Pain in the foot is the most common among the pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system between the ages of 20 and 50, accompanied by pain. We can conclude that it is the able-bodied part of the population that suffers, since the legs bear a considerable load, and the foot does not always withstand intensive sports and injuries painlessly and without consequences. I identify a group of reasons for which the leg hurts at the bend of the foot, and the reasons are not always associated with diseases of the joints; pain in the ankle, including the bend of the foot, can be due to pathologies of blood vessels, muscles, and compression of nerve endings. Sometimes pain in the feet is a consequence of a problematic spine or systemic diseases occurring in the body.
In total, there are 26 bones of various sizes in the structure of the foot, but in the area of interest to us - on the bend, the ankle joint (larger and fibula, talus), calcaneus, navicular bone and the metatarsal-tarsal area can hurt. All these bones and the ankle joint are surrounded by a muscular-ligamentous apparatus that protects against injury, especially dislocations and fractures in the ankle. By the way, it is worth noting that women are much more susceptible to pain in this area, since they tend to sacrifice health for the sake of beauty and image. Let's look at the main reasons that lead to the feeling of pain in the bend of the foot.
Bursitis is considered a common disease associated with inflammation of the joint capsule in our version in the area of the foot, that is, the ankle joint. The joint capsule has several important functions:
Bursitis of the foot is most often caused by trauma, and this may not necessarily be a fracture; sometimes a simple dislocation or bruise is enough to cause inflammation of the joint capsule. Bursitis is provoked by frequent twisting of the foot, which is familiar to almost every person. A person’s lifestyle affects the health of the joint, so obesity and excessive stress on the feet increase the risk of developing pathology. Often, women after childbirth, with impaired metabolism and hormonal imbalances, gain excess weight, which also provokes bursitis.
Athletes and people in working professions exposed to stress on their legs and vibrations are susceptible to bursitis. A common cause of bunions is wearing high-heeled shoes. The disease is caused by ongoing rheumatism, gout, and psoriasis.
Symptoms of bursitis begin with pain in the ankle joint; over time, the pain spreads to the area of the heel tubercle, to the toes, that is, the bend of the foot is directly affected.
In addition to pain, the foot may swell and become painful on palpation. The mobility of the joint is sharply limited, and hyperemia of the skin is observed. Over time, the joint can become very swollen, and an accumulation of exudate forms in the joint cavity - this is accompanied not only by pain, but also by an increase in body temperature, causing the person to panic. When a suppurative process appears in the joint, the phenomenon of fluctuation is observed, that is, fluid fluctuations during palpation.
To treat bursitis, especially when the joint hurts severely, a course of NSAID drugs is prescribed. Most often, doctors' choice falls on Diclofenac (Voltaren), Nimesulide and Ibuprofen. In addition to taking tablets or injections, anti-inflammatory ointments are prescribed - Fastum-gel, Dolgit cream, Finalgon. If the pain does not go away, then a hormonal drug is prescribed that relieves inflammation - a blockade is done with Diprospan, Kenalog.
The course of treatment for bursitis includes physiotherapy, gymnastics, and massage. In case of a suppurative process, puncture and antibiotic therapy are necessary. During the recovery period, paraffin treatment and mud therapy help. In advanced cases, it is necessary to resort to the procedure of dissecting the joint capsule, as the threat of Achilles tendon rupture increases.
Due to increased physical activity and load in the form of human body weight, the ankle joint and foot bones are susceptible to arthritis. The disease is associated with an inflammatory process in the joint itself, and inflammation is most often caused by other serious pathologies. So, we can identify the main causes of ankle arthritis:
In addition to these reasons, arthritis is an age-related disease, along with osteoporosis, arthrosis, which occurs due to excessive stress, lack of vitamins and minerals. Pathology often occurs in diabetes mellitus, as a result of injuries, in athletes. There are cases when the disease develops during alcoholism, drug addiction, after childbirth, and menopause. Arthritis also affects women more often, for the same reason as bursitis.
Let's look at what symptoms predominate in arthritis and how to relieve them. First of all, emphasis is placed on the fact that arthritis can be acute, with a sudden onset of the disease with severe pain, limited joint movement, and in a chronic form.
In the chronic form, arthritis manifests itself in periods of remission, when symptoms are not observed; this form is mainly observed in rheumatism. But during an exacerbation the symptoms increase.
With arthritis, there is a feeling of morning stiffness, that is, the symptoms of pain most clearly manifest themselves during the period when a person begins to get out of bed. When he walks around, the symptoms subside. The feet often hurt symmetrically, which is characteristic of rheumatism. The ankle may be swollen and painful on palpation, which requires immediate treatment.
As the disease progresses, pain is felt not only in the bend of the foot and the ankle itself, but also higher up the leg. Muscle atrophy appears, causing a person’s performance to decrease, even to the point of disability. Inflammation can cause an increase in body temperature and a deterioration in overall health.
With arthritis, diagnosis is important, since if the cause of the pathology is rheumatism, then conventional treatment of the joints will not help. For rheumatism, special medications and hormones are prescribed. If a suppurative process develops in the joint, then antibiotic therapy is added to the treatment. A course of NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and folk remedies will help relieve pain. Arthritis should be treated by a doctor. During the rehabilitation period, vitamins, chondroprotectors, and sanatorium treatment are prescribed.
Pain in the arch of the foot is often caused by flat feet, a disease characterized by flattening of the arches of the feet. There are longitudinal and transverse types of flatfoot, each of which has its own characteristics in symptoms.
Pain is inherent in each type of flatfoot, only with the transverse type the anterior part hurts, there is a curvature of the 1st toe, the formation of a bump, and the foot itself becomes wider. The longitudinal type of flatfoot is characterized by elongation of the foot, frequent formation of heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, pain in the heel and in the center of the foot. Despite this, pain in the bend of the foot can occur with any type of flatfoot.
Flat feet are caused by excessive stress on the legs, wearing narrow shoes or high heels, which is why women suffer from the pathology several times more often. Very often, the disease occurs due to excessive stress on the feet of young children in combination with wearing uncomfortable shoes. Flat feet are caused by injuries when a girl twists her leg or breaks it, obesity, condition after childbirth, with weakness of the musculoskeletal system, with diabetes.
By the way, flat feet are often caused by bursitis, arthrosis, and arthritis of the joints of the feet. Pathology is characterized by stage 3 of development. In the initial stage, pain in the foot rarely occurs; there is mainly discomfort and fatigue after putting pressure on the legs. As the pain progresses, the pain begins to appear more often, the shape of the foot changes, and patients often complain that it becomes difficult for them to take off or put on their shoes. In advanced stages, pain also occurs at rest, a person’s gait is disturbed, and other joints and spine begin to ache.
Treatment of flat feet consists of using orthopedic shoes or insoles instead of conventional shoes, which are selected individually, depending on the type of flat feet. The doctor must select a course of exercise therapy and prescribe physiotherapy and massage procedures. Surgery is rarely performed. Pain-relieving drugs are Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Movalis, Nimesulide, which can be prescribed by a doctor during an exacerbation.
Often the bend of the foot hurts not at all from various diseases, but from banal overwork. Pain in the foot is often observed after wearing high-heeled shoes, when you have to stand still for many hours or walk without rest. Such symptoms are common in athletes, teachers, salespeople and similar professions.
Often a person has a question about why the bend of the foot hurts, but no injuries or inflammation are observed. The cause of this condition may be edema that appears due to vascular diseases (varicose veins), kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and a number of other diseases. Edema occurs when drinking large amounts of water, salted fish, and alcoholic edema often occurs, which a person feels the next day.
In case of vascular diseases, it is better not to delay contacting a doctor, since such pathologies progress quickly and as a result, the limb may become numb and lose weight. A modern vascular surgeon and phlebologist can select effective treatment for most pathologies.
The bend of the foot hurts after injury, especially when a girl or woman twisted her ankle or a heavy object fell on her feet. The fact is that the metatarsal bones are small and can move and put pressure on nerves and blood vessels. Often, legs hurt during pregnancy and after childbirth, as a woman experiences the stress associated with bearing a fetus, and subsequently feeding it. After childbirth, hormonal levels and metabolism are often disrupted, which is why pathologies of the musculoskeletal system worsen.
There are also rare pathologies that lead to pain in the bend of the foot. These can be neoplasms (cysts), myositis, neuritis, and the treatment of each pathology requires an individual approach. Tibialis tendonitis, which occurs after injuries, overloads of muscles and ligaments, causes ankle pain syndrome.
If pain begins to appear in the bend of the foot, intensifying over time and not going away within several days, then it is better not to delay going to the doctor and not to self-medicate. Timely treatment in the early stages will take less effort and time.
Interesting, useful and necessary information for your health
Nobody considers flat feet to be a disease. If a surgeon during a medical examination says: “You have flat feet,” then 90% of people immediately forget about it - just think, your leg is flat, like a seal’s flippers. So what? This is not cholecystitis or a stomach ulcer, what kind of trouble could this cause? And we will associate pain in the legs, arthritis and osteochondrosis that appeared out of nowhere with anything, but not with the surgeon’s verdict. On our website A2news.ru we often write about where harmless diseases like this lead, now let’s talk about flat feet.
To some extent, flat feet are our retribution for the achievements of civilization and, in general, for the idea of becoming an upright walking creature. By standing on two legs, the person changed the balance of forces acting on the arch of the foot. Because of this, this place has become one of the weakest links in our body. And if the ligamentous apparatus is naturally weak, then the risk of developing flat feet increases. Of course, not everyone will have it. And for those who are genetically predisposed to this, for whom ligament weakness is inherited.
Further. We walk on surfaces for which nature has not adapted us, which is why we endlessly injure our feet. Any horse breeder will tell you that galloping on asphalt is harmful for horses - it damages their ligaments and deforms them. But walking on asphalt is no less harmful for people - our osseous-ligamentous apparatus was developed for the ground and grass. And if you walk on asphalt paths in heels and even carry an extra 10-20 kg in the form of social savings, then the development of flat feet is a matter of the near future.
So, flat feet can be congenital or acquired. Congenital flatfoot affects those who have weak ligaments and connective tissues in their family, as well as those who have had abnormalities in intrauterine development. Congenital flatfoot manifests itself in early childhood. Acquired flat feet develop due to improper handling of the feet. Wearing incorrect, deforming shoes, walking in high heels or, on the contrary, in shoes with flat soles contributes to the development of foot deformities. But, according to a number of researchers, acquired flatfoot mainly affects those who have congenital connective tissue deficiency. It’s just that negative factors in this case lead to illness faster.
As a result, only 50% of people have a healthy foot. And the majority of those suffering from flat feet are women, whose ligamentous and muscular systems are weaker than those of men. In addition, they are the ones who are more susceptible to heavy stress on the feet as a result of pregnancy, following fashion and anatomical features.
Other reasons leading to flat feet:
The period of intensive growth occurs at 3, 6 months, 1, 3 and 5 years. These are the milestones of the greatest risk of developing flat feet, because at this time, differentiation of the shape and structure of the bones and an increase in the load on them simultaneously occurs. The muscles are still weak, the bones are not strong, and are connected by ligaments that are more tensile than in adults. All this together causes large fluctuations in the height of the longitudinal arch of the foot under load. Therefore, as soon as a child begins to lean on his feet and learn to walk, the risk of developing flat feet increases.
The development of flat feet can be triggered by dysfunction of the central nervous system, endocrine disorders, infections in the first year of life, and genetic predisposition. We wrote how to avoid colds and other diseases - now we’ll talk about how to avoid flat feet. Our studio http://www.kseniya-resnichka.ru is pleased to provide you with eyelash extensions in Moscow from the best masters. In our studio, everything is not like others, namely low prices, better quality, and just a cozy atmosphere. Waiting for you. Normally, the foot has a curved spherical shape. Powerful muscles and ligaments form 3 arches of the foot - one transverse, internal and external longitudinal. These arches are designed to dampen vibrations of the foot and, accordingly, the transmission of shocks to the spine and joints of the legs. This protects joints from overload, deformation and destruction. The foot acts as a shock absorber. Violation of the shape of the foot leads to the fact that its shock-absorbing properties begin to tend to zero.
Normally, when a person is standing, the support occurs mainly on the heel bone, or rather on the inner tubercle of the heel bone, and the body weight is projected onto the middle part of the heel. When muscle balance is disturbed and muscles are weakened due to increased load, deformation increases and plano-valgus flatfoot develops.
Few people know that the consequences of flat feet, considered harmless by everyone, are catastrophic. These diseases will be considered diseases of old age, consequences of infections, poor lifestyle and poor nutrition. Meanwhile, the reason for their appearance and the trigger is flat feet, or rather the failure of the foot to perform its shock-absorbing functions.
A complex of anatomical and functional disorders in the foot is the cause of pathology of the musculoskeletal system and vital internal organs and systems, because they are all ultimately related to the health of the spine. And the spine in this case suffers greatly from endless micro-impacts during each step.
Few people notice the initial symptoms. Pain in the legs, burning sensation in the feet, fatigue are attributed to ordinary fatigue from standing or walking for a long time. Pain in the ankle joint and lower leg that appears at this time should alert you and force you to take a closer look at the treatment and prevention of flat feet.
More alarming signs of flat feet and its consequences:
As flatfoot develops, the load is taken on by the knee joints, which begin to play the unusual role of a shock absorber. In joints exposed to daily starting loads, changes occur that sooner or later lead to the development of arthrosis. Signs of arthrosis of the hip joints – coxarthrosis – also appear.
Then the spine joins the process, which constantly experiences microshocks. The first alarming signs are pain and fatigue in the back, fatigue of the back muscles and their spasms - all kinds of hardening, painful sensations.
Then serious diseases develop - osteochondrosis, herniated discs, radiculitis, spinal curvature - scoliosis and kyphosis. The discs, constantly shocking when walking, begin to thin out. As a result, the person becomes shorter. But this is not the main disadvantage. Thinning of the discs leads to gradual deformation of the vertebrae, hernias, and pinched nerves. And these are already serious diseases with painful manifestations.
In children, flat feet very quickly leads to curvature of the spine and the development of scoliosis. By the type of flatfoot, you can even determine the type of spinal curvature that threatens the child in the future if there is no adequate treatment.
During pregnancy, a woman's weight increases by about 10-20 kg in a short time. The ligaments and muscles of the foot do not have time to adapt to the changed weight, and the foot may begin to deform. The center of gravity at this time changes and moves forward. This also causes a redistribution of the load on the legs and an increase in pressure in the feet. The foot flattens under the weight and flat feet develop.
Excessive pronation (flattening of the foot) can be eliminated by using orthopedic insoles. Properly selected low-heeled shoes, regular walking, gymnastics, and a salt-restricted diet are also used as preventive measures.
A doctor can detect flat feet in a baby at the earliest stages, when the child is just learning to walk. It is known that the foot is formed before the age of 5 years. Therefore, the sooner flatfoot is diagnosed and treatment is started, the greater the chances of preventing the development of the process. After reaching the age of 5, it is difficult to completely cure flat feet, in some cases it is no longer possible. However, with the help of special treatment, gymnastics and wearing orthopedic insoles - arch supports, it is possible to stop the development of flat feet and prevent spinal deformation.
You can suspect the presence of flat feet in a small child if he does not want to walk for a long time on his own and often asks to be held, complaining that his legs are tired. Signs of developing flat feet in children are uneven shins and incorrect heel placement.
The main preventative measure is proper care for a child up to one year old. It is important to do a firming foot massage daily. It is also worth warning zealous parents against early learning to walk. If the child does not yet stand on his own feet, there is no need to stand him up and teach him to walk. The child’s muscular-ligamentous system is not yet strong and underdeveloped, so such haste will increase the risk of microtrauma to the tissues of the foot, sprains, slower development of the foot and will accelerate the development of flat feet.
Despite the fact that the disease is based on internal causes, the provoking factor is external causes. And first of all, these are the wrong shoes. Alas, according to doctors, about 65% of children by school age suffer from flat feet to one degree or another.
The dominance of cheap shoes made without taking into account the anatomical structure of the foot has led to the fact that over the past 10-15 years the incidence has increased by 35%. Shoes that are completely devoid of heels are extremely harmful to the feet. The love for ballet flats and sneakers plays a disservice in this case.
Children's shoes, like any proper shoes, should have a small heel, a hard heel and a spring instep support. The latter ensures the correct formation of the arches of the feet.
Flat feet in an adult are practically incurable. However, this does not mean that nothing can be done and the consequences of flat feet are inevitable, like the onset of autumn after summer.
In fact, it is possible not only to slow down the development of degenerative processes in the foot, but also to significantly improve the condition of the feet, and at the same time the general condition of the body. And prevent the appearance of osteochondrosis, arthrosis and other “charms”.
One of the most effective ways is to wear arch supports. We have already written about the models and features of choosing arch supports in more detail. Oddly enough, this simple remedy has a much greater effect than all other methods of treatment. The correct anatomical instep support ensures the correct position of the foot while walking and helps the foot play its full shock-absorbing role. By the way, in those countries where arch supports are as common as toothbrushes, the percentage of patients with osteochondrosis is noticeably lower than in our country.
Daily gymnastics, walking, walking on grass and earth are an excellent preventive and therapeutic remedy that stimulates and strengthens the ligamentous apparatus. You need to walk on the ground, grass, sand, stones barefoot - this strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation in the feet.
Feet are a mirror of health. Therefore, you need to take care of them from infancy. And stop considering flat feet to be a harmless cosmetic defect.
To begin with, it is worth defining the disease. These are changes in the position of the foot that appear in connection with the lowering of the longitudinal or transverse arch of the foot. With this disease, the shock-absorbing effect of the leg is lost. Therefore, the entire load is transferred to the hip joint and back. Simply put, it is a flattening of the foot resulting in painful effects and skeletal complications.
The essence of the shock-absorbing effect is that when walking, the load is distributed evenly between the joints and the spine.
Many people do not pay due attention to the first signs of flat feet. But this is exactly how one can suspect the disease at an early stage - these are worn-down shoes on the inside. At the first stage, it can manifest itself in the form of heels brushed to the side, and degree 3 flat feet is a complete displacement of the shoes to the inside.
Symptoms that are worth paying attention to are rapid fatigue when walking for a long time, pain in the back and spine, the inability to stand in one place for a long time, swelling in the legs, and night cramps. In women, flat feet may be accompanied by headaches and severe leg pain when wearing heels. In most cases, the size of the foot increases because the arch of the foot elongates.
To correctly determine flat feet, you need to know the causes, which may include the following:
Attention! A separate item that affects the development of flat feet includes shoes with flat soles or low rise. The leg inevitably has to take an uncomfortable shape.
If such symptoms appear, it is advisable to independently check for flat feet. There are several home detection options.
The point is to smear your feet with any coloring and easily washed off substance, and stand on any white sheet of paper.
Attention! You cannot lean during the procedure. You just need to stand straight.
When viewing the resulting picture, draw a conclusion. If the entire area of the foot is painted over, then the disease definitely exists. If there is an indentation on the inside of the foot and space between the forefoot and the heel, then there is no problem with the legs.
Attention! If there is no gap between the upper and lower parts of the foot, then one of the varieties of flat feet is observed.
It is worth noting that this method is not suitable for testing children. You should also note any errors that may appear during the process. The main thing is to lubricate your foot well. If the solution is liquid, then a clear pattern will not work and will affect the quality.
First, everything is done in the same way as in the previous paragraph: take paint and smear the foot, then you need to stand on a sheet of paper. After the procedure, you need to draw a line from the base of the big toe to the middle of the heel. The second straight line is drawn from the center of the heel to the space between the index and middle fingers. If the depression in the figure extends to the right beyond both lines, flat feet are not observed.
You need to measure the height and length of your foot. After this, the first indicator is multiplied by one hundred and divided by the length. If you get numbers in the range from 29 to 31, this is the norm. If the result falls within a range less than normal, there is a disease.
At home, you can determine the approximate chance of flat feet. There shouldn't be any difficulties.
If you look at the foot and see that it is narrow with the big toe protruding above the rest, then you don’t have to worry. The risk of developing flat feet is approximately 50 percent. This leg is called Egyptian.
If the foot is wide with two toes of equal length (thumb and index), then, unfortunately, the risk is quite high. It is recommended to walk more without shoes and periodically massage the foot.
If the index finger protrudes in front of the rest, and the width of the foot is not large, then there is a risk, but it is quite small.
It must be said that even in the womb, the baby’s legs are positioned unnaturally. They assume a normal position when the muscles begin to strengthen. Therefore, in very tiny children, this is almost impossible to do. Until the age of 4-5 years, the leg is not yet fully formed. For others, this is quite difficult to do, but possible. There are two main criteria:
It is advisable to contact an orthopedic surgeon immediately. Only an experienced specialist can make the correct diagnosis.
Attention! Flat feet are easier to treat from childhood. The earlier it is detected, the better. In adults it is a little more complicated.
In the professional sphere, the degree of flatfoot is determined using radiography. This can be done at home using the methods described above. The following conclusions can be drawn from the sheet of paper with the fingerprint:
It is worth noting that during the examination the doctor determines the arch angle and height. If the first parameter varies from 131 to 140, then the degree of the disease is first; from 141 to 155 - second, from 155 and above - third.
Sometimes so-called transverse flatfoot occurs. Usually appears in middle-aged women. The main sign is the rotation of the thumb in either direction. This can be easily diagnosed at home. There are also three degrees.
Flat feet, if left untreated, can lead to pain in the joints, feet and spine, hernias, arthrosis and scoliosis may appear. In addition, the blood supply to the foot is disrupted, which negatively affects the entire body.
There are a large number of exercise sets. Each of them is unique and effective. One of them can be given as an example.
Sit on a chair and place your feet on the floor. Then you need to tighten your fingers several times in 3-5 approaches. Then you should lift your feet up without lifting your heels. After this, everything changes places: without moving your fingers, you need to raise your heels 3-5 times. Next, pull your thumbs up, and after completing the procedure, you need to lift all your fingers. During the extreme exercise, the feet should be turned inward.
For preventive purposes, it will be useful to roll any small elastic ball or ball with the inside of your foot while resting. In addition to the positive effect on the position of the leg, there is an improvement in blood circulation, which is very useful.
In conclusion, we can say that flat feet in children are sometimes difficult to diagnose. And doing this at home is quite problematic, but possible. Timely detection of flat feet is the key to good health and the absence of many problems. The main thing is to make the diagnosis correctly.
Flat feet of the 3rd degree is a violation of the anatomy of the foot, in which it loses the ability to perform its functions.
The lack of treatment for this condition in most cases leads to severe complications in the large joints of the legs, spine, and in general seriously reduces a person’s quality of life.
In fact, there is only one reason for third-degree flatfoot: lack of treatment in the initial stages, when the foot deformity has just begun to appear. As the ligamentous apparatus weakens, the bones of the foot move further and further away from each other, the arches of the foot (longitudinal and/or transverse) “sag,” and its shock-absorbing functions are greatly impaired.
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of severe foot deformities include:
The symptoms that manifest the flattening of the arches of the feet of the 3rd degree can be divided into visually determined ones, felt by the patient himself, and subjective signs determined by instrumental examination.
The changes are obvious at first glance: the foot looks “flattened”, there is practically no rise in its upper part towards the ankle joint, and there may be wide gaps between the toes (the toes are arranged like a fan). Often the changes reach the point at which wearing ordinary shoes becomes impossible - the patient has to turn to specialized workshops for sewing shoes to order.
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Complaints that accompany this degree of foot deformity include the following symptoms:
After examining the patient and studying his medical history, the doctor prescribes a series of studies (x-ray, CT, MRI, podography, etc.), the results of which confirm the diagnosis of “flat feet”. And when measuring the angle of deviation of the foot bones from their normal position, the degree of deformation is determined.
Diagnosis does not end with identifying flat feet and its severity. Considering the number of complications in large joints of the legs and spine caused by foot deformation, it is necessary to outline the range of all health problems as early as possible.
Thus, a patient with flat feet may be prescribed x-rays of the spine and joints, and laboratory blood tests to identify markers indicating inflammatory processes. Also, at the discretion of the doctor, an examination using MRI or CT may be recommended in order to assess the changes that have occurred in other structures of the musculoskeletal system against the background of flat feet and its complications.
If necessary, specialists of a narrow profile can be involved in the examination - an orthopedic surgeon, vertebrologist, rheumatologist, etc. They subsequently monitor the effectiveness of treatment together with the attending physician.
It is difficult to imagine the human foot as a kind of protective mechanism. But in fact, it performs the most important functions to ensure the durability of other “supporting” structures - joints and the spine. By cushioning when walking, running, jumping, the foot dampens shock waves, preventing them from spreading to overlying areas of the musculoskeletal system.
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When the foot is deformed and its arches are flattened, the spring (shock-absorbing) function is disrupted, and the ankle, knee, and hip joints have to compensate for the load. But they are not designed for this - their role is to ensure precise and correct movements. And taking on increased loads, they quickly wear out.
The spine suffers no less: according to statistics, osteochondrosis and herniated intervertebral discs are “in partnership” with flat feet in more than 60% of cases. Moreover, in approximately the same number of situations, these diseases become both consequences of flat feet and its causes.
Treatment of third degree flat feet is a complex process that can last several months or even years. The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the patient himself and his willingness to strictly follow the doctor’s prescriptions.
Medicines for flat feet are used to a limited extent and, as a rule, are represented by drugs with a general strengthening and protective effect (vitamin-mineral complexes, chondroprotectors, bioactive additives containing hyaluronic acid, etc.).
If complications of flat feet are identified, as well as if the foot deformity is combined with inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the joints, treatment may include a wide range of drugs - from NSAIDs taken in tablet form to intra-articular injections of corticosteroids.
Wearing orthopedic devices is one of the preferred methods of treating flat feet, since in the process of using special insoles and shoes, the foot gradually gets used to the correct position, and the loads are distributed in such a way that normal functions are restored in the ligamentous apparatus of the foot.
Depending on the specifics of the situation, it may be recommended to wear standard insoles, heel pads, intertoe cushions, etc., or it may be necessary to manufacture custom-made shoes or insoles, according to individual measurements.
It should be remembered that it is necessary to undergo regular follow-up examinations, the results of which allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and adjust it taking into account progress. So, during the treatment, the arches of the feet gradually change shape, and this requires replacing orthopedic insoles or shoes with new ones - with a different instep angle, heel height and other changes in significant characteristics.
Important: wearing orthopedic shoes in itself refers to the so-called “passive effect” on the foot, and must necessarily be supplemented with other treatment methods.
In the successful treatment of flat feet that have developed to degree 3, a complex of therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the foot plays an important role. Specific exercises and their combinations are selected by a doctor or exercise therapy instructor individually for each patient, taking into account the specifics of the situation.
Basic exercises include raising your toes, rolling from toe to heel, and alternately tucking your toes in a sitting position. The main requirement for performing the exercise therapy complex is regularity of classes and performing exercises barefoot, standing on a flat and hard surface.
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Unfortunately, advanced foot deformation often requires correction and formation of an anatomically correct arch using surgical methods.
Surgery to eliminate flat feet is recommended when the effectiveness of other methods is low, also in cases of severe deformity in which orthopedic treatment may not be appropriate.
During surgery, the doctor shortens ligaments and tendons that cannot otherwise be returned to their normal position and functionality. This allows you to create conditions for the correct placement of the bones of the foot, forming its arch.
During surgery, deformed joints of the foot can be examined and, if necessary, appropriate measures can be taken (removal of bone or cartilage growths).
Important: the listed treatment methods can be combined in various variations, used in different sequences, and the decision to prefer one method over another remains with the attending physician.
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Flat feet are inherited by a person at birth or acquired throughout life due to excessive overload during long hours of standing work or foot diseases.
Let's find out why it is so important to take a foot x-ray on time. Let's consider the consequences of this disease. Let's find out how to position the foot for longitudinal and transverse flat feet during X-ray diagnostics. Let's find out the degree of deformation of the foot.
Flat feet disrupt the biomechanics of the foot due to the loss of shock-absorbing (spring) ability. It can be longitudinal or transverse. When standing upright and while walking, 50% of a person's weight falls on the heel. With excessive overload in runners or standing work, the ligaments weaken, the arch flattens, and a person's weight is redistributed from the heel to the middle of the foot. Due to impaired biomechanics of the foot, the spine, hip and ankle joints are forced to compensate for the load. In this case, the cartilaginous surfaces in the joints and the discs between the vertebrae are “erased.” Gradually, the ankle and hip joints become deformed. And then a person experiences pain in the lower back, calves, foot and back when walking. Due to flat feet, diseases develop:
Symptoms of these diseases vary depending on the pathology that has developed. Arthrosis of the hip and knee joints forces a person to move with the help of a stick and crutches, and is often the cause of disability. The development of plantar fasciitis is accompanied by severe pain in the heel in the morning when supporting the leg. With varicose veins in the legs, there is heaviness in the calf muscles and swelling.
Longitudinal flatfoot occurs in overweight women, as well as in people whose work involves standing on their feet for many hours (hairdressers, salespeople). The disease also occurs with improperly selected sports shoes. In women, after prolonged walking in high heels, the biomechanics of the foot are disrupted. The bulk of the body mass is redistributed from the heel to the middle of the sole, which causes overload of the plantar fascia and, as a result, flattening of the longitudinal arch.
To identify this disease, X-rays of both feet are taken with a load in the lateral projection.
In this case, the foot stands on a stand with the inner side facing the X-ray cassette, and the other leg is moved to the side. With this installation, 3 features are noted on the radiograph:
Using these lines, the height and angle formed by the second and third lines are measured. Height is a perpendicular descended from the point of connection of the second and third lines down to the first horizontal line. Normally, the height is more than 35 mm, and the angle is 125–130°.
This pathology is classified into 3 degrees:
X-ray diagnostic data of the longitudinal arch of the foot are used in the examination of conscripts for military service.
With such deformation, the transverse arch is flattened and the foot is shortened. The toes take on a hammer shape. Corns form on the balls of the feet.
With transverse flatfoot, the image shows the deviation of the first metatarsal bone inward, and the rest - towards the sole. At the same time, the distance between the bones is increased, and the first finger deviates outward. To identify transverse flatfoot, x-rays of both feet are taken with a load in 2 projections. To do this, the patient places his foot on the X-ray cassette, resting his hand on a chair. In this case, the X-ray rays are directed from above to the center of the cassette.
Using a radiograph in a direct projection, the angle of deviation between the I and II metatarsal bones is measured. Normally it is up to 11°.
Explanation of the image of transverse flatfoot:
Stress x-rays of the foot are most often used in the diagnosis of foot diseases. It shows the anatomy, structure and condition of the tissues of the foot and is carried out in several projections. This method is also used to detect flat feet in conscripts.
To prevent diseases that cause flat feet, it is necessary to constantly wear corrective hard insoles to support the arch of the foot. For longitudinal flattening of the arch, insoles with an arched bend and a heel shock absorber are used. To support the transverse arch, insoles with pads should be used. For combined flat feet, the insole should have an arched curve and a pelot.
In European countries, children with diagnosed flat feet are under medical supervision and constantly wear orthopedic insoles until the age of 23, until the child’s foot is formed.
To summarize, let us recall that flat feet are the cause of many diseases of the joints and spine. Therefore, it is important to take a timely x-ray of the foot. To identify flat feet, x-rays of both feet are taken with a load. In this case, a picture is taken in two projections. This method is also used during x-ray examinations of army conscripts.
There are two types of flat feet. Each type of flatfoot has its own causes and characteristics. Knowing them, they choose a treatment method appropriate to the specific case. Properly chosen exercises and therapeutic procedures will eliminate the symptoms of the disease and bring relief to well-being.
Orthopedists distinguish between transverse flatfoot (more common in women, like any flatfoot, due to regular wearing of shoes with high heels or without heels) and longitudinal - developing:
With transverse flatfoot, the bones of the metatarsals diverge wider, and the front part of the foot from the bottom in the middle acquires an unnatural convexity. With transverse flatfoot, a “bone” forms on the side near the big toe, calluses and corns form on the sole of the foot, and the toes become bent. The disorder makes it difficult to select and wear shoes. A common sign of transverse foot changes is ingrown toenails.
Longitudinal flatfoot (30% of cases) exhibits characteristic symptoms:
Combined or mixed flatfoot is distinguished when the symptoms of both of these types are pronounced.
Longitudinal flatfoot develops through 3 stages.
The first signals come in the form of swelling of the feet that does not subside overnight and a feeling of fatigue in the feet and leg muscles that quickly increases during the working day. Touching the surface of the feet can be slightly painful.
The second degree of flatfoot is recorded when pain appears in the feet and lower legs. A burning sensation in the soles of the feet becomes a constant companion when walking. Swollen veins are clearly visible in the lower legs. The gait changes and becomes “heavier”. The color of the skin of the feet becomes bluish. Symptoms are considered evidence of poor circulation in the legs. Cramps in the lower extremities occur due to impaired blood supply to the muscles of the foot and lower leg. Pathological posture is formed: kyphosis, scoliosis.
Flat feet of the 2nd degree often becomes the reason for visiting a doctor for this disease.
Third degree - there is constant aching pain in the legs and lower back, gradually affecting the upper parts of the spine, even headaches. The symptoms are explained by the fact that when the configuration of the feet changes, the center of gravity of the body shifts. The load is redistributed between the ligaments and muscles of the body and neck, causing overstrain.
The final diagnosis, determining the degree of damage to the foot, is made on the basis of an x-ray report determining the height and angle of the arch.
It is necessary to treat flat feet at the first manifestations, without waiting for irreversible changes in the structure of the foot.
The causes of flat feet often stem from childhood. Some of the disorders are conventionally defined as congenital; only weakness of the ligamentous apparatus can be transmitted genetically, and this deficiency, with correct and timely correction, is eliminated without the development of flat feet.
Sometimes the careless attitude of parents towards maintaining a healthy foot in a child leads to its deformation, if there was no reason for this in the first place. If the shoe is too narrow and does not have a heel, you will probably have to treat your legs and spine in a few years. The right choice of children's shoes (with a heel that occupies almost a third of the length of the sole, with insoles, arch supports, a tight back and a spacious toe of a shoe or shoe) will save the child from troubles with flat feet in the future.
Adolescence is fraught with great danger in the form of the formation of flat feet during a period of rapid growth of the body associated with hormonal changes. During transitional times, children often attend various sections; parents rightly approve of their hobbies, considering such activities as an introduction to a healthy lifestyle. But weightlifting, long and high jumps, and long running can cause changes in the arch of the foot. A child should not spend the whole day in sneakers; for proper development of the foot, shoes with hard soles are required, which help strengthen the ligamentous apparatus during rhythmic walking.
In women, longitudinal flatfoot of the second degree occurs 4 times more often than in men. This is facilitated by pregnancy, when the load on the ligamentous apparatus of the foot increases. During pregnancy, you must be extremely careful when choosing shoes.
Excess weight with age often becomes the cause of longitudinal flatfoot of the 2nd degree; treatment is required, first of all, for obesity; without correction of body weight, any measures will be useless.
Bilateral flatfoot indicates that static causes are to blame for the development - prolonged standing on the feet, in many cases (80%) the disorder can be attributed to occupational diseases.
Not everything is so simple with pain. The sensation cannot be attributed to flat feet. During the examination, no less serious causes of pain can be identified.
For example, the diagnosis “diabetic foot” is known. The disease is also characterized by pain and fatigue in the legs, deformation of the fingers and ingrown nails into the skin. Considering that diabetes can initially occur hidden, changes in the structure and appearance of the foot become an alarming signal of the development of the disease. Pain in the foot is a reason to contact an orthopedic surgeon or, for starters, a local physician.
The appearance of a painful, enlarged “bump” at the base of the first toe indicates the development of gout, a disease associated with metabolic disorders and the deposition of mineral salts in the joints.
Joint damage - arthritis and arthrosis - is a common occurrence in the feet; throughout life, the feet experience constant, sometimes unbearable, stress. Pain often occurs due to inflammatory processes in numerous ligaments of the foot, a disease called tenosynovitis. Varicose veins accompany flat feet, but they can also be an independent disease that requires specific treatment.
Pain can appear as a result of a hidden injury; the patient will not always remember under what circumstances the leg was injured. In this case, it is easier to make a correct diagnosis; swelling, pain and other symptoms will be found on one leg, and flat feet, as a rule, becomes a bilateral process with simultaneous damage to both feet.
There are many known pathological processes that manifest themselves in the form of deformation, swelling and pain in the feet. In each case, a doctor's consultation is required to identify the true cause. Then the treatment will be timely and effective.
Treatment of any disease begins with awareness of the importance and necessity of the measures taken in order to avoid numerous and unpleasant consequences. When the patient joins forces with the doctor, the disease is easier to overcome. Get ready for a long treatment: the process includes massage, foot baths, physical therapy, and wearing orthopedic insoles. If you identify symptoms of second-degree flatfoot, you should seriously think about changing your working conditions, reconsider the way you do household chores, and more often allow your legs to rest in a horizontal position. In order not to waste time, you can successfully do some of the leg exercises at home. Let this become a good habit.
The earlier treatment is started, the better the result will be. If conservative treatment fails, the surgical method is used. But it is not intended to relieve the patient of flat feet, but only to correct the symptoms that cause the greatest inconvenience.