Spinal curvature occurs to a lesser or greater extent in children of different ages. More often, the problem develops against the background of incorrect posture while sitting at a desk, insufficient physical activity, and carrying heavy briefcases, in particular on one shoulder. In infancy, problems with the spinal column develop as a result of congenital developmental abnormalities or as a result of back injuries. In any case, only timely diagnosis of the disease and adequate treatment will help to avoid serious consequences, in particular the need for surgical intervention.
Congenital malformations of bone structures, such as vertebral anomalies, different lengths of the lower extremities, and uneven arrangement of the pelvic bones, can lead to curvature of the spine in a child.
The main negative factors contributing to spinal curvature are:
In addition, if parents or close relatives have problems with the spine, the risk of developing the disease in the child increases.
Depending on which department and in which direction the curvature occurred, three main types of pathological process are distinguished:
In children, the curvature of the spine of the first stage does not have pronounced signs, so it is impossible to notice it. With further progression of the deformity, symptoms begin to appear:
In the absence of therapeutic measures, the curvature of the spine enters the third stage, which is accompanied by the following clinical picture:
The first manifestations of kyphosis occur in the form of poor posture and stooping. The further development of the disease and clinical manifestations largely depend on the underlying cause of the pathology.
Posterior deformation of the spinal column can be suspected if the following symptoms are present:
As the disease progresses, dysfunction of internal organs and systems occurs, which leads to the development of the clinical picture:
In infants, there is normally no physiological curvature of the spine; curves begin to appear in the first year of life. The development of pathological lordosis in children manifests itself almost equally in infancy and adulthood. In the early stages, there is a stooped posture and pain in the affected part of the back.
Lordosis can be identified by the presence of the following symptoms:
The symptomatic complex largely depends on the localization of the pathological process. General symptoms:
It is possible to identify distortions in the normal development of the spine in a child at any age at home. To do this, it is enough to examine the babies more carefully using one of the methods below.
To identify kyphosis, lordosis or scoliosis in newborns, you should:
The sooner parents pay attention to the presence of problems with the spine, especially in infants, the more effectively and quickly positive results can be achieved during therapy.
Severe degrees of spinal curvature in adolescents, accompanied by severe deformation of the chest, may require surgical intervention. In other cases, complex treatment is carried out, consisting of the use of physiotherapeutic methods, the use of specialized orthopedic products, taking a course of therapeutic massage, attending swimming classes, therapeutic exercises and organizing the correct position when sitting at a desk.
To correct the curvature of the spinal column, you should purchase an orthopedic mattress, discard the pillow, and periodically unload the spine by hanging on the horizontal bar.
Very often, children are prescribed a special corset made of natural material, which straightens their posture and reduces the load on the spine. A special corset is worn for several hours a day or as prescribed by a doctor; too long use can lead to significant weakening of the back muscles.
You can eliminate the curvature of the spinal column in a teenager by doing daily gymnastics and swimming lessons. The exercises should be performed daily; they do not take much time and effort. Gymnastics sitting on a chair:
Effective exercises from a lying position:
Performing a set of exercises daily will help get rid of painful and uncomfortable sensations. It is not difficult to correct the curvature of the spine in a child; the main thing is to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all instructions.
More often, problems with the development of the spine arise in the presence of unfavorable factors. If you follow some simple rules, you can avoid diseases of the spinal column.
The main preventive measures include:
The formation of the spine lasts up to 18 years; in order to avoid problems with the back in the future, it is necessary to take the appearance of deformation of the spinal column more seriously. Sports and proper organization of the workplace will help avoid many back problems.
Spinal curvature is defined as changes in the anatomically correct alignment of the spine. The causes can be either congenital or acquired due to unfavorable factors. Curvature of the spine often leads to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
This is what a curved spine looks like
Curvature of the spine in many cases can provoke the development of osteochondrosis. It contributes to the formation of poor posture and the development of flat feet - all these factors inevitably lead to the development of the disease.
Obesity also negatively affects the spine, leads to its curvature, and as a result, degenerative changes occur and osteochondrosis develops.
Various factors contribute to the development of spinal curvatures - a sedentary lifestyle, long periods of time in a monotonous, uncomfortable position, rapid growth in children, as a result of which skeletal muscles do not have time to form correctly.
For the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis and other diseases of the joints and back, our readers use a quick and non-surgical treatment method recommended by leading orthopedists. After carefully reviewing it, we decided to offer it to your attention.
The physiological curves of the spinal column are formed throughout life and are of great importance in the functioning of the entire musculoskeletal system. They absorb the stress that the spine constantly experiences. Excessive curves in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions create a problem and lead to curvature of the back, which can sometimes be seen visually.
The photo shows the types of spinal curvatures:
The causes of lordosis have various origins. For example, in children it may be a congenital dislocation of the hip joint. In this case, the center of gravity shifts.
In order to maintain balance, the body deviates, creating an excessive bend in the lumbar spine. Lordosis of the lumbar region, as a rule, appears as a result of overweight or obesity.
Also, physical work with heavy lifting has a negative effect on the lower back. The spine is deformed, muscles and ligaments receive excessive stress.
Kyphosis is usually characteristic of the thoracic region. It can be identified by its “round back”.
The reasons for the development are varied. Weak back muscles, incorrect body position when working at a desk, computer, or driving a car. We wrote about how to strengthen your back muscles here.
Kyphosis leads to respiratory failure and can have a negative effect on the oxygen supply to the blood.
Scoliosis is caused by various reasons, for example, improper development of the vertebrae. But the most common reason is the incorrect, “bent” posture of school-age children while studying at a desk, leading to improper distribution of the load on the thoracic and cervical spine.
The muscles quickly tire, and a curvature of the back develops. If you do not consult an orthopedist, a lateral curvature will soon appear and the condition of the spinal column will change. One shoulder and shoulder blade will be positioned higher. The back will become stiff and intercostal neuralgia will form.
Symptoms of spinal curvature are:
Advice from the chief orthopedist.
Nausea, headaches, tinnitus, pain and tingling in the back. The list of signs of osteochondrosis can be continued for a long time, but how long are you going to endure discomfort and pain? Not to mention the possible consequences: paresis - partial restriction of movement, or paralysis - complete loss of voluntary movements. But people, taught by bitter experience, take it forever to cure osteochondrosis.
What signs may indicate spinal curvature?
You can find them by tilting your torso forward - the curved spine will be visually noticeable. They also pay attention to whether the shoulder blades are parallel to each other and whether the height of the shoulders is the same.
A small difference is hardly noticeable. But it tends to increase over time. It is necessary to visit an orthopedic doctor and follow these recommendations.
Spinal curvature should be treated by several doctors, not just one. If you suspect this disease, first of all, it is best to contact a general practitioner, who can make a conclusion and, in case of pathology, give a referral to an orthopedist. The orthopedist will conduct an examination and if the curvature is confirmed, he will prescribe treatment.
In addition to an orthopedist, you can also contact a surgeon, but this is only used in the last stages of scoliosis.
Osteochondrosis is not a death sentence!
Any doctor will offer you a number of methods for treating osteochondrosis, from trivial and ineffective to radical:
- you can regularly undergo a course of massages, returning every six months.
- trust chiropractors and osteopaths, believing in miracles.
- undergo an operation with very risky consequences.
But Valentin Dikul recommends: “to cure osteochondrosis once and for all you need. »
Photo of a woman who corrected her spine in 2 years without surgery.
Treatment of lordosis involves prescribing a specially designed set of gymnastic exercises, massage, and exercises in the pool. Sometimes the orthopedist prescribes a special bandage or corset.
It is necessary to form a straight posture when walking, at work, when reading, as well as when performing gymnastic exercises. The disease takes a long time to be treated, so the success of treatment lies in regularity and systematic implementation of doctor’s prescriptions.
Treatment of kyphosis consists primarily of corrective gymnastics, as well as physiotherapy. If possible, it is necessary to undergo treatment in a sanatorium of the appropriate profile.
For all types of curvatures, manual therapy can be prescribed, which helps remove muscle blocks, restore mobility, and release compressed nerve roots and blood vessels.
Physiotherapy methods are also widely used - ultrasound, laser, magnetic therapy and other methods of influence to improve well-being and speed up recovery.
In the early stages of the disease, home treatment can give very good results, provided you see a doctor first. Using your doctor's recommendations, you can begin treatment at home.
Develop the habit of sitting correctly. Your knees should form a right angle. Your back is as straight as possible, your shoulders are turned, put your elbows on the table. These simple measures will help prevent the progression of the disease.
Exercise therapy for spinal curvature
An effective means of treating curvatures and accompanying osteochondrosis is the use of physical therapy.
It has a beneficial effect on muscles, strengthening them, eliminating curvatures, and correcting posture. Exercise therapy is a very effective remedy at any stage of the disease, but the sooner it is started, the better.
The exercise therapy complex must be selected by a doctor strictly individually. There are a number of contraindications to performing certain physical exercises for each individual patient - the doctor will definitely inform you about them after a full examination. Typically, a doctor recommends the following complex:
to contents ^
It is also recommended to wear a corset for correct posture.
Much attention should be paid to the prevention of spinal curvature. Lead a healthy lifestyle, do gymnastics, yoga, swimming. Walk at least ten kilometers a day, replacing, for example, riding public transport with a walk.
To prevent curvature of the spine in childhood, you need to teach the child to monitor his posture, create a correct, optimally balanced diet that provides the body with microelements and vitamins. Spend time on active games, sports, and going to the pool.
It is important to perform exercises prescribed by your doctor that evenly distribute the load and relieve tightness in the nerve roots. By performing gymnastics, you can stop osteochondrosis and reduce problems with the spine. This will also be an excellent prevention of relapse! Here are some examples of commonly prescribed exercises:
Video of exercises for spinal curvature:
Very useful for curvature and osteochondrosis of the spine. There are certain recommendations that must be followed in order for this procedure to be beneficial:
Put all the recommendations into practice and don’t get sick!
A common stereotype is that after 40 years it is too late to get rid of problems with joints and spine. But in China they proved that the skeleton can actively change at any age. And in which direction depends on the conditions that we offer him. Nobel Prize laureate Professor Park talks about what measures you can take on your own to correct various curvatures and deformations.
Types of spinal curvature
Causes and degrees
Symptoms of spinal curvature
Diagnosis and treatment
Curvature of the spine in children
The human spine has special curves that help to properly distribute the load on the spinal column. Such bends are located in each of the sections of the spine: sacral, cervical, thoracic and lumbar. They are formed starting in infancy, when the child gradually learns first to stand and then to walk.
The vertebrae can sometimes change their position, and this can occur under the influence of congenital or acquired factors. Any disturbance in the curvature of the spinal column leads to the development of severe curvature of the spine, and without proper treatment, the problem can lead to serious consequences: proper breathing is disrupted, pulmonary failure develops, the blood is poorly saturated with oxygen, and hypertension appears.
Any disturbance in the curvature of the spinal column leads to the development of severe curvature of the spine
Doctors divide spinal curvature into several types. The first group - according to the shape of the curvature: lateral - scoliosis (often a phenomenon in school-age children and students; characterized by changes in posture and shape of the chest); anterior bending - lordosis (localized in the lumbar region, often occurs during pregnancy and in overweight people); posterior curvature - kyphosis (most often manifests itself in the thoracic region; in advanced forms, a hump and deformation of the vertebrae develop).
According to the location of the curvature itself: cervical, lumbar, thoracic, total (with complete curvature of the entire spinal column), combined (curvature is observed in several sections at once). This disease is also divided into fixed and non-fixed. This type of curvature suggests that a violation in the position of the spinal column can only appear when a person is sitting or standing, but does not appear in a horizontal position.
Spinal curvature can be congenital or acquired. Congenital curvature can be observed for several main reasons: due to the presence of additional vertebrae, their underdevelopment or wedge-shaped shape. The disease can become acquired under the influence of the following factors: injuries and fractures of the spinal column; consequences of diseases such as paralysis, pleurisy, radiculitis, rickets, existing connective tissue pathologies; an important role is played by incorrect posture, which, in turn, is provoked by poor vision, flat feet, and lack of minimum necessary physical activity; spinal tuberculosis, malignant tumors of the spinal column. A lack of minerals necessary for bones and muscles can also lead to serious curvature of the spine.
There are four degrees of spinal curvature, which depend on the angle of the curved section:
• first degree - in which the angle of curvature is no more than 10 degrees and such pathology cannot be determined by appearance, only a slight stoop can be observed;
• second degree - the arc angle will be from 11 to 25 degrees, the unequal shoulder girdle and torsion of the vertebrae are already quite noticeable, the formation of a muscle roll begins in the lumbar and thoracic region;
• third degree - characterized by an already visible curvature with an arc angle of 26 to 50 degrees; at this degree, an internal hump may begin to form and the abdominal muscles become greatly weakened;
• fourth degree - the most severe degree of curvature with an arc angle of more than 50 degrees, internal organs are severely compressed, even the most minimal loads on the spinal column are difficult to bear.
The most common are curvatures of the spine in the cervical and lumbar regions. Signs of a violation of the position of the spine in each of the departments will differ from each other. When there is curvature in the cervical region, the mobility of the shoulder joint is noticeably impaired, when turning the head, pain discomfort occurs, in some cases hearing is impaired, blood pressure may rise sharply, the person often begins to experience headaches, and during movement there is pain in the back of the head, shoulders and neck.
The most common curvature of the spine in children is observed during school age.
When there is a curvature of the spine in the lumbar region, the following symptoms will occur: a significant protrusion of one shoulder blade, the shoulders will be different in height, the gait changes, a noticeable stoop appears, when the body is tilted forward, deformations of the spine will be noticeable; by placing your hands on the waist, one of them will appear longer another, with a strong degree of curvature, frequent pain appears in the thoracic region or in the stomach, frequent fatigue, and high blood pressure.
To make a diagnosis of spinal curvature, in severe degrees of the disease, the manifestation of external signs is sufficient: an uneven shoulder girdle, a curved contour of the spinal column itself, the lower limb may be shortened on the side of the curvature, and curvature in the pelvic area. If the doctor detects at least one of the similar symptoms, then the person is prescribed an x-ray of the entire spine, with the help of which it is already possible to finally determine the degree of curvature, as well as where the disorder is located and its configuration. One of the latest methods for diagnosing this type of disease is MRI (magnetic resonance therapy), which allows you to obtain a three-dimensional image of the entire spinal column. If the degree of curvature is severe enough, an examination of the internal organs and their ultrasound is required.
How to correct spinal curvature is of interest to everyone who has encountered such a problem. To restore the spine, treatment will be long and difficult. Today, several methods are used to treat a curved spine: drug treatment, physical therapy, surgery and manual therapy. If a person has a first or second degree of curvature, then treatment will be conservative. First of all, this is therapeutic exercises; wearing a special corset; nutritious, healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals; if you have to work at a desk for a long time, then you need to choose a chair and table in accordance with the person’s height; Be sure to treat poor vision.
Therapeutic exercise is one of the main directions in the treatment of such a disease. Exercises for curvature of the spine can be performed as follows: stretching the spine in a horizontal position - pull the top of the head up and the heels down; performing “scissors” with legs while lying on your back or stomach; perform the “bicycle” exercise with your feet lying on the floor; to unload the spine, walk on all fours for three minutes; Swimming in the pool is very useful, where you can perform movements that imitate breaststroke style; for good posture, you can perform squats in front of a mirror 10 times in several approaches; backbends lying on your stomach. Such exercises can be performed independently at home, but for the best therapeutic effect it is necessary to attend physical therapy classes under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
Surgical treatment methods are used only for severe degrees of spinal curvature. During the operation, special endoprostheses and clamps are installed that help keep the spinal column in the correct position. As for medications, the doctor may prescribe vitamin complexes, chondoprotectors, or general strengthening medications. Massage, reflexology, acupuncture, physiotherapy and stimulation of the back muscles with electrical impulses are very helpful for this disease.
Therapeutic exercise is one of the main directions in the treatment of this disease.
Most often, spinal curvature in children is observed during school age. The cause of this disorder is mainly incorrect posture due to weak back muscles or their improper development. Also, the development of spinal curvature can be caused by incorrectly selected furniture for classes, too soft a bed, very often children carry a briefcase with textbooks incorrectly, read in bed and do little physical education and various sports. Also, diseases such as rickets and polio can lead to the formation of an abnormal shape of the spine in a child. The child may complain of pain between the ribs, fatigue, and on the convex side the shoulder blade and shoulder will be higher.
In children, the most common form is a lateral curvature of the spine, called scoliosis. This form is characterized by several arcs of curvature. In order to correct scoliosis, you need to see a doctor at the first manifestations of the disease, since if the curvature is severe, it will be much more difficult to cure it. An examination and diagnosis is carried out by an orthopedic surgeon, who then prescribes the necessary course of treatment. This could be therapeutic exercises, massage, manual therapy, swimming.
The child must have a properly equipped workplace, that is, the right lighting, sitting at a desk, regular walks outside, a diet rich in vitamins, good sleep and mandatory exercises in the morning. Young children must wear special orthopedic shoes, and parents should remember that early sitting of the child or attempts to put him on his feet can also be one of the reasons for the development of spinal curvature. It is very important to conduct regular preventive examinations of children to identify spinal curvature in the early stages.
To prevent the development of spinal curvature, you should try to avoid heavy loads on the spinal column; Perform regular exercises for correct posture and correct position of the spine; the bed must be flat and hard; protein and fortified foods should be present in the diet; daily walks in the fresh air.
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine to the right or left relative to its axis. The most common types of scoliosis are the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Scoliosis is an asymmetry of the body, not only the curvature of the spine, but also protruding shoulder blade or ribs on one side (right or left). This asymmetry is especially noticeable when a person leans forward with his arms hanging freely.
IMPORTANT. In no case should you confuse scoliosis with kyphosis (stooping) - these are completely different postural disorders . Although in fairness it must be said that sometimes kyphosis (stoop) is aggravated by scoliosis. This combination is called kyphoscoliosis . But in general, kyphosis and scoliosis are different conditions and should be considered separately.
It is very easy to determine whether you have scoliosis or kyphosis - do a simple test for correct posture .
Scoliosis can be C-shaped, when the curvature occurs in only one direction - to the right or left, and only in one part of the spine - in the lumbar or thoracic (middle of the back).
In addition, S-shaped scoliosis , when, for example, in the thoracic spine the spine deviates to one side, and in the lumbar spine - to the other (as a counterweight). And the shape of the spine (when viewed from behind) becomes really similar to the English letter S.
In addition to C-shaped and S-shaped scoliosis, there is another, rather rare form of scoliosis - the so-called Z-shaped scoliosis , in which 3 curvature arcs are formed in the spine at once. This form of scoliosis is the least common.
Scoliosis most often begins and rapidly progresses in adolescence, especially during the period when a teenager quickly grows in height. That is, from the ages of 10 to 17 years.
The causes of scoliosis remain a mystery to doctors: in 80% of cases they are declared idiopathic , which translated from Greek means scoliosis of “unknown cause.” It is very strange that supposedly idiopathic scoliosis is a mystery to most doctors - after all, such scoliosis, on the contrary, usually has a completely understandable and obvious cause!
Idiopathic scoliosis most often (although not always) develops in sedentary children leading a sedentary lifestyle, due to improper sitting at school at a desk or at home at the computer, or due to improper positioning of the child at the table while working. lessons.
Moreover, most often, only one circumstance, one wrong habit is decisive - the habit of sticking your shoulder forward!
Let me explain. When a child constantly leans too low towards a notebook or keyboard, and at the same time has the habit of putting forward the shoulder of the hand with which he writes or controls the computer mouse, he involuntarily warps his spine and turns his body towards the extended hand. Over time, the back muscles and spine adapt to this incorrect position, and scoliosis develops.
Some experts, however, dispute the opinion that incorrect body position at a desk or table can, over time, develop abnormal muscle development in a child and lead to scoliosis. But I will give a simple fact to support my theory.
Please note that at school at a desk, or at home at a table while doing homework, right-handed children lean down on their notebooks and most often put their right shoulder forward. And scoliosis of the thoracic spine in the same direction, that is, right-sided thoracic scoliosis , occurs most often among them!
In addition, scoliosis of supposedly “unknown cause” often develops in adolescent athletes involved in “asymmetrical” sports, in which one arm or one side of the body develops much more than the other. For example, tennis players, badminton players, shot throwers or javelin throwers, archers or rifle shooters, etc.
The same problem is typical for teenage musicians who play “asymmetrical” instruments: for example, violinists often suffer from scoliosis, but almost never those who play percussion instruments (drummers); Pianists also almost never suffer from “occupational scoliosis” - after all, they use both hands.
That is, idiopathic scoliosis, which makes up 80% of all scoliosis, is almost always scoliosis of incorrect body position or scoliosis of uneven muscle development!
Of course, not every child who leads a sedentary lifestyle and sits incorrectly at a table or desk will develop scoliosis. For the development of scoliosis, several circumstances most often must come together at once - this is weakness of the ligaments, impaired muscle tone, some unfavorable features of the nervous system, and, apparently, a hereditary predisposition.
However, the fact remains that active, well-developed, athletic children (provided that they engage in “symmetrical sports”) suffer from scoliosis noticeably less often than children who spend all their time at the computer and notebooks, and go out “on major holidays.”
The remaining 20% of scoliosis occurs:
- due to congenital deformities of the vertebrae; due to congenital torticollis; due to rickets;
- due to congenital or acquired leg length differences (if the difference in length between the right and left legs exceeds 2-4 cm);
- due to diseases of the neuromuscular system; for example, scoliosis often develops in children with cerebral palsy (CP), as well as in children who have had polio or tick-borne encephalitis; scoliosis often occurs in people with syringomyelia or central (spastic) paralysis;
- due to metabolic disorders in the bones;
- after injuries and amputations due to accidents or operations;
- very rarely - in children after heart surgery.
When it comes to scoliosis, numerous scammers of all stripes and medical hucksters often push people with scoliosis (and their concerned relatives) on their “exclusive ideas” about what causes scoliosis and how to treat it now. Naturally, they offer treatment with their services or goods. And for this product, a theory of the occurrence of scoliosis is invented.
Here are examples of the most common theories about the causes of scoliosis, literally “made up from thin air.”
Theory No. 1 (distributed by sellers of various insoles): scoliosis is a consequence of flat feet. This is absolute nonsense! Flat feet cannot lead to scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine. We might still (with great difficulty) believe that flat feet lead to stooping - although this is also nonsense. But how can flat feet lead to spinal curvature?!
In fact, in this idea there is a substitution of cause and effect. In children who are physically underdeveloped, have a sluggish posture, or suffer from hypermobility syndrome, parallel to the development of scoliosis or kyphosis, flat feet often occur (since the cause of flat feet is still the same - weakness of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus). That is, the development of scoliosis and flat feet often has one common cause, but these two diseases do not directly affect each other!
Theory No. 2 (distributed by half-educated chiropractors): scoliosis is a consequence of osteochondrosis. Also complete nonsense! Think about it: osteochondrosis is an age-related restructuring of the spine, usually in people over 40 years old. Scoliosis most often begins at a young age. So how can scoliosis occur due to osteochondrosis?
Theory No. 3 (disseminated by some large clinics that operate on herniated discs): scoliosis occurs due to a herniated disc. Here again we are talking about the substitution of concepts. Indeed, sometimes when a disc herniation occurs, a painful spasm of the back muscles and body distortion occur. In fact, it is very similar to scoliosis. But this is, so to speak, temporary scoliosis. Let's remove the pain and spasm - and it will disappear overnight, without a trace. That is, a disc herniation will not lead to persistent scoliosis, or scoliotic disease. Although, if it is not treated at all and you live with pain for 10-15 years, something similar to scoliosis, of course, can arise. But in this case, it seems to us that long-term pain will be a much bigger problem in itself than a curvature of the spine!
Theory No. 4 (distributed by sellers of dietary supplements containing calcium): scoliosis is a consequence of osteoporosis , and to treat scoliosis you supposedly need to take calcium. Another stupidity. After all, osteoporosis is an age-related disease, a disease of older people (with extremely rare exceptions). This means that osteoporosis cannot be the cause of scoliosis that began in adolescence. Perhaps illiterate supplement sellers confuse osteoporosis with rickets, which also involves bone deficiency. But rickets does not cause osteoporosis very often, and rickets is treated not with calcium, but with drugs containing vitamin D.
* The authors of the article are Lana Paley and Dr. Evdokimenko
Flat feet are the most common foot deformity. The foot itself performs the function of human support, movement and shock absorption due to its complex structure. With a normal physiological structure, the foot has two arches - transverse (between the bases of the toes) and longitudinal (along the inner edge of the foot). The arches function as shock absorbers and soften shaking when walking. The musculoskeletal system of the foot works well when the load on the foot is completely balanced. When the muscles and ligaments that connect the 26 bones of the foot weaken, the arches sag and flatten, which leads to loss of spring function. With flat feet, this function passes to the spine, knee, ankle and hip joints. These joints are not designed to perform this function and cope with it poorly, as a result of which they quickly fail.
There are quite a few conditions that lead to flat feet, here are some of them.
Typically, a person who spends a lot of time on his feet does not notice the development of flat feet, and associates the appearance of pain and discomfort in the legs and feet with fatigue. There are several main signs by which you may suspect the development of this terrible disease in yourself.
• By the end of the working day, the legs begin to swell, marks from socks appear, a feeling of heaviness and cramps may appear, which may not last long and go away after a massage.
• You begin to notice that the length of the working day has remained the same, and your legs get tired much faster.
• Shoes begin to wear out much faster than before, mainly on the inside.
• From time to time you get the feeling that your leg has increased in length, and because of this you have to buy shoes a size larger.
There are several stages of foot deformation, the passage of which leads to complete clinical flatfoot. There are the prodromal stage, the stage of intermittent flatfoot, the stage of development of flat foot, the stage of planovalgus foot and contracture flatfoot.
The first stage of flat feet is manifested by pain in the foot and calf muscle after prolonged loading of the foot, statistical in nature, and a pronounced feeling of fatigue appears.
In the stage of intermittent flatfoot, it is characterized by increased pain towards the end of the day; pain occurs due to overstrain of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot, which maintains the optimal position of the foot. Increased fatigue often appears in the middle of the day, and people with incipient flat feet have to change the type of activity or rest more often. The longitudinal arch of the foot visually flattens by the end of the working day, but after rest, especially in the morning, the height of the arch is restored.
The stage of development of a flat foot occurs when, due to further fatigue of the muscles of the lower leg and foot, the longitudinal arch of the foot is not restored to a state after rest. The patient quickly develops fatigue due to muscle fatigue. The pain becomes constant and aching as a result of overstretching of the ligamentous apparatus. The height of the longitudinal arch decreases due to lengthening of the foot and expansion of its longitudinal part. The gait changes, the range of movements in the joint of the feet is limited. At this stage of the disease there are three degrees.
In addition to clinical signs, there are several ways that can determine the severity of this pathology. These include plantography, Feis line analysis, podometry and clinical and radiological diagnostic methods.
Plantography is a method that allows you to determine the severity of flat feet using prints. The feet are lubricated with a solution of methylene blue, then foot prints are made on a clean sheet of paper, leaning evenly on the feet with all the weight.
The Friedland method of podometry is the determination of the percentage ratio of the height of the foot and its length.
The clinical measurement method consists of constructing a triangle with a base equal to the distance from the head of the first metatarsal bone to the calcaneal tubercle. The apex of the triangle is located at the apex of the inner ankle, one leg reaches the apex of the calcaneal angle, the other to the head of the first metatarsal bone. Normally, the height of the arch is 55–60 cm.
The X-ray method is based on constructing a triangle on a lateral radiograph of the foot; connecting the apex of the calcaneal tubercle to the head of the first metatarsal bone, and the apex of the triangle falls on the lower edge of the scaphoid bone; the angle at the apex should normally be 120 - 130 degrees.
Determining the degree of flatfoot using an x-ray.
Flat feet are one of those diseases with which young people are not called up for military service (military service). Stages II and III of this disease are an absolute contraindication for service in the armed forces. This is due to large force loads that a person with flat feet cannot bear. Otherwise, the pain syndrome may intensify, and in the future, while maintaining this load, develop into one of many complications.
Newborns are characterized by well-defined arches, but children's feet are filled with fatty tissue, and upon examination they appear flat. From the age of 3 years, significant strengthening and development of the ligamentous apparatus occurs, due to which there is a significant increase in the height of the arch and the foot begins to take on the appearance of an adult’s foot. The older the child, the more pronounced the vaulted structure. Thus, external flat feet in a child cannot be mistaken for a true disease.
The development of flat feet in children is facilitated by congenital disorders of the ligamentous apparatus, muscle weakness, obesity, endocrine diseases, and improperly selected shoes. Due to anatomical features, determining flat feet in children using the fingerprint method is not always informative and can give a false result.
Very often, children may not complain of leg pain or discomfort, so periodic examination by an orthopedic doctor is an integral part of the annual medical examination. Treatment of flat feet in children comes down to rest, temporary prohibition of playing sports, massage of the plantar part and walking barefoot on uneven surfaces, or the appointment of orthopedic insoles.
Treating flat feet is quite difficult, and after any period of time it will not be possible to say with complete confidence that this disease is in the past. It is possible to completely get rid of this pathology only in childhood, since the ligamentous apparatus and skeletal system are quite pliable. In adult patients, this disease can only be slowed down with the help of special rehabilitation measures.
Parents need to remember: “the earlier the symptoms of flat feet are identified, the more favorable the conditions for stopping the progression.”
Treatment should be combined and include pain relief, strengthening of the ligaments and muscles of the foot. To relieve pain, it is necessary to use pain-relieving ointments with a relaxing effect and physiotherapeutic procedures.
It is necessary to begin treatment with gymnastics, which can be performed daily at home. Therapeutic form of gymnastics is used to achieve correction of the arch of the foot, strengthens muscles, trains ligaments, and forms the correct type of gait. There are a large number of exercises that are selected individually and depend on age, complaints, position of the foot and its shape. All exercises and their intensity will be selected for you by an orthopedic surgeon.
Treatment in the stage of flat foot deformity should be strictly differentiated, along with physical therapy and massage, it is necessary to wear insoles-instep supports, which help relieve painful areas and correct deficiencies in the initial stage of the disease and orthopedic shoes in the II degree, and in the III degree surgical intervention is often indicated treatment.
In cases of mild congenital flatvalgus foot deformity, children undergo foot and lower leg massage and physical therapy. When a child begins to walk, it is necessary to make orthopedic shoes for him. In case of insufficiently effective treatment and late treatment, surgical treatment is indicated.
Properly chosen shoes are of great importance in the treatment of flat feet. Beautiful high-heeled shoes will certainly decorate the feet of any fashionista, but don't wear them all the time. Otherwise, after a short period of time you will have to wear only orthopedic shoes. When choosing shoes, pay special attention to the flexibility and comfort of the sole, the height of the heel (no higher than 3-4 cm); it is better to avoid shoes with platforms and excessively wide or narrow ones.
• Clubfoot when walking, curvature of the spine, unnatural posture.
• Pain in knees, hips, back and feet.
• Dystrophic changes in the muscles of the legs and back.
• Disease of the feet themselves (deformation, crooked toes, calluses, spurs, neuritis)
• Spinal diseases (herniated intervertebral discs, osteochondrosis), diseases of the hip and knee joints.
To prevent the development of flat feet, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures weekly. The first thing that needs to be done is to choose the right shoes, avoid wearing high-heeled shoes, the optimal height is 3 - 4 cm. Periodically undergo an examination by an orthopedic doctor, at least once a year. For people who have any problems with their legs, this examination should be carried out more often. It is also necessary to do gymnastics and do physical exercises for the feet. Foot baths and massages will help relax your muscles and relieve tension after a hard day. It is necessary to get rid of excess weight, as it puts additional stress on the spine and legs.