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Congenital flat foot, also referred to as drying foot. It looks like a dryer used in the past to dry ink. This defect is very rare and difficult to treat. It occurs on one or both sides, it may accompany other defects.
Congenital flat foot – the definition of the disease
Congenital flat foot is also known as a drier foot. It is a difficult disease to treat and the main feature is a change in the appearance of the foot. It resembles a dryer, formerly used to dry ink. In short, the longitudinal arch of the foot is inverted and the heel and forefoot are set high. This defect, apart from the deformation of the foot, does not cause any other discomfort in children. on the other hand, it causes deformation of the footwear. Later, calluses may appear at the top of the inverted vault and pain associated with degenerative changes in deformed joints. The treatment of congenital flatfoot is based mainly on surgical treatment, carried out in specialized centers.
Congenital flatfoot can be divided into three types:
- genus teratogenic
- genus neurogenic
- kind acquired
Causes and symptoms of congenital flat foot
Flat feet in a newborn baby are a natural thing, as it takes time for the bones to fully form. The structure of a newborn’s foot and ankle consists of soft tissues, cartilage and fat, in addition, the vault is not fully visible. The deformation becomes apparent as soon as the child starts learning to walk.
Underneath the congenital flat foot, they may lie genetic predisposition. The risk of its occurrence is greater in people with a family history of it. Another cause of deformity may be faulty connection of ligaments, bones and soft tissues inside the foot (in people with congenital flatfoot, the bones are normal, but the ligaments are too loose).
symptoms
Congenital flatfoot is asymptomatic in most patients, and children do not complain of any bothersome symptoms. However, faster wear of the shoes can be observed, and in the advanced stage, the feeling of pain in the feet and fatigue (especially after a whole day of standing). In extreme cases (the most severe), patients develop corns in places where the foot is in contact with the ground. Also, instability in the body causes the weight of the body to be unevenly distributed.
Note: Too much pressure on adjacent soft tissues can consequently lead to hallux formation, dislocation of the kneecap, and curvature of the hip and knee.
Congenital flat foot – diagnosis and treatment
Physical examination is the most important element in the diagnosis of congenital flatfoot. The doctor’s task is to assess the muscles (their weakness and stiffness) and foot mobility. In addition, information on how quickly a child wears shoes is useful. In some cases, additional imaging tests may be ordered, for example:
- magnetic resonance imaging – a test that helps to assess the degree of deformation;
- x-ray examination.
Parents can also check at home whether their child suffers from congenital flatfoot. It is enough to conduct a short test, during which the child’s bare foot is soaked in water and placed one by one on a sheet of paper. A child with a flat foot will leave a trace of the entire foot on the piece of paper.
Treatment of congenital flatfoot should be performed in a specialist center, although it usually does not require medical intervention. Often this defect corrects itself, even in childhood. Conservative treatment is extremely difficult and can only be effective if it is started in the first days of a child’s life. However, it is a necessary procedure as a preparation for surgical treatment, which should be performed in the first months of life (however, it is rare). Your child should be encouraged to walk barefoot to shape bones and joints and strengthen muscles.
In older people, special shoe insoles and contoured footwear are used to treat congenital flat feet. Rehabilitation is also recommended.
Read also: Transversely flat feet
Flat-valgus foot
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