The original purpose of shoes was to protect the soles of human feet from sharp stones, poisonous insects and thorns. Over time, the functions of shoes included completely different tasks - to embellish the appearance or show what their owner does. Hard synthetic material, high heels or narrow shoes constantly cause irreparable damage to the foot, often causing flat feet.
Human feet have two anatomical arches, the purpose of which is to absorb shock during pushing, jumping and running. If we imagine a foot without arches and ligaments that strengthen them, we get a very unsightly picture. Imagine that your foot is completely flat, consisting only of solid bone. In this case, when moving, each blow will echo into all the bones, spine and head, and the joints will quickly wear out.
This is almost the same mechanism and the main cause of diseases that are associated with flattening of the arches of the feet and the appearance of flat feet. Wearing sneakers with thin soles or high shoes causes improper formation of the arch, as well as regular sweating of the feet. The most key indicator of the correct selection of shoes is the occurrence of pain after putting them on. But even if the shoes do not cause pain in the foot, this does not mean that they support the arch absolutely correctly.
If you start studying contraindications for flattening the foot, then shoes are placed in the leading place. You also need to pay special attention to your socks. They shouldn't be too tight. The best product for flat feet are cotton socks. They do not fit close to the foot and do not lead to sweaty feet.
Before choosing what shoes to wear if you have flat feet, you need to understand what shoes are strictly contraindicated for this disease. And this applies to all people. Not only those who already suffer from flat feet or have certain signs of this disease, but also people who do not want to acquire it. So, we list the types of shoes that cannot be worn, and also explain why they should not be worn:
The most important factor in the treatment of flat feet is the right shoes. Orthopedic doctors always explain to their patients what shoes to wear if they have flat feet and recommend purchasing regular leather shoes.
The leather must be well-made and soft, and there must be a small heel. High-quality sports sneakers are quite suitable for flat feet.
Women should not wear high heels and stilettos, as the load is distributed unevenly and in this case, flat feet can only get worse.
When choosing shoes, regardless of age, you should rely on the following simple principles:
All orthopedists give exactly the same advice on what shoes to wear if you have flat feet.
Effective results are achieved by using special orthopedic shoes. Such shoes affect the foot in several directions at once. If you have first-degree flatfoot, your doctor will prescribe orthopedic shoes. These shoes are paired with custom orthotics.
It is very important to know what shoes to wear if you have flat feet, if it has a flat-valgus shape and there is a deviation to the outer side of the first toe. With this type of flatfoot, shoes have a hard and high back. For better treatment, it is advisable to make shoes to order using a plaster cast. All deviations of the foot and toes are taken into account here. Currently, specialists make beautiful and modern shoes, according to fashion trends and they do not cause embarrassment, they cannot even be distinguished from ordinary shoes.
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Choosing the right shoes is one of the main points in the prevention and treatment of flat feet. First of all, in order to prevent flat feet, we must remember that the child should walk barefoot as long as possible and as much as possible - especially before the age of 5. Moreover, barefoot! At an older age, if the child is used to walking barefoot around the apartment, put him in comfortable shoes for 10-15 minutes per hour. Ideally, your child’s first shoes will be orthopedic shoes. If this is not possible, approach the choice of “first step” shoes with the utmost responsibility.
You should think about “first step” shoes at 7-8 months, when the baby already sits well and even tries to stand for some time. The first shoes are very important for the formation of the correct foot of the child. What should you pay attention to when buying your first shoes?
We have decided on the choice of shoes “for the first step”, but what shoes should be worn to prevent flat feet and even when flat feet begin?
You cannot wear someone else's shoes. It involuntarily retains the imprint of someone else's foot, since, as a rule, it is already worn out.
You can't buy shoes to grow. It should be no more than 1.5 cm larger than the foot.
You should not wear narrow or tight shoes. If traces of tights are imprinted on the child’s skin, this indicates that the shoes have become too small; you need to buy new shoes that are larger in size.
Your child should not wear “flip-flops”, “flip-flops”, or “flip-flops” until the age of 3-4 years, and at an older age for several hours in a row. The foot in a shoe without a back is trying to hold it, so it is in constant tension. This is very harmful for the foot. Sneakers and sneakers should only be worn when playing sports.
We hope these tips and recommendations will help you decide on the right choice of orthopedic shoes for your child and find the ideal shoes “for the first step.” After all, the first shoes play a big role in the formation of the correct foot, and therefore healthy legs of your child!
During treatment for flat feet, it is very important to choose the right shoes. Experts advise at this time to give preference to products made from natural materials. It is advisable to wear shoes made of soft leather with a slight elevation in the heel area. You can wear sports shoes, but only sneakers. Women should temporarily refrain from wearing high-heeled stiletto or platform shoes.
It is important during the rehabilitation period to ensure an even distribution of the load on the foot, otherwise the entire recovery will go down the drain.
There are several recommendations on how to choose the right new pair of shoes for yourself or a child with flat feet.
Even if you don't suffer from flat feet, don't neglect these tips when choosing a new pair of shoes.
It should be noted that today a wide selection of preventive products is offered for people with flat feet. Instead of a regular pair, you can choose shoes with orthopedic properties. Such shoes will contribute to a speedy recovery. Special shoes are designed to meet the following criteria: uniform load distribution throughout the foot, correction of foot deformities, reduction of pain in affected areas, camouflage effect of foot defects.
Treatment of flat feet will be more effective if you purchase special shoes as soon as the diagnosis is made. At the same time, along with the shoes, you need to order orthopedic insoles, which are sewn to individual measurements.
It is necessary to wear special shoes if you have a severe deformation of your big toe. This deviation often occurs with a flat-valgus foot. In this case, the orthopedic pair should have a high, hard back. Note that along with the purchase of ready-made orthopedic shoes, they are also ordered according to individual measurements. To make a special pair, the master will need a plaster cast of the patient’s foot.
When special shoes first appeared, they were mainly lace-up boots, similar to the so-called “berts”. Today, orthopedic shoes may look completely different from ordinary ones. This became possible thanks to the rapid development of modern medicine.
Above are some of the recommendations for choosing shoes for children with flat feet. But there are several more conditions on how to do this as correctly as possible.
Firstly, do not buy shoes for your baby when he is first trying to walk. The child must feel the surface on which he walks. Again, shoes can block the ability to place the foot correctly and levelly, which can subsequently lead to weak or abnormal anatomical development.
The baby's legs are only at the very beginning of development, and the arch will not be clearly defined. In this case, do not rush to rush to buy orthopedic shoes. By overdoing it, you can, on the contrary, contribute to the incorrect formation of the child’s foot. If such suspicions arise, it is better to seek advice from specialists.
Whatever shoes you wear, they should be comfortable. If your foot feels uncomfortable and there is discomfort when walking, then this is the first sign that the pair is not suitable for you. Regarding the purchase of therapeutic shoes, be sure to consult with your doctor before purchasing.
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What is flat feet? How does it manifest itself and why is it dangerous? When can it be noticed in a child? At what age should you start wearing orthopedic shoes? How are orthopedic shoes different from regular shoes? What exercises exist to prevent flat feet? Vladimir Stepanovich Khoroshev, a doctor and employee of the Orteka chain of orthopedic salons, answered these and other questions from Mednovosti readers.
How can you notice the onset of flat feet in a child?
When is flat feet detected in a child?
In children under 3.5-4 years of age, the diagnosis of “flat feet” is not established for one simple reason - a fat pad remains on the plantar surface of the feet until this age (as Nature provided to cushion the child’s walking). But if the pediatrician paid attention to the feet, then praise him for that! Neither flat feet nor planovalgus feet can be treated; they can only be corrected by wearing orthopedic shoes or orthopedic insoles. And there is nothing tragic about this - the main thing is to correct it.
Is flat feet a hereditary disease? Strictly speaking, flat feet are not called a hereditary disease, but a genetic predisposition to it is clearly traceable.
I heard that flat feet can only be completely cured in children. Is it so? If yes, then at what average age can it be cured? Neither flat feet nor planovalgus feet are amenable to conservative (non-surgical) treatment at any age - these pathological changes in the feet can only be corrected by wearing orthopedic shoes or orthopedic insoles. And there is nothing tragic about this - the main thing is to correct it...
How dangerous is flat feet in a 12 year old child? The development of scoliosis, the occurrence of headaches, impaired concentration (and, consequently, deterioration of memory processes).
I know that there are exercises to prevent flat feet. Are there any exercises to treat an existing disease?
My son’s orthopedist discovered flat feet, tell me what exercises should be done
Is it possible to dance with flat feet?
My daughter has flat feet, but she wants to play table tennis. Is it possible to give it to the section?
What sports should you not do with flat feet?
You can dance with flat feet if they are performed in shoes with orthopedic insoles (that is, flat feet are corrected) and, which is very important, if there are no jumping elements in the dances. The same applies to sports - including table tennis.
Are people with flat feet really not allowed into the army? The issue of conscription into the Armed Forces in the presence of flat feet depends on the severity of it... And is decided exclusively during the medical draft commission...
What shoes are best for every day wear for a woman over 30 diagnosed with flat feet? The vast majority of women (those over 30) have flat feet (usually transverse... It is important to decide on this and wear orthopedic insoles in any shoes. Which ones are determined only by an orthopedic doctor or a consultant doctor in an orthopedic salon...
Ballet flats and sneakers are extremely popular among young people. Both are not flat soles. Is this dangerous for the foot or does the shoe have little effect on it? Thank you.
Nowadays, Ugg boots and rubber boots are very popular. This is very convenient, but hardly good for the foot. Is it possible to choose orthopedic insoles for such shoes? Neither ballet flats nor sneakers should be worn all the time - for one simple reason, the arches of the feet are overloaded and the ligamentous apparatus of the numerous joints and joints of the feet weakens. It is highly desirable to use orthopedic insoles in such shoes, as well as the currently fashionable Ugg boots. Well, as for rubber boots, constantly wearing them is tantamount to self-flagellation.
Good afternoon, doctor. Please tell me, is it possible to choose orthopedic insoles for high-heeled shoes? Thank you. Of course it is possible! But constantly wearing high-heeled shoes invariably leads to the destruction of the metatarsophalangeal joints.
Is it possible to make custom orthopedic shoes?
My daughter is embarrassed to wear what we were advised to wear to school - she’s afraid that her classmates will laugh. Of course it is possible. There are factories producing such shoes. But this is quite an expensive pleasure.
05/21/2011 13:26 Tigran Should you trust devices that automatically prescribe insoles after you stand barefoot on them (they display) an image of pressure on the surface. As far as I understand, insoles should be prescribed depending on the shoe.
You can trust plantographs (plantoscopes) that verify the presence of flat feet (or exclude them) or other foot pathologies. Orthopedic insoles are recommended depending on the nature and severity of flat feet. And the type of shoe affects the choice of orthopedic insoles. But it is not shoes that determine the choice of orthopedic insoles.
05/16/2011 16:36 dulcet Why does your network have such a name? That's what the creators of the network wanted. Who can say with certainty why London was called London or Moscow - Moscow?
One of the most common diseases is flat feet. Moreover, it can develop at any age. At the first signs of it, doctors, as a rule, prescribe insoles for flat feet to be worn in shoes.
We wear different shoes at different times of the year. Winter boots or boots are looser, as many people wear warm socks.
How to wear orthopedic insoles in winter is a pressing question, since these inserts should not only fix the foot in the correct position, but also warm their owner. As a rule, good winter insoles have a stronger construction and are quite thick in structure. At the same time, they provide maximum therapeutic effect even in the cold season.
It is clear that different types of insoles are designed for different boots and shoes. So, for example, if in winter we wear the same shoes, then in summer we change them very often: ballet flats, pumps, sandals, sneakers, etc. Therefore, orthopedic inserts for summer shoes differ from each other, since their main function is to properly support the deformed foot in heels, sneakers, and sandals. Today you can easily choose ready-made inserts; the main thing is to know how to wear orthopedic insoles in the summer.
Any orthosis is a special insert, which is distinguished by the special rigidity necessary to fix the foot. Such insoles correspond to the curve of the leg, that is, the sole should completely follow the arches of a healthy foot. All this is necessary to relieve stress from the joints and spine, and, accordingly, to reduce pain when walking. A specialist will help you choose the right orthoses, but how to wear orthopedic insoles? Orthoses are inserted inside the shoe. You need to get used to them.
Many inserts have an adhesive applicator, with which they are fixed in the shoes. But even if there is no adhesive backing, the orthosis will not move. The only point worth considering is that the insole must be inserted as deep as possible into the toe part of your shoe. In this case, the heel should fit snugly against the heel. Some specially designed inserts can be trimmed to fit your boots or shoes. In this case, the insoles are shortened by 3–5 mm.
It is necessary to understand that getting used to these inserts occurs only on the third (and for some, later on the fifth) day. This is considered normal. Start walking in shoes with orthotics for several hours a day, gradually increasing the time.
For detailed information about the product, you can go to the catalog or contact the manager by toll-free phone in the Russian Federation: +7 804-333-77-80
Flat feet are a fairly common disease. It is a deformation of the foot in which its arches are flattened. Flat feet are often accompanied by pain. The pain syndrome in this case is often so-called metatarsalgia .
The foot, as you know, has two arches - a longitudinal one, which runs along its inner edge, and a transverse one, which runs in the area of the bases of the toes. Each of the arches performs an important shock-absorbing function. When walking and running, they help maintain balance and also protect the body from shaking and overload. If there is flat feet, stress loads, all of which are “extinguished” at the level of the arches, can be transferred to the legs, pelvis, and spine.
If the longitudinal arch is predominantly flattened, longitudinal flatfoot occurs. If there is a transverse arch, then transverse flatfoot. Most often, longitudinal and transverse flatfoot are observed together. In some cases, flat feet are accompanied by abduction of the forefoot. At the same time, its outer edge rises and pronation of the heel appears.
Doctors call this phenomenon a flat-valgus foot. External deviation of the first toe, which is popularly called simply a bunion on the foot, and among doctors Hallux Valgus, may be associated with prolonged wearing of tight shoes, but hereditary predisposition plays an equally important role. It has been observed that women suffer from Hallux Valgus much more often than men.
Flat feet can also occur as a result of injury, rickets, paresis or paralysis of certain muscle groups. Post-traumatic flatfoot can occur due to a fracture of the calcaneus, ankles, tarsal and metatarsal bones. Rickets develops after suffering from rickets. Since rickets weakens and impairs the functioning of the bones of the foot, they become prone to deformation.
In addition to hereditary predisposition, other factors also play a role in the development of flat feet, such as: excess weight, wearing uncomfortable shoes, weakness of muscles and ligaments due to low physical activity.
Some people simply do not pay attention to the pain, because quite often it is short-term and not too severe. For others, such a disease becomes a real test.
Flat feet are not difficult to detect. You need to sound the alarm if:
With longitudinal flat feet, changes in the shape of the feet are not so noticeable.
Transverse flatfoot manifests itself somewhat differently. The transverse arch of the foot almost completely disappears. The forefoot is flattened, calluses appear under the heads of the metatarsal bones, and the tendons of the toes are tense and poorly bent. , hallux valgus deformity also increases . In addition, hammertoe deformity of the second and other fingers appears. The first metatarsal bone, rotating around the longitudinal axis, rises upward. But the middle metatarsals remain in place. High-grade transverse flatfoot is almost always combined with longitudinal flatfoot. It occurs rarely in isolation, mainly only in women.
Flat feet cause pain not only in the feet, but also in the back and head. An external deviation of the first toe, Hallux Valgus, develops on the foot, and a “bump” appears in the area of the head of the first metatarsal bone. With Hallux Valgus ( foot bunion ), degenerative or inflammatory disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot (arthrosis) also develops, followed by a stiffness called Hallux rigidus .
Do not think that the disease progresses slowly. In some cases, the progression of the disease occurs very quickly. Flat feet can provoke the development of osteochondrosis, as well as cause arthritis and arthrosis of the foot Hallux Rigidus.
With both longitudinal and transverse flat feet, the process of wear and tear of the musculoskeletal system accelerates.
Hallux Valgus can cause heel spurs (plantar aponeurosis disease), calluses, and neuromas. Hallux rigidus can provoke diseases of the spine, knee joints - deforming arthrosis, “looseness” of the knee joint. In addition, during longitudinal and transverse flatfoot, patients often complain of an ingrown toenail. It also makes movement difficult.
You can be born with flat feet. Unfortunately, hereditary predisposition cannot be denied. Other reasons that can cause this disease include external ones. These are various injuries to the ankle joint, ankle, foot, received during sports, accidents, illness.
Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes can also lead to flat feet. In addition, the development of this disease can be triggered by excessive stress on the legs. These include being overweight, standing for long periods of time, and walking in high heels.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to regularly prevent flat feet. This includes an examination by an orthopedist. At least once a year you must visit this specialist. This is especially true for those people who have already suffered from flat feet or have problems with their legs.
In addition, preventing flat feet involves choosing the right shoes. The most ideal option is low-heeled shoes (3-4 cm), made of soft leather. It is important that the shoes have flexible soles and a wide toe box. So-called high heels are strictly prohibited. By the way, it depends on your shoes whether you will develop Hallux Valgus, which is popularly called a bunion on the foot.
To prevent flat feet, you should do special exercises, do gymnastics, massage your feet, and take foot baths.
An excellent prevention of flat feet, as any orthopedic doctor will tell you, is wearing insoles with arch supports. Thanks to them, the correct geometry of the foot is formed, and the load on the legs is reduced
To prevent flat feet, it is better to get rid of excess weight.
And, of course, at the first signs of the disease you should immediately consult a doctor so that he can begin treatment. But since it is more difficult to treat flat feet, it is better not to neglect prevention.
Treatment of flat feet can be carried out using conservative and surgical methods.
Conservative treatment involves physical therapy, massage, and physiotherapy. If the foot deformity is large and Hallux Valgus is present, the patient is recommended to wear orthopedic insoles. They are made individually for each patient. Measurements are taken from the foot, and insoles are made from them with such a degree of thickening of the arch to make walking comfortable. Insoles help relieve painful areas of the foot and correct existing deformities, including Hallux Valgus, which is usually called a bunion on the foot. Thanks to wearing orthopedic insoles, which take on the function of a shock absorber, the foot returns to its normal position, and the person does not experience discomfort while moving. In extremely advanced cases, it is recommended to wear orthopedic shoes.
Walking on uneven surfaces is very effective. You can walk barefoot on sand, on a sloped surface, or sideways on a log.
When the above measures do not help, and this happens often, flat feet are treated surgically. For example, if a patient has Hallux Valgus, that is, a severe deformity of the first finger, surgery becomes the only way to get rid of the disease.
No matter what degree flat feet have reached, it is never too late to treat it. Therefore, the most important thing is to detect the symptoms of the disease in time and consult a doctor.
If signs of flat feet are detected, the patient is prescribed an X-ray examination. Thanks to it, it is possible to determine the severity of the disease. The image clearly shows the degree of flattening of the arches of the feet, so it is easy for the doctor to conclude whether the disease is in the first, second or third degree.
X-ray examination is prescribed for all known ailments associated with flattening of the arches of the feet, including arthrosis of the foot Hallux Rigidus, and hallux valgus deformity. This research method allows us to identify signs of degenerative-dystrophic damage to the joints of the feet. Only after radiography is a diagnosis made of “longitudinal flatfoot”, “longitudinal transverse flatfoot”, “arthrosis of the metatarsal joint”, “arthrosis of the foot Hallux rigidus”, etc.
In order for the diagnosis to be made most accurately, the doctor needs to obtain photographs of both feet, both in direct and lateral projection.
To determine how pronounced the longitudinal flatfoot is, three lines are drawn along the image. They should form a triangle with the corner pointing upward. The first line has a horizontal direction. It passes through a point on the sole of the heel tubercle and a point on the head of the first metatarsal bone. The second line is from the point of contact of the first line with the heel tubercle to the bottom of the joint space of the scaphoid-sphenoid joint. The third line is from the point of contact of the first line with the head of the metatarsal bone to the same point as the second line. If everything is normal, the angle of the longitudinal arch should be 125-130 degrees, and the height of the arch should be no more than 35 millimeters.
Often, flat feet develop during pregnancy, as during this period of time changes occur in the woman’s body. Hallux rigidus and hallux valgus (otherwise known as bunions on the foot) do not bother pregnant women. They complain of pain in their legs. In principle, this is quite natural. As a woman's weight increases, the load on her feet also increases. The weight of the body shifts forward. As a result, the load on the limbs is redistributed. Hence the pressure in the legs and knee joints.
For these reasons, pregnant women experience excessive back pronation. As a result, pain develops in the metatarsus and heels. As soon as women are relieved of their burden, the pain associated with flat feet disappears.
Patients are received and treated at the clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal Bureau of Medical and Social Expertise at 3 Ivan Susanin Street (appointment hours and directions).