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How to cure a child's flat feet

01 Jun 18

How to effectively treat grade 2 flat feet in a teenager

Many parents are interested in the question of how to treat grade 2 flat feet in a teenager. This pathology refers to those diseases that affect the lower limbs of a person. It occurs very often and develops in a child from a very early age, as soon as he begins to actively walk. Therefore, doctors are often faced with the fact that already at the age of 4 years the baby has a certain development of flat feet. According to statistics, more than half of children already have some degree of this pathology by the age of seven. You can radically improve the condition of your feet before the age of 13. The body of teenagers is still conducive to positive changes. Treatment for flat feet should be carried out as early as possible. If measures are not taken in time, then it will be impossible to cure flat feet. According to statistics, a third of the world's population experiences certain problems associated with changes in the condition of the foot.

Flatfoot is a deformity of the human foot. Its main feature is that the transverse and longitudinal arches of the feet are lowered. As a rule, this is fraught with discomfort and even pain. The causes of the disease are heredity, obesity, various household injuries, and poorly chosen shoes (high heels).

At first, the disease does not make itself felt, often the discomfort is only episodic. But then, at the second stage, the disease manifests itself sharply. The development of the disease is indicated by the following factors:

  • Fatigue too quickly, this can trigger chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • Pain in toes.
  • Pain in the hips, lower back. As a rule, they occur during active movements, but then become annoying during sleep.
  • Problems when choosing suitable shoes. The foot expands, the previous shoes become unsuitable, they quickly wear out and you have to buy a size or two larger.
  • Severe tension in the calf muscles.
  • Swelling of the lower extremities.
  • Changes in gait: she becomes clubfooted, her posture is deformed.
  • It is worth noting that the problem does not necessarily develop on both feet at once. One foot can remain normal, while the other goes through the process of deformation. This is extremely unpleasant and inconvenient, because if the disease progresses, in addition to regular discomfort, you will also have to buy shoes of different sizes for both feet.

    There are the following types of flat feet:

    Flat feet of the second degree

    Flat feet can have 3 different degrees. The first one usually goes unnoticed. It develops at an early age in children, accompanied by weakening of the ligamentous apparatus, a slightly altered gait, which becomes less flexible. The third degree is a form of advanced foot disease. A person can no longer walk in normal shoes, and the performance of his musculoskeletal system decreases.

    Between these 2 forms of pathology there is a second degree of flatfoot, in which deformation of the foot appears, which is not irreversible, and there is a period when it can be stopped. The enlargement of the foot becomes visible to the naked eye; it can be imagined as spread out. Pain that was previously periodic now becomes regular, spreading to the entire ankle joint. The gait becomes difficult, clubfoot progresses.

    Children and adolescents often develop transverse flatfoot, which can appear at an early age. This happens due to heredity or due to weakness of connective tissues. As children develop, their legs are straight and their heels are in the center. But it may happen that they begin to bend inward. This phenomenon is called valgus, which is characterized by the fact that the heels can move inward. But the front parts of the feet can behave in exactly the same way. Experts call this phenomenon varus of the foot.

    Symptoms of second degree flat feet look like this:

  • Constant and incessant pain, which was previously episodic.
  • The onset of swelling of the feet and legs. It goes away only after using a special ointment for 7-8 hours.
  • Open bone deformation, crunching sound when walking.
  • Curvature of the shape of the fingers, this manifests itself in the second form. The toes often take on a hammer-like shape.
  • Redness of some areas of the skin.
  • How to carry out treatment?

    How to treat grade 2 flat feet in adolescents? Treatment of flat feet should be carried out by an appropriate specialist: an orthopedist or a chiropractor. The doctor makes the correct diagnosis, based on the degree of foot deformity, and prescribes prevention and appropriate treatment of the disease.

    Flat feet can be treated using methods such as:

  • Manual therapy. Applies to all patients, regardless of their age and health status. It is prescribed to correct deformed toes and metatarsals.
  • Massage. His course is prescribed as part of manual therapy. This is the most effective method. The massage therapist uses special creams, squeezing the foot so that a depression forms in the middle, and holding it for about 20 seconds. Then the massage therapist moves in a circular motion to the back of the foot towards the toes.
  • Physiotherapy.
  • Wearing orthopedic shoes. In specialized enterprises you can purchase practical, orthopedic shoes, various insoles, arch supports and linings. They are also important; without them, a person suffering from flat feet is unlikely to be able to lead a normal life.
  • Medicines. They are not used so often, they are used only for severe pain problems, the doctor can then recommend analgesics.
  • Surgical operations. In some cases, surgical treatment is required. Surgeons, opening the foot, correct the deformation of the joints and clear them of osteophyte deposits.
  • Alternative methods. Traditional medicine offers its own means of getting rid of the disease. Among them are mud baths and clay wrapping. They improve blood circulation and muscle tone.
  • All of the above treatment methods are mandatory for adolescents suffering from this disease. Flat feet of the 2nd degree and its treatment in a teenager require serious attention from him.

    If ignored, this problem will lead to serious consequences that will last a lifetime.

    Despite the fact that the second degree is not fully developed, it requires a serious approach to correcting the situation. In the treatment of flat feet, physiotherapy is used, including applications and electrophoresis. Another way is home treatment, which consists of regular exercises. One of these methods is walking without shoes on sand or logs. Natural contact with the ground has a positive effect on deformed feet. Another exercise is to sit on a chair with your legs straight and bend and straighten your toes 10-12 times. Walking on foam rubber or a pile carpet has a positive effect. To strengthen the leg muscles, crawl style swimming is recommended.

    Prevention of flat feet

    Prevention of flat feet consists of ensuring the functioning of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus. This is achieved through a set of measures, including regular exercise and selection of suitable shoes. When standing for a long time, it is recommended to place your feet parallel to each other. Shoes must match your foot size. For women, a heel height of no higher than 3-4 cm is allowed. High heels are undesirable, they only contribute to the development of the disease. Tight and excessively loose shoes are harmful. Hobbies such as ice skating or skiing should be avoided. They can also provoke a relapse of the disease.

    How to cure flat feet at home

    Flat feet is not such a harmless diagnosis that you don’t have to worry about. Normally, the human foot has two arches - longitudinal and transverse. Thanks to their coordinated work, a person is able to maintain balance, walk and move calmly. If the foot changes for any reason, flat feet appear, which can lead to serious consequences. If left untreated, you can get problems with the spine (even curvature), and joint diseases. People with flat feet cannot walk quickly and for a long time and get tired even after being on their feet for a short time. But how to recognize flat feet?

    Symptoms of flat feet

    Here are some signs to look out for.

  • After a long walk, a person gets tired, his legs swell, hurt, and a burning sensation is felt in the calf area. This state usually occurs in the evening.
  • Posture with flat feet changes - the spinal column becomes arched, the gait is unnatural (clubfooted).
  • Pain is felt not only in the legs, but also in the lower back, neck, hips, and back. This occurs due to improper distribution of body weight.
  • Ask the patient to squat. Most people with this diagnosis find it difficult to do this - they cannot maintain their balance.
  • Sometimes flat feet are accompanied by an ingrown toenail.
  • The feet should be painted and the patient should be asked to step on the paper. A healthy foot will have a thin contact zone in the center as the arch prevents the inside of the foot from sinking down onto the paper. The footprint of a person with flat feet will be wide.
  • In patients with flat feet, shoes wear out quickly, especially the heel on the inside.
  • Flat feet prevent a woman from walking in heels - she feels very uncomfortable, her legs hurt.
  • With flat feet, the foot begins to deform very early, and “bones” appear on the legs.
  • As soon as you notice similar symptoms in yourself or your child, you should definitely see an orthopedic doctor. In the early stages, flat feet can be cured. But where does it come from?

    Reasons for the development of flat feet

    Here are some factors that could cause the development of this disease.

    1. Rickets is the most common cause of flat feet. When the body lacks vitamin D, bones become soft and pliable.
    2. Flat feet can occur due to excess body weight. In this case, the arch of the foot simply cannot withstand the load and sag.
    3. Wearing shoes that are narrow, uncomfortable or, conversely, too large in size leads to improper formation of the foot. Children should have shoes with arch support from the very beginning - as soon as they begin to walk independently.
    4. Flat feet can occur in athletes and people with difficult professions who experience serious stress on their legs and spine.
    5. Leg injuries can also lead to flat feet.
    6. Flat feet often develop due to insufficient load on the legs during sedentary work. When muscles weaken, they cannot support body weight in the desired position.
    7. Very often, flat feet develop in pregnant women. The fact is that hormones make bones more elastic (the body is preparing for childbirth), and rapidly increasing weight puts serious stress on the arch of the foot. Because of this, pregnant women may experience symptoms of flat feet, which usually disappear after childbirth. Because the arch of the foot sag, a pregnant woman may even notice that her foot size has increased.
    8. Whatever the reasons for the development of foot pathology, flat feet need to be treated as soon as possible.

      How to treat flat feet at home

      Flat feet is one of the diseases that can be treated at home. Here is a list of measures you should take if you want to get rid of flat feet.

    9. Shoes. First you need to purchase and wear orthopedic shoes. She keeps the arch of the foot in the right position, teaches the foot to stand correctly and not fall inward. For mild flat feet, orthopedic shoes can be replaced with special insoles with arch support.
    10. Walks. In the summer, you should walk on uneven surfaces with bare feet as much as possible. A rough asphalt surface, sand, pebbles, lawn, etc. are suitable. During such walking, the active points of the foot are affected, it is formed correctly, and the muscles of the arch of the foot are trained. In winter, you can walk on scattered peas, buttons, pebbles and other small objects.
    11. Massage. Massage, which should be done by a professional, is very effective against flat feet. An experienced massage therapist kneads the arch of the foot, makes stroking, patting, circular, tingling, rubbing and other movements. It is important to warm up the feet, give them the desired shape, and increase blood circulation. A massage course will bring you much closer to recovery. At home, you can use special massagers or massage mats.
    12. Rolling. It is very useful to roll various objects with your feet. This could be a bottle, a rolling pin or a simple roller. Moreover, you should roll the object not only across, but also along. You can spread a small towel on the floor and collect it with your toes. This exercise trains the muscles of the arch of the foot.
    13. Physical activity. To engage your feet and develop their muscles, you need to move as much as possible. It is very effective to go hiking, skiing, crawl swimming, ice skating and roller skating. These sports best develop the muscles of the feet.
    14. Gait. It is very important to monitor your gait - this is the basis for correct foot placement. Shoulders should be straightened, back straight, legs should be parallel to each other. When walking, make sure your feet rest on the outer edge of your feet.
    15. Baths. Before exercise and massage, you can take baths to soften the skin of your feet and relax your muscles. For every liter of warm water you need to add a tablespoon of sea salt. Keep your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes.
    16. Bike. Cycling is a very effective exercise against flat feet. Moreover, you need to ride without shoes. In this case, the load falls on the arch of the foot, giving it a natural, healthy bend.
    17. Nutrition. To strengthen your bones, you need to eat more foods containing calcium. You can get the proper dose of vitamin D from medications or through the sun - walk more under ultraviolet rays. But remember that vitamin D is absorbed only in the first half of the day, so morning walks are much more beneficial.
    18. Log. Walking on a medium-diameter log is very beneficial for flat feet, because this position of the foot brings it into its natural shape. It is best to walk sideways on a log.
    19. In addition, you need to monitor your diet if you are overweight. After all, excess body weight only aggravates the course of the disease. Another effective way to get rid of flat feet is exercise.

      Therapeutic exercises against flat feet

      Gymnastics is the basis for the treatment of many orthopedic diseases. Here are the most popular and effective exercises for straightening the arch of the foot.

    20. Stand straight with your feet on the outside of your feet. In this position, turn your body as far as possible to the right and left. Hands on the belt. You must try to keep your balance.
    21. Walking on the outside and inside of your feet is very effective. If you combine this exercise with walking on uneven surfaces, it will be even more beneficial.
    22. Stand up straight and begin to roll from toe to heel and back. Keep your hands on your belt.
    23. Walk around the room first on your heels and then on your toes. Your hands should be raised up.
    24. It is very useful to work with your toes; this exercise helps to train the muscles of the arch of the foot. Sit down and stretch your legs in front of you. Alternately curl and fan your toes. Each movement should be at the limit of your capabilities - do it as intensely as possible.
    25. This exercise is also performed while sitting. You need to alternately rotate your feet in one direction or the other.
    26. While sitting on a chair, pull your socks towards you as much as possible. Lock in this position for a few seconds.
    27. Take a long rolling pin or gymnastics stick. With your bare feet, walk along the length of the selected object, placing your heel close to the toe of your other foot. Try not to leave the object - keep your balance.

    Flat feet can be cured on your own, but this requires patience and regularity. If you do the exercises daily for at least a month, you can see very real results.

    Flat feet is a disease that develops quickly and cannot be treated with any treatment. Flat feet can be completely cured only in children under five years of age. For older children and adults, you can only correct the arch of the foot and improve the situation a little. Do not let flat feet develop, because our mood and well-being depend on correct posture and gait.

    How can you cure flat feet in a child?

    Flat feet in children is a common disease that affects the musculoskeletal system, and flattening of the foot occurs, or rather, its internal arch. As a rule, deformation develops in the area of ​​the longitudinal arch of the foot. This symptom is characterized by the fact that the sole becomes flat and can touch the support with its entire surface.

    What is the reason for such deformation and is it possible to eliminate it completely? Let's talk about this and other things in more detail.

    Why does flat feet occur in a child?

  • internal, which consist in the peculiarities of the development of the musculoskeletal system of the limbs;
  • external, which consist in external factors, which, in turn, cause weakness of the muscular-ligamentous system of the limbs and the further development of flat feet.
  • Internal causes are congenital weakness of connective tissue, weakness of muscles and ligaments, the individual structure of the ligamentous and muscular apparatus, hereditary predisposition to the disease, and other congenital and genetic pathologies.

    External reasons include systematic heavy load on the feet, including professional activities, which are accompanied by constant standing. When, under the influence of such loads, the muscular-ligamentous apparatus begins to deform, many foot pathologies develop, including flat feet. This may include the presence of excess weight in a person, as well as pregnancy.

    Statistics show that the most common reason why a child may develop flat feet is wearing the wrong shoes.

    Too tight, uncomfortable, narrow shoes can be a real threat, according to Dr. Komarovsky. This also includes flat-soled shoes, which should not be worn by children under 7 years of age. At this age, the child’s foot is still developing and any negative impact of the external environment can contribute to the development of deformities. This is why experts recommend buying children models with small heels, about 1-1.5 cm.

    There is also traumatic flatfoot, which occurs after an injury. In this case, there is a unilateral lesion, that is, the development of deformity on the injured foot.

    How does flat feet manifest?

    How to determine deformation by external signs? In children, flat feet are quite pronounced. So, the following signs can be distinguished:

  • the child has developed clubfoot, which is a consequence of weakness of the muscles and ligaments of the feet;
  • quick wearing of shoes in the area of ​​the inner arch;
  • if the child’s age is early (the first year of life) and the baby cannot tell about discomfort in the feet, he becomes capricious and restless;
  • older children may experience pain syndrome in the back, calf muscles, and ankles;
  • There is such a drop in the arch of the foot that the inner arch can touch
  • the surface on which the child is standing.
  • A common accompanying symptom with this deformity is scoliosis. This pathological condition affects not only posture, but also negatively affects the entire body. Scoliosis is also an orthopedic pathology.

    Scoliosis can cause herniation, slipped discs, or pinched nerves. Also, spinal deformation negatively affects the heart. Scoliosis can be eliminated by curing the underlying deformity, that is, flat feet.

    If your child has these signs, you should think about it. The best thing to do is consult an orthopedist. At home, you can perform the following test, which will help identify the presence or absence of deformation:

    1. Take a sheet of paper.
    2. Lubricate the child's feet with cream or butter.
    3. Place the child's feet on a sheet of paper. Look at the resulting print.
    4. If the inner arch of the foot is imprinted on paper, this indicates the presence of deformation. If the internal arch does not leave an imprint on the paper, there is no deformation.
    5. If there is a traumatic flatfoot and this diagnostic method confirms the presence of flatfoot, the confirming print will be only the right or only the left, it depends on which foot is injured.

      Symptoms of flat feet depending on the stage of deformation

      In medicine, deformation is divided into 3 stages:

      Stage 1 is accompanied by symptoms: fatigue and pain in the feet after walking. There are no other significant symptoms. But parents may notice that a new pair of shoes becomes small after only a short period of wear. This is explained by the fact that the feet begin to flatten and thereby lengthen.

      Stage 2 is accompanied by symptoms: constant pain, which is localized not only in the feet, but also in the area of ​​the lower leg and knee. Swelling of the feet and their “heaviness” when walking may also occur.

      Stage 3 is accompanied by symptoms: the pain syndrome becomes unbearable, the functioning of the musculoskeletal system is disrupted, that is, it becomes difficult for the child to move. This causes deformation of the feet.

      How to diagnose the disease?

      Only an experienced doctor, who will actually conduct the diagnosis, will tell you how to determine flat feet in a child.

      In modern medicine there are several ways to help identify deformation:

    6. Carrying out plantography. This method is similar to the above, which described how to identify flat feet at home. In other words, it is a footprint on a piece of paper. But in this case, not only paper is used, but also a device - a plantograph (a wooden frame on which a canvas coated with polyethylene is stretched). The canvas on the plantograph is moistened with stamp ink, after which a sheet of paper is placed on it. After this, the child stands on him with his feet. The assessment is carried out by a doctor based on special characteristics.
    7. Carrying out podometry. To calculate the podometric index, the doctor determines the ratio of the height of the foot to its length.
    8. X-ray diagnostics. In this case, direct and lateral projections are used to obtain a more accurate result. An X-ray examination is the most accurate method for diagnosing any foot deformity in a child, including flat feet.
    9. It is worth noting that with timely diagnosis and treatment of the deformity, it can be completely eliminated.

      By the age of 16, flat feet are already an advanced form, and treatment in this case will be much more difficult, according to Komarovsky and many other specialists.

      Most teenage girls love to wear shoes with heels, and parents allow this, not knowing that heels can become an enemy to the feet. Thus, in adolescence, the formation of the feet is still observed, and heels can cause their incorrect position. A good option in this case is to buy model orthopedic shoes, which are not particularly different from ordinary shoes.

      How to treat flat feet in children? The most common and equally effective methods of correction are physical education, massage, orthopedic mats, and orthopedic shoes. Deformation can only be cured in a complex way, that is, using all of the above methods simultaneously.

      In children, treatment with physical education is recommended to be carried out in a playful way. It will be more interesting and entertaining than boring daily exercises. In this case, it is necessary to try to involve all the muscles of the legs and feet. It is also useful to walk on uneven surfaces barefoot, for example, on the ground, pebbles, stones. This helps activate all the muscles that form the arches of the feet.

      Is it possible to cure flat feet in young children at home? Of course yes! In this case, a massage performed on a self-made massage mat will be effective. To make it, you need to take fabric, sew (or stick) objects onto it, for example, buttons, sea pebbles. This massage helps to increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation in the feet.

      Treatment of deformity is carried out in conjunction with wearing orthopedic shoes. In the initial stages of the disease, you can purchase shoes in a specialized store. If an advanced stage of the disease is diagnosed, orthopedic shoes are made to order. Severe cases require surgery when conservative treatment fails.

      Dr. Komarovsky tells how to correct such a deformity in his numerous videos that can be found on the Internet. Komarovsky also believes that children need to lead an active lifestyle in order to constantly receive stress on their feet. Otherwise, the development of the disease cannot be avoided.

      Is it possible to prevent the development of flat feet?

      How to prevent flat feet in a child? To do this, it is recommended to train the ligaments and muscles of the feet.

      Without loads on this area, the muscular-ligamentous apparatus weakens and in order to maintain the body in good shape, it is necessary to maintain constant activity. It is not recommended to restrict the baby’s movements by putting him in tight rompers and diapers. Let the baby move, because this has the most positive effect on overall health.

      It is also recommended to enroll your child in swimming and gymnastics. One of the effective home exercises is the following: raise your heels from the support, while your toes remain in place. Maintain this position for three seconds, after which the heels must be lowered to the starting position. Thanks to such prevention methods, any foot pathology can be avoided. Massage will help consolidate the result.

      In the summer, it is recommended to let your child walk barefoot on the grass, earth, or sea beach. Walking on uneven surfaces not only treats limb pathologies, but also helps prevent them.

      Each clinic should conduct a consultation for parents on the topic “Children’s flat feet,” from which useful information can be obtained. The disease can be easily corrected, but only with timely and competent treatment.

      What are the possible consequences of foot deformities in a child?

      If you do not consult a doctor in time, the disease can provoke other pathological conditions in the body:

    10. changes in the structure of the pelvis, which threatens problems during childbirth;
    11. ingrown nail;
    12. the appearance of calluses, corns;
    13. the big toe may become deformed;
    14. scoliosis;
    15. radiculitis, osteochondrosis;
    16. varicose veins;
    17. intervertebral hernia;
    18. heel spur.
    19. To avoid causing such complications, you should consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease!

      Methods for treating flat feet in children at home

      At first glance, some diseases seem insignificant and look like small defects. But they could soon bring serious consequences. Children's flat feet are such an insidious disease.

      What is flatfoot, why is it dangerous, its consequences

      Flat feet is a disease of the foot that makes it flat and deprives it of its shock-absorbing properties. When children begin to complain of fatigue or pain while walking, many parents chalk it up to normal whims and simply scold the kids.

      The foot is a kind of shock absorber for the skeleton during active movement. If a child’s feet begin to form incorrectly, then they cease to act as shock absorbers and all the stress falls on the leg bones and spine. In addition, flat feet lead to:

      • premature development of arthrosis;
      • destruction of cartilage and bones;
      • scoliosis;
      • ingrown nails;
      • curvature of the toes and all bones of the foot;
      • lameness;
      • severe fatigue when walking;
      • vertebral hernia;
      • radiculitis;
      • osteochondrosis.
      • The consequences of neglected flat feet are truly terrible. That is why parents need to carefully monitor the child’s gait and how he places his foot. It is also worth consulting with an orthopedist from time to time.

        Causes of flat feet, factors influencing its development

        This disease does not develop for any one reason. Usually there is a whole complex of different conditions and circumstances that lead to flat feet:

      • genetic disposition;
      • overweight or obesity;
      • playing sports with heavy weights;
      • constant tension on the legs;
      • weak muscle system or paralysis;
      • rickets;
      • injuries.
      • An increased risk of developing flat feet is observed in children who live within the city, since they often wear tight shoes than rural children, who often walk barefoot. This is why it is necessary to train your baby’s feet without restricting him with shoes.

        For example, at home, the foot can be easily trained by walking barefoot on scattered peas. Foot massage and uniform load on the feet are also of great importance.

        The child’s shoes are no less important - they must be carefully selected so that they do not injure the foot. It is advisable to purchase shoes with soft arch support and a small heel (0.5-1 cm).

        Wearing second-hand shoes is strongly discouraged, as worn-in shoes put undue stress on the foot. You should not buy flat (no heels at all), narrow or overly wide shoes.

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        Types of flat feet in children and their signs

        There is a classification of flat feet that characterizes this disease from different angles.

        By manifestation over time:

      • congenital - approximately 3% of patients have a genetic predisposition;
      • acquired - in 97% of cases the disease developed due to other factors.
      • For reasons of appearance:

      • paralytic – due to cerebral palsy;
      • rachitic – with metabolic disorders in the body;
      • traumatic – as a consequence of leg injuries;
      • static - due to weakness of the muscle tone of the foot.
      • In the direction of flattening the foot:

        • longitudinal - the foot lies completely on the floor;
        • transverse - the arch of the foot becomes wider, and the foot decreases in length. Often accompanied by thickening of the lateral bone;
        • combined – foot deformation, including signs of longitudinal and transverse flatfoot.
        • There are also different degrees of the disease:

        • The first degree is an almost imperceptible deformation more like a cosmetic defect;
        • The second degree is not only a visible deformation, but also mild pain when moving;
        • The third degree is a complete deformation of the foot, accompanied by severe pain when walking, as well as scoliosis, herniated discs, etc.

    In children, congenital flat feet usually occur in 3% of cases, so this disease is very easy to get rid of if you notice it in time and take appropriate action. Otherwise, by the time the child reaches adulthood, he will have serious problems in the form of flat feet of 2-3 degrees.

    How to determine flat feet in a child

    Usually, plantography is done to identify flat feet. During this procedure, a solution is applied to the feet and the child must step on clean paper.

    A trace of the feet remains on the paper, which clearly shows whether the leg is deformed. But this procedure should only be carried out by a doctor, since only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis.

    However, parents should be attentive to the child in order to notice the symptoms of flat feet in time:

  • clubfoot gait (toes point outward);
  • the child steps with the inside of the foot;
  • severe fatigue after a long walk, pain in the back and legs;
  • complaints do not go away with age;
  • The child wears the heels of his shoes unevenly.
  • If such symptoms are present in the baby, parents should take him to see an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.

    Features of treatment of flat feet of varying degrees in children of different ages

    Special treatment for flat feet is not prescribed if a child aged 2-5 years has only flexible flat feet of the first degree. It does not cause pain when moving, so it does not require immediate intervention, but only involves a gradual change in the baby’s habits and lifestyle. In such cases, active prevention is usually recommended:

  • massage;
  • exercises for feet;
  • special insoles;
  • vitamins;
  • special diet high in calcium;
  • selection of appropriate shoes.
  • Most often, after following such a plan, the foot is formed properly and flat feet disappear.

    In this case, the arch of the foot could not form correctly and took on an incorrect shape. In this case, ordinary prevention will no longer help and all treatment will be aimed only at relieving the child of pain.

    To relieve painful symptoms use:

  • physiotherapy – electrophoresis, iontophoresis, foot baths;
  • massage and reflexology - performed only by a specialist;
  • wearing orthopedic shoes;
  • physical therapy;
  • occasionally plaster casts or splints;
  • surgical intervention.
  • Treatment is prescribed by an orthopedist depending on age, the exact type of flatfoot and its degree. Therefore, it is necessary to see this doctor regularly:

  • the first 30 days of life – it is necessary to exclude the presence of congenital pathologies;
  • at 3 months – exclusion of dislocation of the pelvic bones;
  • at 6 months – examination and testing for rickets;
  • at 12 months – control of skeletal development;
  • at 3 years – examination of feet and posture;
  • from 3 to 18 years - it is recommended to visit an orthopedist at each scheduled examination once every 12 months.
  • Timely detection of the disease means 100% confidence in its complete cure.

    Drug treatment

    In case of severe pain or swelling in the plane, drug treatment may be prescribed. Usually these are tablets and syrups containing painkillers:

  • Nurofen;
  • Analgin;
  • Troxevasin gel for strengthening venous vessels;
  • heparin ointment - to thin the blood;
  • vitamin D – for detected rickets or its prevention;
  • muscle relaxants and antibiotics - in the case of paralytic flatfoot as a consequence of cerebral palsy.
  • Antibiotics are used to treat this disease only if there are symptoms of rheumatism or another bacterial disease.

    They may also prescribe medicinal treatment in case of surgical intervention, which is prescribed for severe longitudinal flatfoot of 2-3 degrees if it cannot be cured or relieved by other less painful methods. The surgery is usually effective if performed between the ages of 10 and 20, when the foot is growing.

    Treatment of flat feet in children at home: traditional methods

    When flat feet can be cured, traditional methods are also effective. Typically they include:

  • evening hot baths with infusion of chamomile, sea salt or pine extract;
  • contrast baths - alternately hold your feet in hot and cold water;
  • rubbing your feet with ice to relieve fatigue;
  • foot massage;
  • physiotherapy;
  • compresses and rubdowns that relieve pain.
  • Herbs and infusions, which are usually added to hot baths for steaming the feet, are great for relaxing your feet:

  • wormwood - its leaves are washed and wrapped around the feet, wrapping them up;
  • a mixture of iodine (3%!), two aspirin tablets and lemon essence - the mass is applied to the feet, which are wrapped warmly;
  • a strong solution (1 to 1) of sea salt, which is added to the baths;
  • oak bark tincture (1 kg of bark per 5 liters of water) - boil for half an hour and then add to the bath;
  • sage tincture - (100 g per 2000 ml of boiling water) added to the bath;
  • peppermint - which is steamed in boiling water and added to the bath;
  • linden infusion - (100 g brewed in 2 liters of boiling water) added to baths;
  • immortelle tincture in alcohol - as a compress for the legs, as a treatment and prevention of flat feet, radiculitis and joint pain.
  • These methods are great for coping with fatigue and foot pain, especially after a long day on the move. These methods can be used for prevention or as part of a treatment complex.

    Massage and manual therapy

    For the prevention and treatment of flat feet, special massage and manual therapy are often prescribed. Most often, these procedures are done in a hospital by a specialist, but they can also be practiced at home.

    Then rinse your feet with cold water and put your baby to bed.

    You need to purchase a special massage mat. Place it in the bathroom and, when washing, place the child on it barefoot and do simple movements with it:

  • rise on your toes;
  • roll from toe to heel,
  • stand on the outer and inner edges of the foot alternately.
  • As a massage, it is also necessary to let the child walk barefoot on large and small pebbles, dry peas or nuts.

    In order for the arches of a child’s feet to form correctly, it is necessary to perform special exercises with him that will strengthen the muscles and joint-ligamentous apparatus. Typically, physical therapy is prescribed taking into account the child’s physical fitness, age and degree of illness. The set of exercises looks like this:

  • put your feet together and keep your toes motionless, spread your heels and bring them together alternately;
  • move your feet clockwise and counterclockwise;
  • sitting on the floor, pull and pull your feet towards you as much as possible, holding them by the toes;
  • use your toes to pick up small objects from the floor and move them;
  • take pencils and markers with your fingers and draw on paper with your feet;
  • squeeze a rubber ball with your feet;
  • roll rolling pins, sticks or balls on the floor with your feet;
  • roll from toe to heel;
  • squat on your toes;
  • climb the wall bars;
  • walk on ribbed and inclined surfaces;
  • turn right and left without moving your feet.
  • Before starting classes, it is necessary to consult an orthopedic doctor so as not to harm the child’s health.

    Advice from Dr. Komarovsky

    The famous doctor Komarovsky gives the following advice to concerned parents regarding flat feet in children:

  • First of all, do not get nervous or start to panic if your child begins to have flat feet or the doctor diagnoses flat feet. Everything can be stopped, and if the child is still small, then the probability of a complete cure is 100%;
  • Always choose your shoes carefully. The purchase of special orthopedic shoes is most often due to advertising. It is not necessary to buy special therapeutic shoes - it is enough to make sure that the child is comfortable in his shoes, they do not press or rub him, they have a hard sole and a small heel. You can put special insoles inside, but it is not at all necessary to buy special expensive shoes;
  • Consult a podiatrist regularly. It is the doctor who will be able to monitor and prescribe preventative exercises for the correct formation of the foot. Independent exercises or massages can harm the baby;
  • Allow your child to walk barefoot in the garden, vegetable garden or playground more often;
  • Regularly practice with your child on the wall bars;
  • Watch your posture.
  • Prevention is necessary not only for the feet, but for the bones and skeleton as a whole, since their strength and proper formation ensure correct posture and gait. Children should be seen by an orthopedic surgeon from an early age.

    Preventing flat feet at home is a simple set of actions:

  • Walking barefoot on uneven surfaces: sand on the beach, grass, slides and rides on playgrounds;
  • If it is not possible to walk barefoot on the street, you can do it at home: scatter nuts (chestnuts or hazelnuts), peas or beans and let the child walk on them, pour them into a bag and let them walk and jump on it, or buy a special orthopedic mat;
  • Buy special shoes with preventative arch support to form the correct arch;
  • Massage the baby's feet;
  • Perform special exercises with your child;
  • Form a diet with sufficient calcium, phosphorus and vitamins D.
  • Flat feet can develop not only in infancy or in the first years of a child’s life - very often it develops and progresses already in adolescence due to heavy loads on the legs. Therefore, you will have to monitor your child’s gait and from time to time send him to an orthopedist until he reaches adulthood.

    There are a few more exercises for treating flat feet at home in the following video.

    Treatment of flat feet in children

    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 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, problems with posture, headaches , and more.

    With longitudinal flatfoot the longitudinal arch is flattened, with transverse flatfoot the transverse arch is flattened, with mixed flatfoot the longitudinal and transverse arches are flattened. 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, grade 1, 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.

    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.

    Good afternoon My daughter is 5 years old. I’ve had valgus feet for a long time, I’ve already read other comments, I understand that you can’t completely cure them, but here’s a question:

    In your opinion, is there any benefit from orthopedic shoes and insoles? They say they seem to relieve symptoms, and the doctor advised it. But I don’t know where it’s better to buy in an orthopedic salon or you can order it. I look here and on other sites, but everyone is tormented by doubts, is there any sense in this?

    Consultant Ignatieva Galina: We do not use orthopedic insoles in our practice because we do not see any effect from them. If there are severe problems with the feet, it would not hurt to look for the problem higher up - in the hip joints.

    Hello, I am 13 years old and have congenital flat feet of the 2nd degree. Will I be able to cure it completely or transfer it to stage 1? But, to be honest, I don’t know what degree, help me! I took a photo of my right leg.

    Hello, my 13-year-old son has 1st degree flatfoot on one leg and 2nd degree on the other. Please advise whether it will be possible to cure flat feet or at this age even the 1st degree cannot be cured.

    Good afternoon, the boy is almost 15 years old; he was diagnosed with flat valgus feet. My posture is already poor, my knees are painful. Will orthopedic shoes help us? Thank you very much.

    Good afternoon. My daughter has 1.6 flat-valgus feet and similar bunions. How is it possible to vilikuvat?

    In this case, an in-person consultation is necessary. It is necessary to find out why this problem arose. At this age it is still possible to correct it, but the examination will show how much.

    Hello! A 3.5 year old child was diagnosed with flat valgus feet. Is this curable at this age?

    Good afternoon, I wanted to ask, my daughter has planovalgus in both feet, age 4.5, is it possible to cure this??

    It cannot be completely cured, since the main formation is the first year of a child’s life. But you need to treat! You also need to examine the hip joints and spine. There is no isolated problem with just the feet. Contact us for an in-person consultation. Sincerely

    Hello, a 2-year-old child was diagnosed with flat-valgus foot and was prescribed treatment in the form of massage, exercise therapy, orthopedic shoes for up to 3-4 years. How effective is it and can you cure it, and in how many sessions? Thank you!

    Good afternoon You did not answer my question ?!

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