Flat feet is a pathological condition in which the shape of the arch of the foot changes, which leads to the loss of its spring functions. The results of flat feet are: increased fatigue of the legs, arthrosis, a negative effect on the spinal column, vein diseases, etc. According to statistics, 40% of adults suffer from a change in the shape of the arch of the foot, among them mainly women.
Types of flat feet
There are two types of flat feet: transverse and longitudinal.
Transverse flat feet is accompanied by the divergence of the bones of the arch of the foot to the sides with a noticeable deviation of the first toe outward. As a result of such changes, the following symptoms are disturbing:
pain of a burning, aching character;
decrease in the volume of movements;
corns appear on the sole.
The discrepancy between the first toe and the metatarsal bone is expressed in degrees of flat feet:
1 degree - the angle of divergence is less than 20 degrees;
2nd degree - angle up to 35 degrees;
3rd degree - more than 35 degrees.
Longitudinal flat feet is the involvement of bones, muscles, ligaments of the foot and lower leg. As a result of the changes, the heel turns inward, and the forefoot turns outward. The midfoot becomes wider, which is reflected in the gait - it becomes awkward. You have to spread your fingers to the sides.
There are 4 stages of longitudinal flat feet:
The period of pre-illness - worries about fatigue, pain not only in the foot, but also in the lower leg. In the morning, the foot has a normal shape, and flattens in the evening.
Intermittent flat feet.
The stage of a flat foot is accompanied by pain even after minor exertion, gait changes.
Flat feet degrees of flat feet:
1 - the arch of the foot is less than 35 mm;
2 - a vault from 25 to 17 cm. Osteoarthritis develops in the joints;
3 - height less than 17 cm.
Lack of treatment leads to the formation of a planovalgus foot. A person is worried about pain even at rest. There is a sharp turn of the foot and a noticeable flattening of the arch.
Causes of occurrence
There are congenital and acquired causes of the disease. A hereditary predisposition causes the weakness of the ligamentous apparatus. Prolonged static loads predispose to changes in the foot (more often people who have to stand for a long time, for example, hairdressers, salesmen, consultants, etc., suffer), as well as:
excess weight;
uncomfortable shoes;
old age.
Other causes include rickets, polio, and trauma.
Treatment
In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are effective, which include:
physiotherapy;
massage;
physiotherapy treatment.
The above activities are carried out taking into account the appointments of the rehabilitation therapist.
Important importance is given to footwear, and most importantly to insoles. It is important when orthopedic insoles are made taking into account the individual characteristics of the foot. Improperly fitted insoles can make the situation worse. It's another matter if they are made according to the nuances of the disease.
Orthopedic insoles are made on the spot, in our clinic, after a short diagnosis. With their help, it is possible not only to prevent, but also to cure flat feet in the early stages.
Treatment of flat feet in children
Flat feet in children are treated with the following methods:
orthopedic treatment - special shoes, children's orthopedic insoles;
drug therapy - vitamins, minerals, strengthening structures of the musculoskeletal system, anti-inflammatory drugs;
massage, remedial gymnastics;
less often surgical treatment is used.
Benefits of insoles
Individual orthopedic insoles not only support the arch of the foot, but also contribute to the correction of deformities that lead to flat feet, diseases of the veins, spine, and joints. The main advantages of insoles are:
improved blood circulation;
stability when moving;
correct distribution of the load on the foot;
reduction of pain, heaviness in the legs;
elimination of the feeling of fatigue;
prevention of further foot deformities.
Taking into account the type of flat feet, insoles can be made to correct changes in the transverse or longitudinal arch. In addition, there are other products, such as insoles with instep support, lightweight insoles, etc.
Prevention
Simple rules will help you avoid flat feet and other related problems. Prevention of flat feet in children and adults is reduced to the following activities:
wearing comfortable, suitable shoes;
hardening;
walking barefoot;
massage;
moderate physical activity;
it is important to exclude prolonged standing in a standing position;
performing special exercises;
use of orthopedic insoles for prophylactic purposes.
Treatment of flat feet in adults and children will be simple and affordable if you contact us in a timely manner for the manufacture of individual orthopedic insoles. Together with one purchase of a useful product, it is possible to solve various health problems.
