due to hereditary predisposition;
weakness of the ligaments and muscles of the foot due to low physical activity;
wearing uncomfortable and tight shoes;
prolonged stress on the feet (in particular high heels, “standing” work).
With this type of flatfoot, there is a flattening of the transverse arch and, as a result, deformation of the fingers (they become hammer-shaped). Characteristics of transverse flatfoot are pain and callus in the forefoot.
Characterized by flattening of the longitudinal arch. As a result, almost the entire area of the sole is in contact with the floor. There is also an increase in foot length.
There is a direct dependence on weight: the more significant it is, the higher the load on the feet, and, consequently, the stronger the severity of longitudinal flatfoot. With this disorder, fatigue in the legs and severe pain in the feet occur; wearing regular shoes becomes difficult.
This type is characterized by flattening of both arches of the foot - transverse and longitudinal. Therefore it is also called longitudinal-transverse.
Not everyone knows what flat feet lead to. However, if left untreated, this disorder will eventually develop into a planovalgus foot. It is characterized by the occurrence of pain at the slightest static load.
With a planovalgus foot, there is a pronounced flattening of the arch and valgus deformity (represents a sharp turn of the foot with the plantar side inward).
This violation can only be corrected through surgery.
There are three degrees of flat feet:
The first degree is manifested by pain and increased fatigue of the feet with excessive and prolonged loads.
The second degree is characterized by the occurrence of gait disturbances.
In the third degree, pain is constantly observed, disturbances in gait and posture are observed, and complications develop.
A children's physiological feature is the absence of pronounced arches of the feet. That is why flat feet practically never occur in children. Exceptions are extremely rare cases of congenital (anatomical) flat feet, all of which were discussed above.
In children, the arches of the feet are usually formed by the age of 10–12 years. However, this does not mean that the child does not need to be prevented from this disorder. The foot muscles need to be strengthened in childhood.
It is quite simple to prevent flat feet in a child if you treat this issue carefully from early childhood. The main factor in the prevention of this disorder is a variety of physical activity. Thus, walking barefoot on uneven surfaces, swimming, running, physical education, and gymnastics plays a huge role in preventing flat feet. In addition, parents should always purchase only high-quality shoes of the correct size for their baby. If these conditions are met, the formation of the child’s body, including the arches of the feet, will proceed harmoniously and in the future you will not have to ask the question: “How to cure flat feet?”
When the muscles and ligaments of the feet weaken and cease to fully cope with their work, the feet lose their normal shape: they “sink” and become flat, while losing their main function - springing. As a result, the entire load that the feet should take on is taken by the hip, ankle, knee joints and spine. Since the spine and the listed joints are not designed for such loads, they cope with this function poorly, and quickly wear out. All this ultimately leads to various negative consequences.
The following consequences of flat feet are often observed:
rapid fatigue of the legs;
pain in the knees, back, feet, hips;
the occurrence of venous stagnation and the development of varicose veins;
violation of the supporting function of the foot;
deformation of the foot, in particular, the appearance of hallux valgus (“bump” on the big toe).
In addition, it is believed that flat feet predispose to the appearance of ingrown toenails.
Those who have been diagnosed with flat feet are undoubtedly concerned with the questions: “Is it treatable?”, “Is it possible to get rid of flat feet forever?”, “Can this disorder be corrected without surgery?” and so on. The answers to such questions depend on the stage of the disorder, the age of the patient, and whether he or she has concomitant diseases that may worsen the prognosis.
Many parents are trying to find out whether flat feet in children need to be treated . As previously stated in this article, treatment is required only in the case of congenital flat feet, which is extremely rare. In all other cases, children should be prevented from flat feet, aimed at the correct formation of the arches of the feet.
Surgeries can be performed to eliminate congenital flat feet in children. Special plaster casts and splints are also used. In addition, massage, water procedures (for example, a contrast shower for the feet), exercise therapy, wearing orthopedic shoes, and the use of orthopedic insoles (instep supports) are indicated. At the same time, children should not walk barefoot on hard and level surfaces (for example, on the floor), and on the contrary, it is recommended to walk barefoot on uneven ground.
Both adolescents and adults need to resort to treatment immediately, immediately after diagnosis. After all, the sooner you start full-fledged treatment, the greater the likelihood of stopping the progression of foot deformity and creating favorable conditions for its correction (correction). In addition, if flat feet are identified, it is important to find out what contributed to its development. As soon as the provoking factor is identified, it must be removed (for example, wearing tight shoes, prolonged “standing” work).
In adults, treatment for flat feet includes a set of measures and is carried out in two main areas - improving the tone of the foot muscles and eliminating pain.
To eliminate pain, medications are used in combination with physiotherapeutic procedures (therapeutic massage, electrophoresis, water procedures, magnetotherapy).
For those who are being treated for flat feet, correction with orthopedic shoes, arch supports, as well as a daily set of exercises is necessary. In each individual case, sets of exercises and specific options for orthopedic shoes/insoles are recommended by an orthopedist depending on the degree and type of flatfoot.
When treating flat feet in adults, it should be understood that all of these methods are aimed at preventing progressive foot deformation. However, such an effect is possible only in the early stages of this disorder. In severe cases (for example, severe deformity due to hallux valgus), surgery is indicated.
In general, it is necessary to take into account that time is an important factor in the treatment of flat feet: the sooner help is provided, the greater the chance of stopping the progression of the disorder in an adult or completely curing a child.