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Flat-valgus foot is a condition that involves lowering the longitudinal arches of the foot with the simultaneous tilting of the heel outwards. This disease manifests itself most often in children who complain of pain in the calves and feet. The failure of the muscular-ligamentous system is considered the most common cause of its formation.
What is a flat valgus foot?
The squamous valgus foot is a disease characterized by the reduction of the longitudinal and transverse arch or its complete rest on the ground. In addition, patients have a valgus position of the heel. At the beginning, this ailment is painless, but as it develops, degenerative changes in the area of the osteoarticular system and accompanying pain begin to form. The flat-valgus foot at an advanced stage is associated with the formation of muscle contractures, contractures of the Achilles tendon and ligaments located on the outer side of the foot. It should be remembered that in children up to about 5 years of age, flat feet are a natural state of affairs that does not require treatment. However, if a flat valgus foot is suspected, a medical visit is necessary. The orthopedist makes a diagnosis on the basis of specialized tests, including pedobarography that determines the pressure of specific parts of the foot on the ground.
The causes of the flat valgus foot
The most common causes of this condition are:
- foot overload,
- birth defects,
- wearing inappropriate footwear,
- weak muscles in the legs and feet.
Flat-valgus foot – symptoms
People with a flat-valgus foot complain of fatigue, pain in the calves and feet. Their gait is heavy, inelastic, their shoes are distorted (twisted), and their heels are torn off the inside. The most common cause is failure of the musculoskeletal system.
In people with lesions at an advanced stage, there may be shortening and contracture of the fibula muscles, ligaments of the outer side of the foot, and contraction of the calcaneal tendon (Achilles). The foot becomes awkward. Toe movement is restricted and the gait becomes heavy as a result of the loss of suspension. As the deformity progresses, the pain increases, the feet get tired even with a little effort. Additionally, calluses and abrasions appear on the skin. Over the years, these symptoms are accompanied by degenerative changes in the foot’s osteoarticular system and circulatory disorders. Valgus of the feet is often accompanied by valgus of the knees.
Treatment of the flat valgus foot
In the early stage of the disease, the treatment of the squamous valgus foot involves the use of exercises to strengthen especially those muscles that shape the longitudinal arch and the transverse arch of the foot. Kinesiotherapy is implemented, i.e. exercises stretching the contracted Achilles tendon and strengthening the weakened muscles of the foot. More and more popular orthoses and shoes specially adapted to the foot are also used. There are also inserts selected individually for each patient, made of the most modern, anti-allergic materials (they passively support the longitudinal and transverse arch of the foot). We recommend, among others Orthopedic insoles for squamous foot and heel pain in children FootWave KIDS SUPI PRO, which are available on Medonet Market. It is also worth considering buying gel wedges for heel slants – heel valgus and varus, which help in the correct positioning of the foot while walking.
In order to reduce the bothersome pain, patients undergo laser therapy or iontophoresis. However, in extreme cases, when the flat valgus foot has been neglected and ignored, surgery may be necessary.
When talking about treatment methods, the important role of exercise in strengthening the inefficient posterior tibia muscle is not to be overlooked. Examples of strengthening exercises include:
- Cycling,
- tiptoeing,
- lifting various objects with your toes,
- walking on the outer edges of the feet.