The foot in an ideal position has a transverse and longitudinal arch, which are located on the inside. They help a person to absorb the body while moving and maintain balance. However, in the presence of disturbances in the functioning of muscles, ligaments, and weakening of the tone of the feet, deformation of the shape occurs, i.e., acquired flat feet are formed. As a result of the formation of flat feet, the load on the spine, knee joints, and ankles is unevenly distributed.
Due to the fact that initially the lower limbs are not intended for such work, they cope with their tasks accordingly, quickly falling into poor condition.
Flat feet is a pathology that can quickly result in fatigue and pain in the knees and legs. Most adult patients do not realize that the disease is progressing, feeling constant discomfort in movement, pain in the back and legs.
Painful sensations appear when the body itself ceases to cope with the situation and create optimal conditions for movement. Therefore, in children and adult patients, body pathologies begin to appear and irreversible changes occur in the joints.
Any types of flat feet are dangerous because they can provoke diseases such as scoliosis, arthrosis, and varicose veins. Pathology can manifest itself in people regardless of their type of activity. For office workers, the reasons for the development of flat feet are obvious: lack of physical activity, weakening of ligamentous and muscle tissue. Those who have a standing job, on the contrary, expose their legs to heavy loads that the muscles are not designed for.
The disease can appear at any age if there is a cause or several at the same time. The most common of them are:
The reasons may be different, but the most common among them are underdevelopment of ligaments and muscles. In order for the feet to form correctly, qualified specialists recommend regular training. Without proper loads, the muscles relax and do not support the leg in normal condition, which is why there is a predisposition to the development of the disease.
Flat feet are divided into longitudinal and transverse, depending on how the foot expands: in width or length. Currently, there are the following types of flat feet:
Longitudinal, transverse, combined. Today, the most common form of foot deformity is transverse.
There is a distinction between acquired and congenital pathology.
The congenital form of the disease develops even at the stage of fetal formation, in the womb.
The acquired form of the disease has varieties:
One of the first symptoms that appear due to the development of the disease is pain after prolonged walking or staying in an upright position. Regardless of the type of disease, it is characterized by the following clinical signs:
Regardless of what types of flat feet develop in the body, they cause a lot of inconvenience and pain.
Symptoms of longitudinal flatfoot:
Symptoms of transverse flatfoot disease:
Currently, experts distinguish three types of indicators of the degree of development of pathology:
The first degree is mild and does not cause discomfort to the patient. It is easy to diagnose the onset of the disease by visual examination and carrying out several basic tests.
The second degree is a moderate form of pathology, which is characterized by changes in the structure of the skeleton. At the second stage of development of the disease, pain appears in the ankle and foot area. Figurative perception of gait: clubfoot, heaviness of movement.
The third degree is characterized by complete deformation of the foot. In this case, dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system with the manifestation of corresponding diseases is diagnosed. At this stage of the development of the disease, severe pain is felt, and sports activities are impossible.
If we consider longitudinal and transverse flatfoot separately, we can diagnose the following changes.
Longitudinal flatfoot is characterized by:
Transverse flatfoot is characterized by:
Regardless of the degree of progression, transverse flatfoot at all stages is characterized by the manifestation of pain in varying degrees of intensity, the appearance of calluses, and the formation of complications of concomitant diseases.
Flat feet and children
The reasons for the development of flat feet in children are practically no different from those in adults. According to official data, experts diagnose flat feet in more than 50% of children aged 7 years.
Treatment of the disease is possible only with appropriate therapy for up to 13 years. Then, even if you establish the causes and fight them, it is unlikely to eliminate the consequences. After 13 years, the arch of the foot is completely formed, so the effectiveness of correction is reduced to zero.
There are cases when flat feet in children are diagnosed from the first days. In this case, it is necessary to start treatment (if relevant) and prevent the disease as early as possible.
Experts say that in most cases, with normal development of the fetus inside the womb, children under 3 years of age do not have flat feet, since there is a fatty pad in the inner part of the foot. It is she who performs the function of a shock absorber when the child learns to walk.
The most common types of flatfoot in children under 13 years of age: longitudinal, transverse, flat-valgus, mixed type.
It is possible to determine pathology in childhood if you use several methods of measuring the foot. Among them, the most common are: plantogram, external examination.
A plantogram is one of the most effective methods for diagnosing the disease. Its essence is to determine the shape of the foot from the print. Due to the fact that children's feet are constantly growing, diagnosis with a plantogram is difficult.
If parents notice strange gaits, a predilection for gait on one side, unilateral wear of the soles of shoes, then it’s time to start preventing the disease, contact an orthopedist, and undergo an examination.
High-quality prevention and treatment of the disease can be achieved using:
Regardless of age, therapy for longitudinal, transverse and other types of pathology are similar. It is worth noting that it is impossible to completely cure flat feet in adult patients. Performing procedures can only slow down the progression of the disease and improve the condition of the body as a whole.
Treatment of flat feet is possible only in children under the age of 11-13 years, until the formation of the foot is completed. Once the body is fully formed, any attempts to correct the situation are in vain.
That is why it is very important to identify the disease in a timely manner and begin therapy in a timely manner. So, let's start studying therapy.
Often, treatment for flat feet involves conservative treatment, that is, taking medications and performing physiotherapeutic procedures.
The basis of treatment for flat feet is specially designed gymnastics, a set of exercises in which is selected individually for each patient, taking into account the stage of development of the disease, age, and shape.
The use of massages and hydromassages of the feet shows high effectiveness in treatment. An active method of stimulating the problem area accelerates blood flow and muscle tone.
During treatment, you should not neglect orthopedic shoes. Specially designed insoles, orthopedic heels, and a hard heel help correct the gait and the correct formation of the foot.
Also an excellent remedy for treating flat feet for many patients is a contrast shower. In the most advanced cases, when simple therapy is powerless and the pain does not subside, doctors may prescribe surgery.
In order to relieve pain and relieve fatigue, patients with flat feet are recommended to periodically warm up their lower extremities by transferring weight from the outside to the inside of the foot. In addition, at the end of the working day it is good to do massages and rubbing.
Based on all of the above, we can conclude that flat feet in adults are the result of the care and attention of parents. Therefore, if you care about your child’s future, buy only new shoes, spend active time and take care of your health from childhood.
We have been hearing about flat feet since childhood - even at school, doctors smear children’s feet with some kind of solution and force them to stand on a piece of paper. Then this sheet is always in our medical record. What are the causes of this disease, is there a treatment, and is it possible to prevent its development - you will find out below.
Although everyone has heard about flat feet, few know that there are several types of it.
Moreover, the degree of severity depends on the person’s weight - the larger it is, the greater the load on the foot. Most often, this addiction occurs in women.
Thus, there are several types of flat feet, different degrees of its severity, and it can arise not only due to excess weight, but also at birth.
Transverse flatfoot most often appears due to a functional imbalance of the ligamentous apparatus, but there are other reasons.
There are many causes of transverse flatfoot, both congenital and occupational. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is important to determine the true causes.
Transverse flat feet do not always immediately bother a person. At first, it may only manifest itself as mild discomfort and tingling in the legs. But after the disease progresses, intense severe pain appears, radiating to the spine.
An accurate diagnosis is made by an orthopedist or traumatologist, who identifies the degree of flatfoot and its type based on examination, patient complaints and x-ray examination of both feet in a straight position and from the side, as well as under load. But you can determine it at home yourself.
To do this, spread a layer of thick cream on your foot (you can also use paint), stand directly on a white sheet of paper, leaning on your entire foot. Now look at the result - along the inner edge, the notch should normally be slightly larger than half the foot.
You can also calculate the podometric index for diagnostics. Measure the length and height of your feet. Height - the distance from the sole to the upper edge of the navicular bone. Length - from the edge of the heel to the top of the big toe. Multiply the height by 100 and divide by the length. The norm is from 29 to 31.
Numerous symptoms will not let you miss the development of flat feet, and not only a doctor, but also you yourself can diagnose it.
It is impossible to be completely cured, so the main goal is to relieve symptoms and alleviate the condition.
In advanced cases, surgical intervention can also be used to correct the transverse arch and change the angles between the bones of the foot to normal.
This helps relieve pain, swelling and tired legs. Thanks to the operation, you can again choose shoes without any problems and not be afraid of relapses. Usually the operation is performed in adulthood.
Treatment of transverse flatfoot is often conservative, but in severe cases surgery may be used.
Prevention consists of ensuring high functional endurance of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus using a set of general strengthening and special exercises, wearing comfortable shoes, proper nutrition, and avoiding prolonged stress on the foot.
So, if you are forced to stand for a long time, then place your feet parallel and periodically stand on their outer edges. And then get a massage.
Choose shoes of the right size; loose shoes can cause just as much damage as tight ones. The heel should not be higher than 3-4 cm.
Forget about flip-flops and flats, but go for quality clogs that keep your toes moving as you walk. If you have to wear high heels at work, take them off as soon as you sit down.
Particular attention to prevention should be paid to people whose parents had this disease. In addition to the recommendations given above, you need to develop the muscles of your feet and fingers.
The muscles of the feet will quickly get tired, since physical activity is rare for them, and they are always ignored during training.
Thanks to preventive measures, even people with congenital flat feet may never feel inconvenience due to this.
Find out what your shoes should be like so that wearing them does not lead to the development of transverse flat feet.
A diagnosis of “flat feet” made in childhood is not a death sentence. Medicine has developed measures for its treatment and prevention, allowing you to never encounter this disease again. Don’t forget about good shoes and exercise, and if you have any doubts, take the cream and a piece of paper or consult a doctor.
The most common deviation of the musculoskeletal system is considered to be any degree of flat feet. The reason for this is the ease with which this arch disorder can be acquired. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in children of adolescence and older, but the main cause of the acquired disease is explained by the peculiarity of the structure of the child’s feet. Congenital flatfoot of 1st 2nd degree and higher is another question, but the fight against the consequences in all cases is usually similar.
Using degrees, the severity of such a definition as flat feet is classified. This makes it possible to assess the level of impairment of the shock-absorbing functions of the feet and predict the impairment of the uniform distribution of load on the musculoskeletal system.
The most difficult medical case is stage 3 flatfoot. Diagnosis of only the first stage is not a reason to relax. The disease may progress. And in the case of prolonged exposure to factors that provoke deformation of the arch of the foot, flat feet of the 1st degree quickly turns into the third. In parallel, a number of destructive processes occur with the transverse and longitudinal arches of the foot. They change the biologically normal shape and distribution of load on the joints of the entire musculoskeletal system.
The result is displacement of the vertebrae, deformation of the joints, compression and damage to the cartilage tissue in each area subjected to increased loads. Of course, the process does not happen in a single moment. This is why flatfoot of the first degree, as well as the condition preceding it, is dangerous. The destructive process goes unnoticed for a long time.
The medical term “flatfoot” is a characteristic of a flattened, deformed arch of the foot. There are three degrees of flat feet, each of which poses a serious health hazard.
Diagnosing some types of flat feet on your own is quite difficult. True, for the most part, negative factors are quite easily identified and eliminated. The following are the main causes of the disease:
The appearance of an initial degree of flatfoot is provoked by a fairly wide range of factors. They need to be known not only in order to understand the cause of the disease, but also, if possible, to eliminate or minimize its negative impact on the feet.
The first and second stages of flat feet are less noticeable in appearance than the third. But, regardless of the stage of the disease, each of them has its own characteristic signs that allow you to notice the problem in time and consult a doctor.
The first stage of the disease is practically invisible in appearance and does not cause any pain. The main symptom of the disease is general fatigue of the legs after a hard day at work. Usually no one pays attention to this, mistaking the symptom of the initial stage of deformation of the arch of the foot for ordinary fatigue. Sometimes an additional sign of a disorder is a minor cosmetic defect of the foot.
Flat feet of the second degree have more noticeable symptoms. These include severe pain in the feet and ankle joints, increased leg fatigue, and swelling. The patient regularly feels quite severe pain in the calf muscle, sometimes as a result of deformation of the bones of the arch of the foot, the gait changes. The deformation becomes quite noticeable externally and can cause not only physical, but also aesthetic discomfort.
If a patient is diagnosed with grade 3 flatfoot, treatment of the disorder in this case becomes a necessity for patients. The reason is the danger of this stage of curvature for the body - it can cause many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Externally, the patient’s leg loses its curved arch almost completely. A person begins to experience severe pain in the knees, lower back, and hip joint. Often the patient is diagnosed with a hernia, osteochondrosis, or curvature of the spine.
Depending on the angle of curvature of the foot, three stages of flat feet are distinguished. Each of them has its own characteristic features that are noticeable to the naked eye. The final third degree, in which the deformation of the foot is maximum and very pronounced, looks especially recognizable.
The most dangerous is not transverse or longitudinal flatfoot, but rather a combined variant, in which the patient has several health-threatening pathologies from the first and second groups. For their treatment, surgery is usually indicated. Conservative medical methods in case of neglect are usually ineffective.
Longitudinal flatfoot leads to changes in the size of the legs. As a rule, the patient increases along the foot. At the first stage, such deformation does not cause much trouble to the patient. Longitudinal flatfoot of the 2nd degree without treatment leads to the disappearance of the arch of the foot, pain appears in the knee joints and lower back. At the third stage, pain symptoms spread to almost the entire joint group of the legs and lower back, as well as the spine. Often there is growth of the head of the first metatarsal bone, headaches, and changes in gait.
The transverse type of flatfoot includes three stages. The result of the deformation is a shortening of the foot and an increase in its upper part. Orthopedic insoles are used to treat the initial stages, but they are effective only at the initial stage of the disease. There are three stages of transverse flatfoot:
The stages of the disease separately are rarely used in medicine when making a diagnosis. Typically, flat feet are divided into three types - transverse, longitudinal or combined.
The longer the patient wears the “wrong” shoes, the worse the condition of the delicate tissue responsible for the “strength” of the arch becomes. Shoes with heels no higher than 4 centimeters, made from natural materials that allow the skin of the foot to “breathe,” are considered optimal. It is also recommended to use special orthopedic devices for treatment, such as massage mats or special shoes with curved soles.
How to treat flat feet of degree 2 and higher should be checked with a doctor, since the choice of an effective technique depends on the factors provoking the disease. Removing them is the number one task in healing. It is not always possible to completely cure a curvature that has been developing for quite a long time using conservative methods. Especially when the patient has bilateral longitudinal or transverse curvature of the foot.
Surgery may be required to restore the beauty of your legs. The main thing that should be done when a deformation of the arch of the foot is detected is to promptly find and eliminate the factor that provokes the disease. Doing this yourself is allowed only at your own peril and risk. Contacting a specialist will not only speed up the recovery process, but will also eliminate the hidden risks associated with seemingly harmless flat feet.
Choosing anatomically correct shoes is the main step towards treating the first stage of arch deformities. It is incorrectly selected shoes that most often become the cause of illness.
Flat feet is a pathology in the form of flattening of the arches of the feet, which can be either a congenital disease or an acquired one. Once manifested, the disease progresses. The effectiveness of prevention and treatment depends on the stage at which the problem is diagnosed. Today we will consider what exercises for flat feet can be performed in order to stop the disease and recover.
The disease manifests itself as a deformation of the arch of the foot, which is caused by a decrease in the tone of the muscular-ligamentous structures and changes in the shape of the metatarsal bones. This is fraught with violations of the pushing and shock-absorbing functions.
The following types of deformations are distinguished:
Therapeutic exercise will help stop further changes in the cartilage and bone structures, and even restore the normal shape of the longitudinal and transverse arch of the legs. The effectiveness of exercises is determined by the regularity of execution and technicality.
Important! This type of disease accounts for 56% of all foot problems.
Here are some effective exercises against flat feet. You should be patient, as therapy can take 2-3 years, during which time you need to practice self-massage and use orthopedic insoles or shoes.
The first exercises for flat feet are performed only while lying down to warm up the muscles and avoid possible sprains and injuries. For convenience, it is better to purchase a gymnastic mat or a thin mattress. Algorithm of actions - each type of exercise is performed 10-15 times:
These exercises for the feet will help with longitudinal-transverse flat feet, thoroughly warm up the muscles and protect against injuries during further loads.
This exercise therapy complex for the feet is performed in a sitting position on a gymnastic mat. It will help eliminate flattening of the arch of the foot:
This set of exercises for transverse flat feet is used for preschool children, since the process involves a tennis or small inflatable ball. Turn the activity into an exciting game, and your baby will definitely get involved in it.
Gymnastics for flat feet will be effective only if the exercises are performed in compliance with all recommendations. Movements must be precise and smooth, and if muscle pain occurs, be sure to take a 10-15 minute break.
The most useful exercises for longitudinal flat feet are exercises with a chair and other available means. In just 6-10 months, with regular training, grade 1 and 2 deformities can disappear in adults. Sitting on a chair:
All exercises are quite simple and are suitable for both adults and children. Try to conduct classes in a well-ventilated room barefoot.
For additional massage, get into the habit of periodically walking without shoes on uneven surfaces - pebbles, pebbles, grass.
The proposed exercises are suitable for all types of age groups and all foot deformities. Remember that the third and second degrees of the disease in a standing position are worked out only after warming up.
Interesting! The most effective physical exercises for the prevention of flat feet are movements with a change in the center of gravity. Transferring the load to different areas of the foot stimulates muscle function and helps strengthen ligaments.
Exercise therapy and morning exercises can become a good habit for people with problem feet:
In order to speed up the achievement of positive results, use the following along with your training:
Important! Correction of deformed bones with regular training will occur only after 2-3 years, but after 2 months pain, swelling and fatigue when walking will go away.
Flat feet is a pathology that can be cured with gymnastics and massages. In the video below, you can study in more detail the principles of performing exercise therapy. Have you had any experience with flat feet? Share the most useful exercises in your opinion with the readers below in the comments.
Flat feet is a disease of the human musculoskeletal system, which is characterized by a change or deformation of the shape of the foot. There are several main reasons for the development of flat feet: increased body weight, frequent standing for long periods of time, wearing poor-quality shoes, foot injuries, etc.
The main symptoms of flat feet are: increased fatigue when standing and walking, pain and a feeling of stiffness in the calf muscles, increased pain in the legs towards the end of the day, etc. Diagnosis of flat feet is based on examining the foot print (podography), measuring the height of the arches of the feet (plantometry) and radiography of the foot.
Treatment of flat feet depends on the stage of development of the disease and includes conservative methods (massage, therapeutic exercises, wearing orthopedic shoes, etc.) and surgical treatment.
The human foot is made up of many bones, joints and ligaments that perform the important function of supporting a person's weight and walking. Connecting with each other, the elements of the foot form two arches, which are called arches of the foot: longitudinal (along the inner edge of the foot) and transverse (between the bases of the toes). Thanks to the presence of these arches, the foot is not supported by its entire surface, but by three main points: the heel bone and the bases of the 1st and 5th toes. When these arches (or arches) are straightened, the foot rests on the floor with its entire surface, which leads to a deterioration in shock-absorbing properties and the development of symptoms of flat feet.
Reasons for the development of flat feet
There are several factors that contribute to the development of flat feet, these include:
1. Increased body weight
2. Heavy physical activity
4. Activities involving prolonged standing
5. Presence of flat feet in relatives
6. Weakening of the muscles and ligaments of the foot associated with age or lack of foot training
7. Wearing low-quality shoes, etc.
There are several main types of flat feet, these include::
1. Static flatfoot is the most common type of flatfoot, the development of which is associated with weakening of muscles and sprained ligaments, which leads to drooping of the inner edge of the foot and the development of flatfoot. Causes of muscle weakness in static flat feet include increased body weight, hereditary factors (impaired muscle tone and weak ligaments), overload of the feet, wearing low-quality shoes (tight, rubber shoes, too high a heel or lack thereof).
2. Congenital flatfoot develops in the prenatal period and is associated with developmental anomalies of the musculoskeletal system.
3. Rachitic flatfoot. Rickets is a disease that is characterized by a decrease in the level of vitamin D in a child’s body and is one of the reasons for the development of flat feet in childhood.
4. Traumatic flatfoot. Foot injuries, including malunion fractures of the foot bones, lead to the development of flat feet.
5. Paralytic flatfoot (paralytic flat foot) can develop after polio, which leads to paralysis of the muscles of the foot and lower leg.
What types of flat feet are there?
Depending on which arch of the foot is flattened, there are three types of flat feet:
With longitudinal flatfoot, the entire surface of the foot is in contact with the floor, as a result of which the length of the foot increases. The main symptom of longitudinal flatfoot is a reduction in the distance between the inner edge of the foot and the floor surface. With longitudinal flatfoot, clubfoot develops, which leads to wear of the shoe along the entire length of the sole and heel on the inside.
The degree of flatfoot depends on the degree of foot deformation. There are 3 degrees of flat feet :
1. With the first degree of flatfoot (mild longitudinal flatfoot), there is no visible deformation of the foot. A feeling of fatigue in the legs appears after physical activity, long walking or running. When pressure is applied to the area of the foot, painful sensations appear. By evening, the feet may swell and the smoothness of gait may be impaired.
2. The second degree of flatfoot (moderate longitudinal flatfoot) is characterized by the disappearance of the arch of the foot. Pain with degree 2 flat feet is more severe, frequent, and spreads from the feet to the ankles and lower legs. The muscles of the foot lose their elasticity, and the smoothness of gait is disrupted.
3. The third degree of flatfoot is characterized by pronounced deformation of the foot. There is constant pain and swelling in the feet, legs, and knee joints. With grade 3 longitudinal flatfoot, lower back pain and a painful headache appear. The ability to work decreases, even short walking is difficult. A person with degree 3 longitudinal flatfoot cannot walk in ordinary shoes.
With transverse flatfoot, the length of the foot decreases as a result of divergence of the bones of the foot, deviation of the big toe outward and deformation of the middle toe, which takes on a hammer-like shape. A painful bone thickening in the form of a lump appears at the base of the thumb.
There are three degrees of transverse flatfoot depending on the degree of curvature of the first toe:
1. First degree (mild transverse flatfoot). The angle of deviation of the first toe is less than 20 degrees. Fatigue appears after walking or standing for a long time. Corns (thickening of the skin) appear on the foot in the area of 2-4 toes, as well as redness and slight soreness in the area of the first toe.
2. With 2nd degree flatfoot (moderate transverse flatfoot), the angle of deviation of the first toe is 20-35 degrees. With exertion, pain and burning appears in the foot area and in the first toe, especially in shoes. A flattened appearance appears in the area of the toes. The corns increase in size.
3. Third degree flatfoot (pronounced transverse flatfoot). The angle of deviation of the first toe is more than 35 degrees. When exerting, severe, constant pain in the foot area is noted. The flatness of the forefoot is pronounced. Significant corns form on the foot in the toe area. The first toe is in a dislocated position; bursitis (inflammation of the periarticular bursa) and severe deformation of 2-4 toes (hammer-shaped) are possible.
Mixed flatfoot includes longitudinal and transverse flatfoot and is characterized by more severe symptoms.
In adults, as a rule, static flatfoot develops (longitudinal, transverse, or combined). In men, flat feet usually develop after injuries to the ankles or fractures in the foot area, as well as professional flat feet, which is associated with prolonged standing and heavy lifting. In women, a common cause of flat feet is wearing high-heeled shoes. The fact is that when wearing high heels, the center of gravity of the body shifts, which leads to an increase in the load on the forefoot and the foot turning inward.
If the main symptoms of flat feet appear, it is recommended to visit an orthopedic doctor. The doctor will examine you and conduct special tests:
1. Podometry - measuring the height of the arch of the foot from the floor.
2. Plantography - the study of a foot print left on paper.
3. To determine the degree of flatfoot, the doctor will order an x-ray of the foot in the lateral projection
Treatment of flat feet in adults
There are 2 main methods of treating flat feet: surgically and conservatively.
Conservative treatment of flat feet includes foot massage, foot baths, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises, wearing orthopedic shoes, special insoles, etc. and is prescribed at the first and second stages of development of flat feet. In some cases, conservative treatment methods are ineffective, and therefore surgical treatment is required.
Surgical treatment is also required to treat the third stage of flat feet. There are several types of surgery for flat feet, but the main goal of surgical treatment is to shorten the ligaments, correct the arches of the foot and eliminate the consequences of flat feet (for example, deviation of the first toe).
All children are born with imaginary flat feet, which is explained by the abundance of subcutaneous fat in the foot. The peculiarity of imaginary childhood flat feet is that as children grow older, they naturally get rid of flat feet: with the development of walking and running, the muscles develop, and the child’s foot takes on its usual shape. Full formation of the arches of the feet is completed by 3 years. In this regard, flat feet in children under three years of age cannot be classified as true flat feet.
In childhood, congenital and acquired flat feet occur. The cause of congenital flatfoot is malformations of the foot in the prenatal period.
Acquired flatfoot in children is usually caused by the following factors:
1. Overweight child
2. Wearing low-quality shoes (too soft or too hard soles, rubber shoes, too high heels or no heels)
3. Rickets and disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in a child
4. Incorrectly healed fracture
5. Long-term bed rest for severe illnesses
6. During puberty, hormonal changes cause prolonged muscle spasm and can lead to flat feet
7. Excessive joint mobility
8. Lifting heavy objects (for example, carrying younger siblings)
9. Intensive ballet classes
What are the consequences of flat feet in a child?
In children with flat feet, an important function of the foot - shock absorption - is impaired. As a result of this, body vibration during walking and running is transmitted to the lower leg, hip joints, spine, etc. Prolonged irritation of the joints leads to inflammation - arthrosis. The effect of flat feet on the spine is the development of spinal curvature, or scoliosis, in children. Symptoms of flat feet such as pain in the legs, fatigue, and headaches lead to decreased performance at school.
How to independently determine whether a child has flat feet?
An orthopedist can determine whether a child has flat feet, but at home you can conduct a simple test to determine if a child has flat feet. To carry out the test (plantography), you need to lubricate the sole of the child’s foot with vegetable oil and place it on a clean sheet of paper. The result is an imprint of the child's foot, which can be used to determine the condition of the arch of the foot. Normally, the cutout on the foot occupies 2/3 of its width. With flat feet it is absent or the cutout is insignificant. If you notice changes after this test, you should take your child to an orthopedic doctor.
How to choose the right shoes for a child?
To properly form the arches of a child’s feet, it is necessary to buy high-quality shoes. The child's shoes should have a hard back that secures the heel, a small heel half a centimeter high (no more and no less) and an insole with a small elastic thickening (instep support) on the inside of the foot.
The main goal of treatment for flat feet is to eliminate foot pain, strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the leg and restore foot function. There are two main methods of treating flat feet: surgically (surgery) and conservatively.
Conservative methods of treating flat feet include therapeutic exercises, massage, foot baths, physiotherapy, and wearing correct orthopedic shoes or insoles.
Treatment of flat feet in a child at the earliest stage of the disease, when the ligaments of the foot are incompetent, comes down to prescribing rest and temporary cessation of sports. Warm foot baths and massage are recommended. A fairly effective method of treatment at the early stage of development of flat feet is a foot bath, on the bottom of which river pebbles are placed. The child is asked to roll pebbles in the water with his feet.
Prevention of flat feet in children
To prevent and treat flat feet in children, the following set of exercises can be used:
1. Rolling on the floor with the feet of a rolling pin or small ball.
2. A napkin is placed on the floor, which is offered to be crushed using the foot.
3. The child is asked to pick up with his toes and move objects scattered on the floor from place to place.
4. Circular movements of the feet outward and inward.
5. Standing on your toes, bring your heels together and spread them apart without lifting your toes from the floor.
6. Grab the ball with both feet and lift it, holding it between your feet.
7. Alternately walk on your toes, on your heels, and on the outer edges of your feet.
8. Rolling from heel to toe.
9. Walk on a ribbed surface (massage mat, sand, pebbles).