The problem of flat feet is quite common in the modern world, especially among preschool children. Foot problems not only contribute to the deterioration of the child’s posture, but can lead to serious diseases (arthritis, osteochondrosis). That is why the prevention of flat feet in preschool children is so important, especially where the baby is almost every day - in a preschool educational institution (preschool educational institution).
Preschool educational institution is the main assistant to parents in the prevention of posture problems and flat feet
In preschool settings, prevention of flat feet in preschool children should be aimed at strengthening and supporting the ligamentous apparatus, then the load will be distributed evenly, eliminating deformation of the children’s feet.
Physical exercise is the best way to prevent flat feet and other postural changes.
In kindergarten, physical exercises are designed taking into account the need to prevent flat feet. Exercises (running, squats, jumping, walking on opposite sides of the foot) will help strengthen the child’s motor system. Daily morning exercises and active exercises in kindergarten are a wonderful remedy for the treatment of flat feet and its prevention in preschool children.
And if the kindergarten also has special equipment for classes with younger children (gymnastic wall, hoops, massage mats, exercise equipment), then this will eliminate poor posture and flat feet during preventive work in preschool educational institutions.
Principles for the prevention of flat feet in preschool children.
In preschool children, prevention of flat feet begins with the first visit to an orthopedist (when the baby is 2-3 months old).
Flat feet most often appear after a year of walking, because the foot is formed along with the child’s first steps. Therefore, a child cannot have flat feet until he is one year old, but then it is necessary to monitor changes in his legs, posture, and engage in disease prevention. It is best to use foot massage to prevent flat feet in a child from the first year of his life.
Prevention of flat feet in preschoolers begins with choosing the right shoes for your son or daughter. It is mandatory to have a hard back, soft instep support and heel (approximately 0.5 cm). It is not recommended to let small children wear after someone else, because everyone wears down sandals in their own way. If you are buying shoes for growth, then it is better to take them no more than one size, so that your feet do not dangle when walking. Children's shoes must correspond to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the child's foot, be soft and light, durable, with flexible soles. It is necessary that it be free enough, not restrict the movement of the fingers, and have a small heel, as it prevents the development of flat feet and protects the heel from impacts. The height of the heel should not be more than 1/14 of the length of the foot.
Children should not buy shoes with open heels. The heel should be stable and prevent the foot from slipping from behind and outside, which prevents the development of flat feet. It is recommended that preschool and school-age children wear shoes that wrap around the ankle, as wearing lower shoes causes fatigue and leads to deformed toes.
Based on the degree of foot coverage, the following types of shoes are distinguished: boots, boots, low shoes, shoes, sandals. When choosing shoes, it is necessary to take into account not only the size of the foot, but also the fullness. For children, shoes are available in two sizes. The best material for the sole of children's shoes is leather. It has sufficient strength, ductility, vapor and air permeability. In children under 8 years of age, the foot lengthens by an average of 11 mm annually, and therefore it is recommended to update shoes every 6 months.
Flat feet are most often considered as a foot deformity, which is characterized by flattening of its arches. Often, flat feet are one of the causes of poor posture. With flat feet, the supporting function of the legs sharply decreases, the position of the pelvis changes, and it becomes difficult to walk.
The earliest signs of flat feet are rapid fatigue of the legs, aching pain (when walking, and later when standing) in the foot, leg and thigh muscles, and lower back. In the evening, swelling of the foot may appear, disappearing overnight.
It is necessary to ensure that children's shoes are always dry and clean.
In the process of preventing flat feet in children, it is necessary:
• monitor their posture;
• ensure that they always keep their body and head straight;
• make sure that they do not spread their toes wide when walking;
• do gymnastics and sports every day;
• walk barefoot on uneven ground in the warm season.
The main means of preventing flat feet is special gymnastics aimed at strengthening the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the feet and legs. Walking on your toes and the outer edges of your feet is especially beneficial.
Warm-up “Merry Zoo”.
Exercise “Dancing Camel”. Walking in place with alternate heel lifting (do not lift your toes off the floor).
Camels dance deftly.
2. Exercise “Giraffes”. Walking on toes, arms up.
Someone is waiting for giraffes here.
3. Exercise “Clubfooted bears”. Walk on the outer arch of the foot, hands on the belt.
The bear walks so important,
Places paws on side.
Gaming self-massage for feet and toes.
Toes, like on palms (twisting the left toe with the right hand and vice versa)
I will boldly spin them and start walking.
I’ll spread it forward and back, and squeeze it with my hands. (one finger is pulled towards oneself, the other - away from oneself)
Hello fingers! Forest gnomes,
Hello fingers, wind-up toys. (squeezing your toes with your palms)
Self-massage is performed with your hands first on one leg, then on the other.
Tasks for the prevention of flat feet in preschool educational institutions
Types of activities in preschool educational institutions in which prevention of flat feet is carried out
Exercises to prevent flat feet
Prevention of flat feet in preschool educational institutions
I. p. - sit on a carpet or chair, under the right foot there is a massage ball of any diameter, the back is straight.
This ball is so good...
Roll the ball back and forth with your foot.
He looks like a hedgehog.
I will strengthen my legs...
Roll the ball with your foot in a circle.
Roll the ball with your feet.
I. p. - sitting on the carpet, legs bent, foot resting on foot, hands on knees, back straight.
Naughty, like guys.
Use your hands to press down on your knees and bring your knees together.
They stretched their paws
The strength of the paws was shown.
Place your hands on the floor from behind. Sliding the outside of your feet, straighten and bend your legs.
Could you catch mosquitoes?
One two three four five.
Raise your legs, clap your feet.
I. p. - sitting on a chair or bed, grabbing the edge with your hands, straight back.
Our cow's legs are open.
Instead of boots, the cow has hooves.
Take turns placing your feet forward on your heels.
He always walks boldly through puddles,
She is not afraid of rainwater.
Walk your toes forward and backward.
I. p. - sit your legs apart, support your hands behind you, straight back.
I'll take the handkerchief with my foot...
Grab the scarf with your right foot.
I'll bring it to the other one.
Slowly move the scarf to your left leg.
I carry a scarf, I don't sleep,
I won't catch the rug.
Do the same with the other leg.
I. p. - gray legs crossed, right leg on top, hands on knees, back straight, eyes closed.
We sat cross-legged
But they didn’t drink or eat.
Press down on your knees.
We kept our backs straight
And everyone dreamed about something.
Shoulders back, stretch up. Repeat the exercise, changing legs.
I. p. - sitting on a chair or bed, hands on the belt, back straight.
This leg is dancing
Draw a circle with the toe of your right foot.
This leg is drawing.
One two three four five -
Draw the circle again.
Repeat with right and left legs.
I. p. - sitting on the carpet, support from behind, legs bent, feet connected, back straight.
Two kids met
Two stubborn children.
Raise your legs, press your feet into each other.
Then they got tired...
Lower your legs, straighten, relax.
They started playing together.
I. p. - sitting on a chair or bed, resting your hands on the seat, straight back.
“Draw” small pictures in the air with your right or left toe.
We'll draw with our feet,
Like artists - with their hands.
This is top class!
It works for us!
I. p. - the same, a sheet is spread on the floor in front of the feet.
I'll collect the sheet with my foot,
Like accordion ribs.
Gather the sheet with your right foot.
I’ll quickly smooth it out with my foot...
Smooth out the sheet, holding the edge.
And I’ll collect it with the other foot.
Repeat with your left foot.
Games to prevent flat feet
Along the edges of the hall (group), small hoops with a diameter of 50 cm are laid out on the floor. Children line up in a circle, opening with their arms outstretched to the sides. Then they go to the right, changing types of walking as directed by an adult: on their toes, on their heels, on the outer sides of their feet, raising their knees high, crossing, rolling from heel to toe, etc. At the signal “Rain!” everyone stops and says in unison: “It’s raining, and we need to run home!”
Each player runs to the hoop, stands on its rim and moves along it sideways (right and left) with side steps.
Children sit on the carpet, rest their hands on the floor behind them, move a medicine ball (500 g) to the right, then to the left, grabbing it with their feet, and say:
I'm a crane now.
He's a giant at a construction site,
lifts a heavy load,
He knows how to build a house.
The track segments are laid out on the floor in a line at a distance of 30-50 cm from one another. Children take turns, walking from segment to segment, to the other side of the group.
While reading a poem, children walk along ribbed paths or between two cords, changing types of walking.
On a hot day along a forest path
The animals went to water.
Walking with long strides.
Walking on toes.
Walking on your heels.
Walking on the outside of your feet.
Children walk in a column one at a time, read a poem and perform movements according to the text.
We walk on our toes
And then on your heels,
We're walking like kids
And like a clumsy bear.
Segments are laid out throughout the group area, children walk between them to the sound of a tambourine. At the signal “Heron!” everyone stands on segments on the right leg (when repeating - on the left), maintaining balance, and say:
Heron on one leg
You can stand in the river for an hour.
The track segments are laid out in a circle at a distance of 50-70 cm from one another. Children in socks with a tambourine run (jump at a gallop or from foot to foot, walk in a given way) in a circle to the right or left. At the “Stop!” signal They quickly stand on the nearest segment and mark time. During the game they say:
I'm running, running, running,
I won't stumble, I won't fall!
Children walk in a column one at a time, alternating between normal walking and walking on their toes, with the words:
The stove is very hot!
The oven is baking kalachi!
There will be something for everyone!
You can use the tracks for the game.
Hemispheres (“bumps”) are laid out over the entire area of the group at a distance of 30-40 cm from one another. While reading the poem, children step from “bump” to free “bump,” gently on their toes in one direction, one after another. On the last two lines, players stand on a “bump” on two legs.
One step, two steps,
One - circle, two - circle.
From bump to bump.
One two three four five,
Your legs will rest.
After a short rest, the children move to the other side of the group.
Children jump on the toes of one foot, changing legs for each line, and say:
Grasshopper jump and jump
From a blade of grass to a flower.
From the flower to the ground in an instant.
And again, hop and jump.
A rope is placed in the middle of the group. Children are asked to imagine themselves as tightrope walkers in a circus. They walk along the rope, trying to walk exactly along it, and say:
I'm walking on a tightrope
I won't fall for anything!
Children spin on their toes, standing on a segment of the track (right, left), holding on to it, and say:
This is how the top spins:
One, two, three - and that's it!
Children walk along the path (can be lined with cords, following footprints), without raising their socks, and say:
There's a deep quagmire here,
All the water is covered with mud.
There is only a narrow path.
I'm taking little steps.
And I will cross the quagmire.
In the corners of the group (hall) 4 hoops with a diameter of 70-100 cm are placed at least 2 m from the wall. Children are divided into 4 subgroups. Each subgroup stands on one of the hoops (with the middle part of the foot), thus forming a circle, everyone joins hands. At a signal, children begin to move along the hoops to the right side with side steps - “the carousel is spinning.” When the whistle blows, all players run to the opposite side, occupying other “carousels”.
The first team to hold hands and stand on the hoop gets a point. The team with the most points wins.
Small objects are laid out in the group (parts of construction sets, corks, acorns) and the children are given boxes. While reading the poem, children walk around the group, grab objects with their feet and put them into boxes.
I will grab an object with my foot
And I'll take it with me:
I'm carrying him, I'm keeping an eye on him
And I'll put it in a box.
Children are asked to “go to the zoo” and imitate the walking of various animals. For example: ducks - walking on their heels, giraffes - raise their arms up (“giraffe neck”) and walk, stretching upward.
In the middle of the group, two cords indicate a “ditch” with a width of 10 to 50 cm. On one side of the “ditch” there is a “house of kids”, on the other there is a “clearing”. Children - “goats” go to the “clearing”, approach the “ditch” and say:
If you want to be healthy,
Jump over the moat with us!
(From a Moldavian folk game.)
The “kids” jump over the “ditch” gently on their toes in the place where they can, and go to the “clearing”. They run, jump, and nibble grass. At the signal “Home!” they return to the “house”, jumping over the “ditch” again.
Children sit in pairs opposite each other, legs closed at the knees and pressed to the stomach, hands resting on the floor from behind. Each pair is given a ball with a diameter of 20 cm. Children catch the ball with their hands and push each other with two legs or one (either right or left).
The foot is the support, the foundation of the body. Violation of the foundation affects the formation of the growing organism.
Flat feet is a dysfunction of the foot, which externally manifests itself in the dropping of the arches of the foot, which is caused by weakening of the muscles and stretching of its ligaments.
In preschool age, the foot is in a stage of intensive development; its formation is not yet complete. Therefore, our task is to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the foot. Correctly selected shoes, walking barefoot on natural surfaces (sand, grass), hardening procedures in combination with physical exercise are the key to successful prevention and correction of flat feet.
Starting position (i.p.) - standing opposite the child, legs slightly apart, take the child by the hands. Remind your child to keep their back straight and not let their chin drop. Point your toes up; lower it. Repeat the exercise 10-12 times
. Rise up onto your toes; count to three; come down. Repeat 5-6 times
. Stand on your heels with your toes up; Rise onto your toes with an energetic roll. Repeat 10-12 times
. While maintaining your balance, roll to the right; return to i. P. ; roll to the left. Repeat 10-12 times
I. p. - standing opposite the child, holding his hands. Place your feet together, spread your toes to the sides, keep your back straight and don’t let your chin drop. Perform a calf raise; return to i. n. Repeat 10-12 times
. I. p. - standing opposite the child; hands to the side; watch your posture. Bend your knee; hold this position for a count of five; change leg. As you master the exercise, increase the time you hold the position. You can invite the child to try to rise on the toe of the supporting leg, then lower himself onto the entire foot.
. I. p. - stand next to the child, take his hand. Place your feet together; perform toe curls; Pull your heels in and move forward.
Starting position (i.p.) - sitting on the mat next to the child; place your hands behind your back with emphasis on the floor, your back is straight, do not raise your shoulders up; legs are straight.
. Bend your toes (hid your toes); return to i. p. (fingers were found).
Repeat 10-12 times
. Point your toes away from you; Point your toes towards you. Repeat 10-12 times
. Perform the movement by “drawing” a circle with your foot, first in one direction, then in the other. Repeat the exercises 8 times with your right and left foot
. I. p. - sitting on the rug next to the child; place your hands behind your back with emphasis on the floor; back straight; legs are bent at the knees, feet slightly apart. Put your socks together; spread your socks out to the sides. Repeat 10-12 times
. I. p. - bend your knees, press your feet together (toes to toes, heel to heel); straighten your legs at the knees, trying to hold the “ship” with your feet; return to i. n. Repeat 4 times
. I. p. - bend your knees, place your feet on the floor; bend your toes, pulling your heel up as you move forward; return to i. n. Repeat 3-4 times
. I. p. - bend your knees, place your feet on the floor on your toes; move your feet up and down, touching the floor only with your toes. Repeat 16 times
. I. p. - the same as in the “ship” exercise; move your feet back and forth, leaving them pressed together. Repeat 10-12 times
Materials: massage ball
I roll the ball in circles
I drive him back and forth.
I will deftly stroke their leg,
It's like I'm sweeping up crumbs.
And I'll squeeze it a little,
How to squeeze a cat's paw.
I'll spin the ball with my finger,
And I’ll start with the other foot.
Use: collect buttons scattered on the floor using your feet, lay out a pattern, figure, ornament from the buttons.
Materials: felt-tip pens, pencils, sticks of different colors.
Usage: Use the sticks to create the desired pattern with your toes.
With the child's first steps, the process of foot formation begins.
The child’s foot is finally formed by the age of seven or eight years.
Flat feet are considered one of the most common diseases in children. But parents often do not take this disease seriously, and this is the wrong position. When properly formed, longitudinal and transverse arches appear in the structure of the foot. If something interferes with the formation, flat feet follow.
How to prevent flat feet?
• The child's shoes should be made of natural materials, with a solid arch support inside that raises the inner edge of the foot.
• The sole of children's shoes should be flexible and have a heel (5-10mm, which artificially raises the arch of the foot, protecting the heel from bruises.
• Shoes should fit the shape and size of the foot, be comfortable to wear and should not interfere with the natural development of the foot by squeezing the foot, impairing blood circulation and causing abrasions.
• Shoes should be as light as possible, fairly rigid, with a good heel
• Remember, the length of the footprint should be longer than the foot at the toe, allowance of 10 mm.
Children suffering from flat feet complain of pain in the feet, increased fatigue, and pain in the legs.
When determining your child's shoe size, be guided by the length of the foot, which is determined by the distance between the most prominent point of the heel and the end of the longest toe.
The diagnosis of foot deformity is confirmed by plantography - obtaining foot prints.
Prevention of flat feet at the earliest stages includes timely treatment of rickets, pathologies of the central nervous system, strengthening muscles through gymnastics and massage.
To prevent flat feet and strengthen the muscles of the feet, use Plata exercise insoles. Insoles are worn for no more than five to six hours. The time a child is active in a preschool educational institution is approximately equal to the recommended time for wearing insoles. Therefore, it is convenient to put insoles in the shoes that the child wears in kindergarten.
If you have flat feet, orthopedic insoles are used.
Approximate list of special exercises
I.P. lying on his back.
1. Plantar and dorsiflexion of the feet, holding each position for 4-6 seconds.
2. Circular “bicycle” leg movements with an emphasis on foot movements.
3. Simultaneously clenching your fingers and toes into fists, followed by spreading your fingers.
4. Circular movements of the feet in and out slowly with maximum amplitude.
5. Grabbing a large object (ball, sandbag) with your feet, placing it behind your head and then returning to I.P.
I.P. sitting on the floor. Hands at the back. Legs are straight.
1. Alternately raising straight legs with simultaneous dorsiflexion of the feet and holding for 4-6 seconds.
2. Straight leg raise, dorsiflexion of the foot. Bending the leg at the knee joint simultaneously with plantar flexion of the foot. Extension at the knee joint, plantar flexion of the foot, acceptance of I.P.
3. I.P. sitting on the floor. Hands at the back. Legs are bent at the knee joints, hip joints, feet are on the floor. Raising and bringing the heels together.
4. I.P. as in 3. Grabbing small objects in front of you, shifting them on both sides of you and then returning to their place.
1. Raise on your toes.
2. Heel rise
3. Half squats on toes.
4. Lifting onto the outer arches of the feet.
5. I.P. standing, toes together, heels apart. Half squats.
1. Walking on your toes.
2. Walking on your heels.
3. Walking on the outer edge of the foot
4. Walking on your toes in a half squat.
5. Walking on a gymnastic stick, wall bars with an additional step.
For self-massage, it is convenient to use a massage mat or massage roller.
1. Longitudinal rubbing of the feet, alternately moving them forward and backward along the mat.
2. Longitudinal rubbing of the feet with an emphasis on the outer edges.
3. Roll from heel to toe and back while standing on the mat.
4. Raising and bringing your heels together while standing on the mat.
5. Extension and abduction of the forefoot while standing on the mat.
6. Alternately lifting the legs, grasping the fibers of the mat with the fingers of the lifted foot.
For self-massage, it is recommended to use rubber products, since they have advantages over plastic ones: they have a gentler effect on the child’s tissues.
Prevention and correction of poor posture and flat feet in
preschool children.
(recommendations for parents)
The great value of every person is health. Raising a child strong, strong, and healthy is the desire of parents and one of the leading tasks facing a preschool institution.
Family and kindergarten are those social structures that mainly determine the level of health of the child. When entering kindergarten, many children have deviations in physical development: poor posture, flat feet, excess weight, delays in the development of speed, dexterity, and coordination of movements. And one of the reasons for such results is the lack of awareness of parents in matters of physical education of children.
Medical examinations of preschool children show that among the functional deviations identified in children, the largest percentage is made up of deviations from the musculoskeletal system, and in particular, poor posture and flattening of the feet.
The most common disorders are the following: curvature of the spine in the form of lateral deviations (scoliosis), excessive deviations of the spine in the thoracic region (kyphosis) and in the lumbar region (lordosis); flat feet and congenital clubfoot, asymmetrical position of the shoulders.
At preschool age, posture has not yet been formed, so unfavorable factors most strongly influence children during the period of their active growth (4 - 7 years). There are many reasons for incorrect posture and its defects: physical inactivity and, as a consequence, insufficient development of the muscles of the back, abdomen, neck, hips, chest, which hold the spine in the desired position; walking with your head down, sitting with your shoulders down and your back bent, and changing the shape of your feet.
The development of postural defects and flat feet are promoted by: furniture not matching the child’s height, uncomfortable clothes and shoes (small, narrow, or vice versa large), incorrect postures and habits of children (for example: standing on one leg, reading or drawing while lying on one’s side, or stomach, etc.); monotonous movements (pushing off with the same leg when riding a scooter, when jumping during games, carrying some kind of load in the same hand). Poor posture and feet can also develop due to frequent infectious and acute respiratory diseases, which weaken the body and worsen the physical health of children.
Work on the formation of correct posture and correction of foot disorders should be carried out not only by doctors. This work should be carried out jointly with teachers and parents. First of all, I would like to introduce parents and children to the signs that characterize correct posture: the head and torso are held straight, the shoulders are symmetrical and slightly laid back, the stomach is tucked, the chest is turned out and protrudes forward, there is a slight bend forward in the lumbar region, legs are straight, heels together, socks apart.
Since physical education classes for children in kindergarten are held 3 times a week (in the middle and senior groups), this is not enough to prevent postural disorders and flat feet. In everyday life, parents need to monitor the correct body position, create the necessary conditions in the family (sleep on a hard bed, the pillow should not be high, etc.)
The main means of developing correct posture and preventing flat feet is physical exercise. First of all, it is necessary to use exercises to develop large muscle groups, especially the back, abdomen, and legs, in order to create a natural muscle corset. Exercises can be performed from various starting positions - standing, lying on your back and stomach, sitting on a chair, bench, all fours.
Considering that the prevention and correction of posture and feet is a long-term process that requires systematic work, we recommend that parents study with their child daily, with the exception of those days when classes are held in kindergarten.
To do this, we bring to your attention
sets of special exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the foot and developing correct posture:
Complex "Merry Zoo".
I.p. – standing, legs apart, feet parallel, hands behind your back.
V-e. – walking in place with alternate heel lifting (do not lift your toes off the floor).
2. "Funny Bear"
I.p. – standing on the outer edges of the feet, hands on the belt.
V-e. – walking in place on the outer edges of the feet. The same with moving forward - backward, right - left. The same thing, spinning in place to the right and left.
3. "The Laughing Marmot"
I.p. – standing, legs together, arms in front of the chest, elbows down, hands pointing down.
V-e. – 1-2 half squats on toes, smile; 3-4 i.p.
4. "Tiger Cub Stretches"
I.p. – sitting on your heels, hands in front.
In -e. – 1-2 straighten your legs, standing, bending; 3-4 i.p.
5. “Frisky Bunnies”
I.p. – standing, feet together, hands on the belt.
V-e. – 1-16 jumps on toes (heels together)
Ball complex.
1. I.p. – sitting, legs bent, arms at the back, ball under the feet.
B–e. – roll the ball forward and backward with two feet together and alternately.
B–e. – make circular movements of both feet together and alternately rotate the ball to the right and left.
3. I.p. – lying on your back, arms along your body, ball between your ankles.
B–e. - lift the ball with 1-2 legs and hold it with your feet; 3-4 i.p.
4.I.p. – sitting, legs apart, the ball lies on the floor at the toe of the right foot on the inside.
B–e. – by moving the toe of one foot, roll the ball to the other foot, and vice versa.
Note. It is recommended to use rubber balls with a diameter of 8-12 cm.
Complex “Stand up straight”.
1. I.p. – standing against the wall, touching it with the back of your head, buttocks and heels, arms down.
B–e. – 1-2 raise your arms up through your sides; 3-4 return to IP.
2. I.p. – the same, feet shoulder-width apart, hands on the belt.
B–e. – 1-2 tilt to the right side (left side); 3-4 return to IP.
3.I.p. – lying on your back; head, torso, legs form a straight line, arms are pressed to the body.
B–e. – 1-4 raise your head and shoulders, check the correct body position (hold); 5-8 return to IP.
4. I.p. - lying on your stomach; chin on the back of the hands, placed on top of each other.
B–e. – 1-4 raise your head and shoulders, hands on your waist, connect your shoulder blades (hold); 5-8 i.p.
B–e. — 1-4 move your arms back and raise your legs (hold); 5-8 i.p.
6.I.p. - lying on your back, hands behind your head.
B–e. – 1-8 alternately raise straight legs up.
B–e. - circular rotations with the legs for 30 seconds (“bicycle”).
Note. All of the above exercises are repeated 4-6 times.
Published 02/26/2015 - 11:39 - Shibankova Elena Mikhailovna
Topic: “Prevention of flat feet in preschool children ”
Prepared by a physical education instructor
The problem of flat feet is quite common in the modern world, especially among preschool children. Foot problems not only contribute to the deterioration of the child’s posture, but can lead to serious diseases (arthritis, osteochondrosis). That is why the prevention of flat feet in preschool children is so important, especially where the baby is almost every day - in a preschool educational institution (preschool educational institution).
Preschool educational institution is the main assistant to parents in the prevention of posture problems and flat feet
And if the kindergarten also has special equipment for classes with younger children (gymnastic wall, hoops, massage mats, exercise equipment), then this will eliminate poor posture and flat feet during preventive work in preschool educational institutions.
Preschool employees should regularly hold meetings with parents, where they will explain in detail what poor posture of a preschool child is, the dangers of flat feet, and ways to prevent it.
But parents of children should not shift all responsibility for the prevention of flat feet and crooked posture to preschool specialists; they should also be active themselves and show interest in the health of their baby. After all, it is better to monitor the health and changes in the posture of your children from an early age, and engage in prevention, than to waste your time later treating diseases of the legs of varying degrees of complexity.
Principles for the prevention of flat feet in preschool children.
The formation of posture in a preschool child begins at about 6 years of age and continues until approximately 17 years of age. That is why little preschool children have practically no posture as such, because the curves of the spine in a child’s body are not fully formed. The foot of a baby from one year of age may be susceptible to deviations, so experts recommend preventing flat feet in children from an early age.
Flat feet in young children is not physiological; it is best to treat it before the age of 5, until the contour of the foot is completely formed.
In preschool children, prevention of flat feet begins with the first visit to an orthopedist (when the baby is 2-3 months old).
Prevention of flat feet in preschoolers begins with choosing the right shoes for your son or daughter. It is mandatory to have a hard back, soft instep support and heel (approximately 0.5 cm). It is not recommended to let small children wear after someone else, because everyone wears down sandals in their own way. If you are buying shoes for growth, then it is better to take them no more than one size, so that your feet do not dangle when walking.
Basic techniques for preventing flat feet in preschool children.
Such simple precautions will help prevent curvature of posture and the development of flat feet.
In recent years, practically healthy children have become increasingly rare. The most common pathologies of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, pathologies of the respiratory system, and pathologies of the visual organs.
Poor posture occurs in children with chronic diseases, as a manifestation of their general functional weakness, weakening of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus. Such children, as a rule, are awkward, clumsy, and physically undeveloped.
Already by the age of 4, children experience postural problems, which by the age of 7 occur in every third child. This defect negatively affects not only the appearance (stooped back and shoulders, drooping head, asymmetry of the shoulders, deformation of the chest), but also the state of the bite (closing of the jaws), the functioning of the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, intestines and other internal organs child, as well as on vision.
POSTURE is a person’s ability to hold his body in various positions, the habitual posture of a casually standing person. The nature of a person’s posture is greatly influenced by the spine, since it is the main bone rod and connecting link of the skeleton bones.
The spine ensures the vertical position of the body, keeps it in balance, and supports the heaviness of the head and upper body. In an upright position, the spine is held by the muscles that surround it (back and abdominal muscles). These muscles form a natural muscle corset.
It has a great influence on the formation of correct posture. In this case, the main importance is the uniform development and correct distribution of muscle traction on the spine.
If the muscles of the torso are developed evenly, and the flexor thrust is balanced by the extensor thrust, then the body and head are in a straight, beautiful position. The spine has 4 curves, 2 of them convex forward (cervical and lumbar lordosis) and 2 convex backward (thoracic and sacral kyphosis). They appear in early childhood and are finally formed by 6-7 years, and are consolidated by 18-20. Correcting various types of postural disorders is a long process, so it is easier to prevent the disease than to treat it.
FLAT FOOT. The foot is an organ of support and movement. Detection of flat feet requires special and timely attention, even in its most initial forms.
The manifestation of flat feet may be accompanied by the child’s complaints of pain in the legs when walking, rapid fatigue during long walks. Flattening of the feet can lead to poor posture and curvature of the spine.
Causes and factors contributing to poor posture:
1. Irrational regimen (early seating of a young child in pillows, carrying the child constantly in one hand, premature (past the crawling stage) beginning of learning to walk, habit of constantly holding the child by the same hand while walking.
2. Frequent chronic diseases, long-term illness of the child (hypotonia of muscles, rickets, malformations of the spine, myopia, strabismus, tuberculosis, etc.).
3. Incorrect posture, using equipment that does not meet the age characteristics of children, when performing various types of activities (drawing, working on a plot of land, etc.). Incorrect selection of furniture, very high or low table.
– stand with emphasis on one leg,
-walk with your head tilted down, shoulders down and forward,
-draw, look at pictures, read while lying on your side (especially during prolonged bed rest during illness).
5. Improper organization of children’s night sleep (narrow, short bed, soft feather beds, high pillows); the habit of sleeping on one side, curled up, body bent, legs tucked to the stomach, leads to disruption of blood circulation and the normal position of the spine.
6. Monotonous intense movements:
– pushing off with the same leg when riding a scooter;
-jumping on the same leg (playing hopscotch);
– long-term cycling, especially when engaging in this type of sport (a person sits behind the wheel of a bicycle with a sharply bent body and head tilted forward);
– practicing only boxing without general physical training – the shoulders rise, the body bends slightly forward, resulting in a stooped posture;
– during rowing and canoeing.
7. Tightening the abdomen in its upper part with tight elastic bands or belts - this causes changes in the internal organs of the abdominal cavity, disrupting correct, deep breathing, and the coordinated movement of many muscles that support the spine and prevent its deformation.
8. Decreased hearing in one ear (a person, wanting to hear better, constantly bows or turns his head towards the speaker).
9. Metabolic disorders in connective tissue, to which there is often a hereditary predisposition.
1. Strengthening the muscles that support the arch of the foot (walking barefoot on uneven but soft ground (sand, earth). A number of exercises are included in daily morning exercises (walking on toes, heels, the outer edge of the foot, etc., swimming).
2.Wearing rational shoes:
-shoes match the length and width of the foot;
– have a wide toe and a wide heel (for preschoolers 0.8 cm, for primary schoolchildren 1-2 cm);
– have an elastic sole;
– for two to three year olds, change their shoes to larger ones 2-3 times a year, each time by a larger number, for four to six year olds – twice;
– do not allow the child to constantly wear sneakers, sneakers, or rubber shoes; insole - arch support.
3. Limiting the load on the lower limbs.
4. Education of correct gait (when walking and standing, the toes look straight ahead, the load falls on the heel, 4th and 5th toes, the inner arch does not fall).
Prevention of postural disorders
1. Proper organization of the general and motor regime is necessary.
2. Monitoring the child’s posture throughout the day (use correction walls in groups).
3. Develop correct habitual postures when playing with toys and while sleeping (the “curl” position is dangerous). The correct posture during sleep is a straight, symmetrical position of the torso.
4. The bed should be hard, the pillow should be flat.
5.Change positions during classes (standing, sitting, lying down).
6. Physical exercise is one of the valuable activities in the fight against fatigue in children and prolonged stress on the spine.
Correcting various types of postural disorders is a long process, so it is easier to prevent the disease than to treat it. According to NIITO data, 30-40% of preschool children have poor posture, and among schoolchildren - 90%. This means that it is in kindergarten that we must begin the prevention and treatment of postural disorders and flat feet.
5. Walking barefoot for a long time on a floor with a hard, smooth surface; 6. Poorly chosen shoes; 7. Previous diseases (rickets, complications after polio); 8. Insufficient or excessive physical activity.
Successful prevention of flat feet is possible through the integrated use of all means of physical education - hygienic, natural health factors and physical exercises.
Hygienic factors include shoe hygiene and proper selection. The size and shape of shoes should ensure the correct position of the foot. Shoes should be made of natural materials, with a solid arch support inside that raises the inner edge of the foot.
The sole should be flexible and have a heel (5-10 mm), which artificially raises the arch of the foot and protects the heel from bruises. It should match the shape and size of the foot, be comfortable to wear, and not squeeze the foot, disrupting blood circulation and causing abrasions. The length of the footprint should be greater than the foot at the toe, allowance of 10 mm.
Natural health factors - walking barefoot on natural soil (grass, sand, pebbles, pine needles) also helps prevent functional foot deficiency. The normal development of the foot and its arches is ensured by proper physical education by including special exercises in the content of physical education activities to form and strengthen the arch of the foot.
It is known that it is impossible to form a motor skill in a child without repeated repetition, but work that requires precise movements quickly tires children. Traditional exercises: walking on heels, toes, the outer edge of the feet, bending the toes, etc., used by teachers to prevent flat feet during morning exercises, physical education classes, or after sleep during hardening activities, are unattractive for the child. Therefore, it is better to use game techniques that allow you to strengthen and increase the tone of the muscles of the arch of the foot in a fun way.
The main purpose of these game exercises is:
- observe prevention of flat feet; - lead children to the conscious ability to be healthy and attentive; - learn to free yourself from stress and overexertion.
These exercises are performed barefoot in a comfortable environment for the child and do not require the use of specific equipment. They can be used as a component of health-improving activities, as well as during routine moments (before bed, before a walk, before eating) or as individual tasks. Many game exercises allow the child to see the results of his activities, which is important for a preschool child.
Game exercises aimed at preventing flat feet in preschool children.
Goal: strengthening and increasing the tone of the muscles of the arch of the foot.
Game exercise “Catch the ball”.
Equipment: caps from plastic bottles, a sheet of cardboard with the image of balls. Execution: you need to grab and hold the lid with your toes, moving it onto a sheet of cardboard with a picture of balls (alternately with your left and right foot). Cover the ball with a lid.
Game exercise “Fold the figure.”
Equipment: caps from plastic bottles, a sheet of cardboard with images of geometric shapes of different sizes and colors. Execution: sitting or standing, the toes of the right and left legs must be placed on the cover card, making geometric shapes.
Game exercise “New Year tree”.
Equipment: containers and small toys from “Kinder Surprises”, a sheet of cardboard with a picture of a Christmas tree. Execution: with your feet closed, you need to grab the Kinder Surprise container and lay out the Christmas tree, then decorate the Christmas tree with small toys with your toes.
Execution: with closed legs you need to hold the cube and build a turret.
Game exercise “Sun” (collective).
Execution: children use their toes to make a sun out of buttons.
Game exercise “Let's harvest.”
Equipment: walnuts, hazelnuts, mushrooms. Execution: use your toes to collect the “harvest” in the bucket.
Game exercise “Let's remove the toys”
Equipment: small toys from “Kinder Surprises” Execution: use your toes to collect the toys in a certain place.
Game exercise “Drawing a gift for a friend.”
Equipment: sheets of paper, markers. Execution: draw a picture for a friend with your toes.
Game exercise “Let’s make pasta soup.”
Equipment: hoop, foam sticks. Execution: children, at the teacher’s command, move foam sticks (pasta) from the hoop with their toes to a given place.
Equipment: several paper napkins for each child, a hoop. Execution: at the teacher’s signal, the children crush the napkin with their toes (make snowballs) and run, holding the napkin with their toes, trying not to drop it to the hoop. Who will make the most snowballs?
Game exercise “Baton relay race”.
Equipment: long sticks. 20 cm Execution: children are divided into 2 teams, stand in one line close to each other. The first children take the stick with their toes and pass it to the next participant, being careful not to let it fall to the floor.
The winner is the team that passes the wand faster without dropping it on the floor.
Author: Natalya Mikhailovna Zharikova, MBDOU kindergarten No. 54 “Rainbow”, Vorkuta, Russia
The article is published in the author's edition
Home › Muscles and bones › Prevention of flat feet in preschool children
Tue, 06/26/2012 — 14:33 — Lyudmila VNo votes yet
From birth, a mother admires her baby’s feet, especially the heels. To prevent feet from causing health problems in the future, it is necessary to prevent flat feet in children from the first step.
Every baby is born with a foot, the final formation of which occurs only in the process of growing up with the gradual acquisition of walking skills. Until one year of age, the problem of flat feet is out of the question, but after that you need to carefully monitor the child’s feet.
Of course, up to 7 years of age, flat feet can still be treated. But it's better to warn.
Prevention of flat feet in children can prevent the sad consequences of uneven distribution of the load on the foot, which is responsible for “shock absorption” during movement. After all, this provokes an increase in the load on the spine, as a result, pain in the back and cervical spine, osteochondrosis, arthritis, arthrosis.
Massage is very useful in preventing flat feet, the very first course of which can be started at 2 months and is best entrusted to an experienced specialist. He will teach basic baby massage techniques for doing it yourself at home. You need to massage daily.
When the baby learns to walk, more therapeutic exercises are needed. Teach your child to walk on his heels, on his toes, on the outer and inner arches of the feet. Try rolling a pencil or stick with your baby's foot.
It is extremely useful to have bare feet in contact with various uneven surfaces: mown grass, sand, pebbles. You can purchase or make a special massage mat with pebbles that imitate sea pebbles, or use a rubber ball with spikes. Foot massage is beneficial for anyone, as it stimulates many nerve endings, which will give a healing effect to the entire body.
Among the causes of flat feet in children, the most common are lack or excess load on the legs. But in order to see the full picture and understand what you need to pay attention to, we will list the most “popular” of them:
It is not difficult to recognize flat feet. At home, parents should pay attention on their own and can identify the following signs of flat feet in children:
In addition, you can conduct a small express test; you need to smear the foot with oil or cream and ask the child to stand on a white sheet of paper, which has previously been placed on a flat surface. Ideally, the resulting “image” should show less than half the width of the original part of the foot.
Watch the video: Flat feet in children. Symptoms and prevention
The formation of the arch of the foot requires constant training; barefoot walking is good for this. It is advisable that the child at least sometimes walk on sand, grass, pebbles and other uneven surfaces. Such surfaces can be recreated at home.
Instead of the same pebbles, peas will do. In this case, the child may be wearing socks, but not shoes. These simple measures will help prevent flat feet in your child.
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