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Flatfoot is a deformity of the foot. Pathology is manifested by a change in its shape – the omission of the longitudinal and transverse arches. Other names for the disease: valgus or flat valgus foot. The problem is quite common – in childhood, violations during physical examination are detected in 70% of cases. Symptoms of flat feet are common in people of all age groups. Statistics show that more than 30% of the population in different countries faces the disease.
At what age is the diagnosis made?
Flat feet is a physiological condition in children under the age of 7 years. During this time, the child’s foot is still developing. In cases where, when examined at 3-5 years, there is no progress in terms of the formation of pronounced rises on the foot, and the child is concerned about certain symptoms, this is the basis for taking conservative measures aimed at preventing flat feet and reducing the risks of developing the disease.
The instability of the child when walking, complaints of fatigue, swelling, pain in the legs in the absence of dislocations and other injuries are the reason for contacting a specialist. Shoes that wear out on the inside can also indicate violations. If there are complaints and signs of flat feet, the orthopedic doctor will conduct an examination and, if necessary, develop a conservative treatment program that includes simple exercises and other effective measures that help prevent the disease.
The diagnosis of congenital flat feet is also made at an earlier age. A child who is starting to walk often leans on his heel, which is a cause for concern.
Features of the disease
In a healthy state, the foot has two distinct arches – a transverse one, which runs under the bases of the fingers, and a longitudinal one, located along the foot. These arches play an important role – they allow you to maintain balance and absorb shocks during movement. Given the functionality of the foot, it becomes clear that the arches are regularly subjected to serious stress, since they bear the entire weight of the human body. In cases where the muscles of the feet and ligaments cease to fully perform their functions and for some reason weaken, the shape of the foot begins to change over time – the arches decrease, the foot gradually becomes flatter, as a result of which one of its main functions is lost – springy. With the development of pathology, the load is redistributed to the hip, ankle and knee joints, the spine also suffers, which leads to accelerated “wear and tear” of the osteoarticular system and the further development of concomitant diseases.
[Video] Dr. Evdokimenko – how to treat flat feet. Facts and myths about flat feet:
Treatment of flat feet
Depending on the nature of the course of the disease and other features of the anamnesis, effective methods of treating flat feet in people of different ages are used. Modern methods allow for correction even in cases where the causes of the development of the disease are associated with a hereditary factor. Basic techniques:
Exercises for flat feet
The correction program is aimed at relieving pain and eliminating other symptoms caused by the disease. Your doctor may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of your feet and ankles. A comprehensive rehabilitation program includes golf ball rolling, calf raises, sit-ups, and other exercises that need to be done regularly.
[Video] Dr. Evdokimenko – gymnastics for the treatment and prevention of flat feet: