Very often, during a long walk, small children begin to be capricious and ask to be held. There may be a serious reason for such tiredness of the baby’s legs – developing flat feet. In fact, almost all children are susceptible to it. Statistics from leading pediatricians indicate that it is recognized as the most common childhood disease of the musculoskeletal system. Until the age of 5-6 years, it is practically impossible to diagnose deformation of the arch of the foot in a child due to the fact that the indentation of the foot in children, mainly up to one year old, is filled with adipose tissue, which makes it difficult to recognize flat feet. Massage for flat feet in children can help solve the problem of prevention.
Clinical practice considers flat feet to be a straightened longitudinal arch of the foot, which significantly increases the load on its inner edge. This anomaly is formed as a result of injuries, increased physical stress on the legs, muscle weakness, or as a consequence of rickets. True flatfoot, in which the appearance of the foot is changed, is very rare in children; doctors usually talk about planovalgus changes in the feet.
The reason for this situation is the softness of children's bones, which are easily stretched and deformed. At the same time, the ability of the foot to resist the load is significantly reduced, the muscles of the feet and legs are overstrained, and the child’s legs become tired.
The structure of a normal foot contains many small bones that connect ligaments and joints, and the coordinated movement of all links is provided by tendons and muscles. The disease occurs when the transverse and longitudinal arch of the foot, which provides shock absorption, becomes flat. When the foot becomes deformed, specific muscles and ligaments become stretched or shortened, become less aroused, and act incorrectly due to the incredible position of the foot. To return them to normal functioning, you need a massage, which is the most common solution to the problem.
Congenital flat feet can be encountered sporadically these days. This deviation usually develops under the influence of environmental factors and many other features. In first place in terms of frequency of reasons is the use of shoes that do not fit in size. The formation of a child's foot should occur in natural conditions, therefore orthopedists recommend that children wear the correct shoes of the appropriate size with a firm heel and a heel not exceeding 0.5 cm.
The cause of the disease may also be a hereditary predisposition. Children whose parents have had the same problems should be checked regularly by an orthopedist. Babies who are overweight are also at risk of this disease due to severe stress on the foot. Various foot injuries and diseases (rickets, polio) increase the likelihood of developing flat feet.
Foot massage for flat feet in children is considered a necessity. In older preschool age, flat feet are expressed by pain during walking and prolonged standing in place. A clue for diagnosis can be the condition of the shoe - worn out tread on the inside of the sole.
The main symptoms of incipient flat feet:
The doctor has his own methods for diagnosis:
The seriousness of the disease lies in the complications: impaired shock absorption of the foot, increased joint and muscle tension. An incorrectly distributed load becomes an additional burden on the spine, which can cause problems for the entire body. Increasing the load on the lower spine increases the risk of intervertebral herniation. In children, increased fatigue can affect their mental and emotional well-being.
How to massage feet for a child with flat feet? Parents can learn this themselves. Pediatricians recommend massaging the feet simultaneously with general massaging of the whole body. Since the muscles of the lower extremities are controlled by nerves located in the lumbar spine, therefore, massaging the extremities should begin from this section. Foot massage for flat feet in children should be vigorous and carried out symmetrically in the child’s position, lying on his stomach with a small roller placed under the ankle.
A competently and systematically carried out procedure has a positive effect on the baby’s well-being:
This disease negatively affects the baby’s entire body, which is why it is recommended to massage not only the foot, but all the muscles of the legs, buttocks and lower back.
It is important to carry out the procedure regularly. For infants with congenital deformities, massage is an exceptional means of getting rid of the disease. To avoid painful sensations, it is recommended to combine massage with inert gymnastics, starting from one and a half months of age.
Regular children's massage for flat feet can remove pain and swelling and can stop the deformation of the feet. Timely procedures, as well as the use of physical therapy and special orthopedic shoes, help correct the feet. Muscle fatigue and pain syndrome are relieved, and the natural blood supply to the legs is restored.
Foot massage for flat feet in children is a holistic treatment course. The recommended duration of procedures is approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Moreover, experts advise starting the massage by rubbing the lower back, where the nerve endings responsible for the activity of the limbs are concentrated. Preliminary massaging of the lower back, as well as the hips and buttocks will enhance the effect on the legs. There are various sets of massage techniques, the choice of which is determined by the individual characteristics of the patient and the degree of the disease.
Most of the massage of the legs, feet and Achilles tendons is carried out in a position where the baby is lying on his back. With a child lying on his tummy, the calf muscle and soles are massaged using a whole range of techniques: stroking, rubbing, kneading, vibration and tapping, with sufficient force being allowed to apply pressure on the foot.
At stage 1, massaging the lumbar region and buttocks, the child is placed on his tummy and strokes are carried out from the buttocks to the sacrum in the direction from bottom to top. Then they move on to rubbing, which is performed using the sides of the palm. The lumbar area is treated until slight redness appears. Then stroking is carried out again. During any type of massage, each of the alternating techniques ends with stroking. There is no need to knead the buttocks and lower back, so immediately after rubbing they move on to vibration. The session ends, naturally, with stroking.
At stage 2, when massaging the calves, they begin by stroking the upper part of the legs from the ankle to the buttocks, then rub them until they are slightly red, preparing the ankle muscles for the following techniques. Kneading should be done carefully so as not to cause discomfort and pain in the child. If you press too hard, you can cause seizures in your baby. After the next stroking, the last technique is performed. To perform felting, the calf muscle is grabbed in the palm and oscillatory manipulations are performed with it, without leaving the point of contact. Complete the massage with stroking.
The last, 3rd stage, which includes massage of the foot itself, is the most serious procedure, not only relieving fatigue and relieving pain, but also giving the baby’s foot an impeccable appearance. First, relieve tension in ligaments and muscles. As a result of stroking, the foot should be completely relaxed, holding it with the other hand. Then the massage therapist performs manipulations with the foot without making any effort. Using this technique, shortening of ligaments and muscles is achieved. The massage therapist should give the foot the correct shape using the thumb and hold it in this position for at least 15 seconds. The session ends with stimulation of active points located on the inside of the foot near the base of the big toe.
Massage for planovalgus feet in children will bring greater effect if it is combined with manual therapy, physical therapy, work with special simulators and exercises on an orthopedic mat.
Parents themselves can help their child by learning how to massage their feet and perform special exercises for flat feet. An accurate diagnosis must be made by a doctor, who will adjust the treatment procedure. As a result of correctly and regularly performed massage, the elastic properties of the foot and all its general functions are restored. During the session, not only the foot itself is treated, but also the entire surface of the limb that needs relaxation for a given deviation.
Often, having heard a pitiful request from their five or six-year-old child to be picked up, the vast majority of parents perceive this as a whim.
But tired legs while walking can indicate the first signs of developing flat feet, which almost every child suffers from.
If the ligaments and muscles are too elastic, static flat feet may develop. Pain is the first symptom of flat feet, whether transverse or longitudinal. They can appear either after a walk, or after active games or other stress. The child's pain may be localized in the plantar or dorsum of the foot. Due to the fact that the ligamentous apparatus is overstrained, sometimes cramps appear at night.
With flat feet, the spring function of the foot suffers, and there is a load on the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint. All parts of the spine are affected.
As the disease progresses, pain in the foot becomes constant and spreads to the lower leg and knee joint, difficulty walking and abnormal development of the foot (its plantar surface becomes flattened).
In the period of 5-6 years, this pathology can be diagnosed, measures taken and this defect corrected.
The massage therapist should pursue the following goals during the session:
Massage for flat feet in children
If a child has flat feet, the therapeutic massage session includes effects on the lumbar region, gluteal muscles and thigh muscles.
When massaging, special attention should be paid to the sacral triangle. Rubbing and kneading should be done carefully in this area. Rubbing, kneading and vibration techniques are performed on the gluteal muscles.
The massage is carried out without any special emphasis with the direction of movement from the knee joint up to the hip. All techniques should be aimed at relaxing muscle tone.
With flat feet, the emphasis is on the inner, outer and transverse arches of the foot. All techniques are performed from the toes to the heel and ankle joint.
The main part of the massage can include passive movements that are performed not by the child, but by the massage therapist. During movements there should be no volitional tension on the limb on the part of the child. Along with massage, movements are an additional means of influence. When performed, shortening of ligaments and muscles is prevented.
When performing movements in the joints, it is necessary to ensure that the limb is as relaxed as possible. When working with joints, the massage therapist must take into account their anatomical structure.
In addition to massage, it is necessary to conduct exercises with the child several times on a special mat, which also helps strengthen muscles.
Flat feet is a deformation of the foot, which is accompanied by drooping of its arches - longitudinal or transverse. Flat feet are usually diagnosed in children in adolescence, but it can also occur in younger children; it’s just that before the age of three it is difficult to detect the presence of deformity, because during this period the foot of all children, even healthy ones, is flattened.
At the time of the birth of a child, the arch of the foot is filled with a layer of fat, which makes the foot itself flat. Over time, the layer disappears and the correct shape of the arch emerges.
Before talking about ways to eliminate flat feet, you need to understand the reasons that can cause it. There are several of them:
After the reasons for the development of flat feet are listed, you can move on to methods for eliminating it. It is worth noting that the earlier flat feet are detected, the more effective its treatment will be.
Therefore, you need to watch the child very carefully, be sure to seek the help of a specialist if you notice that the baby is clubbing or puts emphasis on the inside of the foot while walking - such a feature of the gait immediately catches the eye and cannot go unnoticed.
Orthopedic insoles are considered one of the most effective ways to combat flat feet. They are made of elastic material, so they do not cause discomfort to the child while walking. Such insoles can be used to prevent flat feet and treat existing deformities.
In the first case, insoles are purchased in regular specialized stores, and in the latter they are made by a qualified orthopedist based on a cast of the foot or its computer model. Accordingly, insoles used to treat flat feet cannot be reused, especially by other children.
Exercise therapy is also considered a very effective way to eliminate flat feet in a child. The exercises are presented in a very wide range, so only a highly qualified specialist with proper education can select them. The set of exercises includes walking. It is performed on the toes, heels, and side of the foot.
Exercise therapy for flat feet
There are also many exercises with objects - balls, canes, etc. Regardless of what set of exercises is selected for a particular child, the task of exercise therapy remains the same - strengthening the muscles and ligaments of the foot.
It is known that the human foot is held in the correct position thanks to the muscles and ligaments that support it by contracting and lengthening under the influence of loads. And if these muscles are relaxed and not strong enough, then the arch of the foot begins to deform and flat feet develop.
Accordingly, in order for the foot to have an anatomically correct shape, you need to strengthen its muscles and ligaments; you can do this yourself by doing certain exercises, leading a healthy lifestyle, and also with the help of massage, which can only be done by qualified specialists.
Based on the above, we can highlight the main goals that massage helps to achieve for flat feet in children: strengthening muscles; relieving muscle tension and fatigue that occurs during prolonged stay in an upright position; reduction of pain syndrome; restoration of spring functions of the foot.
Also, during a professional massage, lymph and blood circulation improves, which also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the foot and the entire body as a whole.
It is worth noting that foot massage is considered one of the most effective methods of preventing flat feet, but is no less effective as part of complex therapy aimed at treating it.
As for the method of performing baby massage, all manipulations are performed in the child’s position – lying on his back. After some time, the child turns over onto his stomach - the massage continues.
During the manipulations, techniques such as stroking, kneading, rubbing and vibration are used. Particular attention is paid to the muscles of the lower leg and the foot itself. A massage course for flat feet involves approximately 15 sessions, depending on the degree of deformation. The massage is performed every other day.
Usually the entire massage procedure is divided into two parts. Initially, a general massage is performed, which is done before a therapeutic gymnastics lesson. Upon completion of the exercises, it is recommended to perform a restorative massage for another 5 minutes.
As for the sequence of therapeutic massage, the massage therapist initially massages the calf muscle. Next, the transition is made to the Achilles tendon, then to the outside of the lower leg. After this, a massage is performed to warm up the back of the foot. Next is a sole massage.
After some time during which the calf muscle is massaged, the massage therapist returns to warming up the foot. At the same time, depending on the area of the leg on which the massage is performed, the technique of its implementation and the techniques used differ. Therefore, such manipulations can only be trusted to specialists.
In order for the procedures to show their full effectiveness, the child is recommended to additionally perform physical exercises from the exercise therapy course, which are also aimed at strengthening the muscles of the foot. This can include walking on heels and toes, on the back of the foot, as well as manipulating balls or a rubber bulb. In addition, riding a bicycle or walking barefoot on sand or pebbles will be especially useful in this case.
Many children suffering from flat feet are recommended to sign up for swimming in combination with massage treatments. In this case, strengthening of the muscles and ligaments of the foot will occur in less time, and the result will become more noticeable.
The child should be provided with high-quality shoes equipped with arch supports necessary to support the inner arch of the foot. You also need to remember - the back of the shoe should be high with lacing.
Only with an integrated approach to combating flat feet will treatment be successful. Correcting foot deformity in childhood is quite simple, regardless of its degree.
Massage for flat feet in children is a necessary procedure that helps relieve fatigue, strengthen joints and ligaments, and eliminate pain, discomfort or discomfort in the limbs. If foot massage is performed correctly, the functioning of the foot is restored and the muscular system relaxes.
Massage for flat feet in children is often carried out at home by the parents themselves, armed with theoretical knowledge. A foot massage when diagnosed with flat feet is mandatory, according to doctors. If you ignore the symptoms of the disorder and do not fight it, in the future the child will have problems with walking, running and jumping, he will not be able to fully participate in play activities with his peers, since his muscular system will quickly get tired and pain will occur.
A foot massage is usually carried out in conjunction with a restorative massage for the whole body. It is recommended to place a cushion under the ankle for comfortable manipulation.
Foot massage at home will help prevent the further development of pathology (if complex therapy is carried out), and will prevent the development of complications and concomitant diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It has a positive effect on the body, strengthens the ankle joints, and relieves pain.
To begin with, the child is placed on his back. A session for legs at home or when performed in a massage room begins with the hips. They smoothly go down, rubbing and kneading the shin, after which they begin to treat the foot (video).
Basic techniques during the procedure:
Most of the manipulations are performed on the ankle and foot. Rub, lightly press on the muscles, as if moving the bones of the foot (video). With this, tension is relieved from the ligaments, their activity is normalized, and the joint and muscle system is strengthened. The duration of a foot massage session is no more than 15 minutes. The session is held every other day, one month.
The effectiveness doubles when combined with physical therapy exercises; they will consolidate the results obtained. Thanks to the complex effects, they overcome flat feet in children, improve metabolism and blood circulation, and strengthen the body.
During the procedure, the child’s leg is bent at the knee joint, then the soles and backs of the limb are rubbed for 20 seconds, moving from the phalanges of the fingers to the shin. Exercises are carried out separately for each finger - they are lowered and raised one by one, stretching the joints. Such manipulations are carried out 5-6 times for each leg, performing a massage at home.
Stroke for half a minute from the toes to the heels. The heel is held in one hand, and the other hand raises and lowers all the fingers in parallel. Repeat 6 times for each leg. For half a minute, knead and stroke the bases of the fingers, heels, and pads of the fingers with both hands.
They stroke the leg from the foot to the knee, then clasp the ankles with their hands and rub them towards the knee joint. Repeat this manipulation 10 times, after which alternately knead and stroke the legs and feet. Such actions are carried out for both legs of the baby.
Remember about the hip area - knead lightly in the direction from the knee to the pelvis, stroke 10 times, knead again, stroke. At the end of the procedure, light stroking of the entire leg is carried out in the direction from the foot to the pelvic area. Similar actions are carried out for the second leg during a therapeutic or preventive session at home.
When flat feet appear in young children, they do not yet experience severe pain, and the pathological process does not develop quickly. Therefore, doctors recommend monitoring the contour of his feet as the baby grows, so as not to be left out of possible deformation.
In the initial stages, it is easier to eliminate the disorder than in the advanced stage of the disease.
For babies up to one year old, the following techniques are performed:
The complex prescribes physical therapy. These are exercises aimed at strengthening the muscular system of the limbs and general strengthening of the body. Such effects on the child’s musculoskeletal system will prevent the development of flat feet and will help in the treatment of the existing ailment.
Reflexology is a unique additional technique whose task is to support health. Reflexology is based on massage of the whole body, with foot massage playing a key role. Doctors and specialists in massage techniques have come to the consensus that massage mats for flat feet are the best option for massaging the limbs. The result after training is equal to the result after training on pebbles. The surface of the rug is an imitation of a pebble beach.
Systematic exercises on the mat massage reflex zones. Thanks to this effect, blood microcirculation improves, the natural protective functions of the body increase, the tone of the epidermis and muscular system increases, the functioning of the foot improves, and the muscles become stronger. A positive aspect of therapy is the child’s ability to study independently.
The mat has special elevations and spikes of different sizes that affect the reflex areas of the feet. For children, 5 minutes of daily exercise on such a simulator will be enough to prevent the appearance of flat feet, recharge with positivity, and improve their mood.
In complex therapy for flat feet, contrast baths are used; the child is given shoes with orthopedic insoles, which help to form a correct gait and foot.
Flat feet are a common foot deformity, so the means to treat and alleviate the symptoms of the disease are varied. Special massage for flat feet, a variety of orthoses, conservative and traditional medicine, surgical and traditional treatment - there are many options for relief. Each of them is quite effective in advanced medical cases. And since foot massage is considered one of the most accessible procedures, let’s consider cases when it can act as a restorative and preventive remedy.
Initial stage flattening of the arch of the foot is most often diagnosed at the age of thirty-five. But with constant exposure to negative factors, the threshold can shift to adolescence and earlier.
Doctors usually do not undertake to make a diagnosis of “flattening of the arch of the foot” until the child reaches the age of six. This is explained by the fact that in children under the mentioned age, there is a large amount of elastic tissue in the arch of the foot that can bend under the weight of the body. Therefore, until the final formation of the arch curvature and ossification of the metatarsal group, prescribing preventive and therapeutic measures is in most cases ineffective.
Elderly people should not massage their feet to treat longitudinal or transverse deformation without using traditional medicine. Curvature in old age is usually associated with tissue loss of its former elasticity and stretching of a group of ligaments due to ongoing biological changes. Regular massage can act as an excellent anti-symptomatic tonic, but as a sole therapeutic measure it is not.
With the help of massage, you can achieve an improvement in the general condition of the tissues of a selected area of the body, in this case the legs, but massage is unable to trigger active regeneration processes. The same rule is also relevant for advanced forms of flattening of the arch of the foot - restoring the normal “degree of curvature” requires more serious medical decisions.
Flattening of the arch of the foot is considered a pathological condition that requires timely diagnosis and treatment.
The most common treatment and rehabilitation therapy for feet with flat feet is massage. With its help, a general improvement in the patient’s well-being is achieved and over time the medical picture of the disease changes significantly for the better.
A timely prescribed set of massage procedures allows you to:
Tissue pain, swelling and deformation of the arch of the foot are constant symptoms of flattening at a serious stage of the disease. Drug treatment and rest are not always able to give the expected effect of relaxing strained ligaments. By massaging the disturbing area, you can quickly feel relief and get rid of discomfort.
Regular massage for flat feet is not only recommended, but often becomes a mandatory part of rehabilitation therapy. But the effect of the procedure becomes achievable only if the technique is followed.
Modern massage techniques for flattening the arch of the foot have its own characteristics that distinguish it from other types of similar procedures.
First of all, it should be borne in mind that individual massaging of the sole of the foot, ankle joint or legs is considered ineffective. The innervation of the legs ends in the lumbar region, so to achieve maximum effect it is necessary to carry out complex treatment of the lower extremities. In this case, it is recommended to start not from the ankle, but from the lower back, subsequently moving to the hips, calves and, finally, the target area.
There are two main types of techniques for performing massage procedures for flat feet in adults. Both of them involve the use of traditional techniques - stroking, kneading, pressing, squeezing, squeezing and vibration.
There is more than one effective massage technique developed both for the treatment of hallux valgus and for alleviating symptoms or improving the general condition of the tissues of the flattened arch of the foot. But it is the two mentioned procedure options that are the most common options due to their high therapeutic and restorative effect.
Curvature of the arch often occurs not only in adults, but also in adolescents or children. In this case, it is important to know that traditional “adult” methods are not suitable for children’s feet. It is necessary to carry out a foot massage for flat feet in children, taking into account the characteristics of the young body and age.
The best option is a preliminary consultation with an orthopedist or therapist, who will help choose the most appropriate option for each patient, based on his individual characteristics. But in any case, several important rules must be followed:
When massaging the baby’s feet, it is important to remember that due to the unfinished process of ossification of the metatarsal tissues and the ongoing process of formation of joints and ligaments, their resistance to mechanical stress is much lower than that of an adult. Any serious sharp push or excessively strong pressure can seriously injure his skeletal system. It is better to entrust the implementation of treatment and preventive measures to an experienced specialist.
Many people, having heard about the effectiveness of the procedure, begin to look for tips on how to do massage for flat feet, forgetting that any method of therapy has contraindications. Massage also has not become a “remedy for everyone” and should be abandoned if the patient is diagnosed with:
Taking proper care of your feet is not as complicated a science as it might seem at first glance. But many people, regularly observing all the necessary sanitary and hygienic standards, forget about the second important component of their health. We are talking about the correct alternation of “load-rest”. Violation of the “cycle” entails a whole range of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including flattening of the arch of the foot.
It is recommended that when you are forced to visit a therapist or independently, you not only clarify how to properly perform therapeutic and preventive massage. It is also worth consulting about how you can distribute the daily load on your feet as efficiently as possible in order to reduce the risk of joint disease and the progression of the development of flattened arches.
? The human foot is a complex “constructor” consisting of the smallest details. All of them work in harmony only with the correct development of the tendon, ligament and muscle apparatus. Flat feet are a common pathology associated with insufficient development of the muscle group located on the inner arch of the foot. As a result, the foot looks flatter and wider, which is typical for infants under 1.5 years of age. Incorrect positioning of the legs when walking is fraught in the near future with diseases of the lumbar spine, hip and knee joints.
Foot massage for flat feet in young children allows for effective prevention, because an experienced massage therapist can carefully develop those muscles that will allow the child to form the correct position of the feet. Foot massage for flat feet in adults has a slightly different purpose. This is rather a therapeutic manipulation, which in itself cannot give any special effect in principle. Yes, a person experiences temporary relief, pain and cramps disappear after a long walk. But it is impossible to restore normal leg positioning with massage alone.
The help of an orthopedist, osteopath and physical therapy instructor is required. All these services are provided by our manual therapy clinic. Each client has the opportunity to receive a free initial consultation from a selected specialist. Based on the results of the first appointment, the doctor will be able to draw up a preliminary individual plan for correcting the pathological condition. And the patient will be able to make the only right decision for himself - to treat flat feet or continue to live with it.
Foot massage for flat feet in preschool children is sometimes necessary if, during a preventive examination, the first signs of impaired foot placement are revealed. For the purpose of correction, official medicine offers various types of orthopedic interventions, including surgery. We do not recommend immediately resorting to such radical methods. To begin with, you can try to correct the situation using safe and effective manual therapy techniques.
We offer foot massage for flat feet in teenagers and younger children. How does it help with this disease?
With the help of an experienced massage therapist, you can achieve the following results:
Foot massage itself for flat feet in children and adolescents is either a preventive or auxiliary procedure. It is almost impossible to achieve normal positioning of a child’s legs using only this method. Additional correction required. It can be carried out using special orthopedic shoes, made individually according to the sketches of an orthopedist. Complex correction, including osteopathy, reflexology, electromyostimulation and physical therapy, also helps greatly.
Impaired leg positioning in a mature adult poses a serious threat to the health of the entire body. Under the influence of the factor of incorrect distribution of shock-absorbing physical load when moving, the following suffer first of all:
In addition to these obvious causes of problems with the musculoskeletal system, there is another serious threat. There are a huge number of biologically active points on the human foot that are responsible for the condition of the internal organs. Incorrect positioning of the legs leads to the fact that when walking there is no impact on groups of such points. This is fraught with the development of chronic pathological processes in the lungs, liver, stomach, heart muscle, and brain.
Therefore, competent and professional foot massage for flat feet in adults is a real path to health, longevity and excellent well-being. During the session, the specialist has a targeted effect not only on the condition of the muscle and bone apparatus of the leg, but also on all the internal organs of the patient.
And for comprehensive treatment of flat feet, our manual therapy clinic offers the services of an osteopath and a physical therapy instructor. You may also be recommended reflexology, pharmacopuncture and a number of other medical procedures.
Many children are affected by a disease called flat feet. This is a change in shape in which the longitudinal and transverse arches are lowered. This disease is easy to get rid of if proper treatment is started on time.
This is exactly why massage was developed for flat feet in children. But it is necessary to know exactly the technique of execution so as not to harm the child.
One of the most important methods of treating flat feet in children is massage. It is used to strengthen leg muscles, improve blood circulation, correct foot deformities, strengthen ligaments and joints.
It is advisable to massage the entire musculoskeletal system, since flat feet have a very bad effect on the joints, spine, even bones. And if there is still scoliosis, the doctor will definitely prescribe a therapeutic massage.
Currently, there are two massage techniques:
When you perform such procedures on a child, you must follow some rules:
The muscles in the foot play a huge role: they are the ones that connect all the bones and ensure their movement. Flexion, extension, movement of the toes, smooth and easy gait - this is all muscle work.
But if a child has poorly developed muscles, there is severe physical stress on the feet, or any illness has developed, a serious illness may develop. Massage for flat feet is considered a very effective way to eliminate the disease, which is used in combination with other types of treatment.
The most important thing is not to overdo it with massage, so you need to know exactly how many procedures you can perform. The mild stage of flat feet requires only 12 sessions.
The hard stage contains 20 lessons. All procedures are carried out every other day and last on average 15 minutes. You can carry out 4 courses of treatment per year.
If a child has a congenital form of flat feet, perform foot massage procedures from as early as two months of life, after eating, for 40 minutes.
If you constantly conduct classes for your child on such a mat, his legs will improve blood circulation, his muscles will become stronger, and his immunity will increase.
A child needs to massage his feet for about 5 minutes a day, then he will be provided with a boost of energy for the whole day, and he will avoid the appearance of flat feet.
In order to perform a massage for children with flat feet, you need to know how to do it correctly . Therefore, if you do not have special skills, do not harm the child. After all, it is important for children to form their feet correctly.
There are three stages to this procedure:
The diagnosis of flat feet is made to a child at the age of 6, because until this moment the feet are considered not to be fully formed. The muscles are very weak, the foot is easily modified.
It is easy to determine a child’s predisposition to flat feet. Lubricate the sole with something greasy, such as oil. Place the foot on a white sheet of paper and hold for half a minute. The print should be in the shape of a bean. This means your child is healthy.
If the foot is completely imprinted, your child is predisposed to flat feet, special massage procedures must be carried out.
There are several reasons for the appearance of this disease in children:
When treating such a disease with massage, much attention should be paid to the ankle joint and feet. When rubbing these places, you need to carefully move the bones. Due to the effect on the muscles, they relax, blood circulation improves, and muscle functioning improves. It is also necessary to massage your toes well, and then your heels. It is necessary to knead the thighs along the entire plane to the groin.
We must remember that with a mild form, flat feet are easy to get rid of. Therefore, carefully check your baby’s feet, and at the first signs of changes in the foot, consult a doctor for help.
If you decide to perform the procedure on a baby, do all movements carefully. First, rub the sole, iron, pat, rub in circular movements. Gently remember your shins.
In order to soften your feet, you need to rub your foot from the heel to the toes with the edge of your palm. Then knead the sole with your thumb. After which you need to stretch between the toes, the back of the foot and the bottom of the shin. You need to finish by turning your foot slightly inward.
After you have stretched your feet, proceed to your lower legs. It is necessary to knead, stroke and rub it from the ankle joint to the knee.
After everything, stretch your thighs. And then massage your back thoroughly.
All exercises must be performed carefully so as not to harm your baby. It is better to have a specialist do the massage.
There are several types of massage:
You can use massage treatment if you have diseases: arthritis, flat feet, scoliosis, sprains, back pain, neck pain.
First of all, carry out thermal procedures. Be sure to get a firming back massage. You need to start from the lower back. The massage must be done energetically.
Before starting this procedure, take a foot bath with sea salt. Then sit on the floor, straighten one leg, pull the other towards you. Stretch your foot from toes to heel. Then start kneading the inside of your foot. Next you need to make circles on the sole with your thumb. Rub between your fingers. The last thing you need to do is stretch your ankle. Followed by a simple firming massage.
A wonderful massage lesson that will teach you the very basics.
Remember that the procedure must be performed strictly under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication in this case can seriously harm your child. Follow all instructions and you will be healthy.