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The transverse flat foot is most common in women and is characterized by a dorsal deviation of the first, fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, so that the second and third metatarsal bones that do not show mobility are exposed to excessive pressure on the ground, often with visible painful calluses located on the plantar side. Pain symptoms occur especially when walking on uneven and hard ground.
Transversely flat feet – definition
The transverse flat foot is also called transverse flat foot. It is a common foot defect that we often have no idea about because it is not characterized by any troublesome ailments. A person with a normal foot has three points of support, such as:
- heel tumor,
- head and metatarsal bones,
- head of the XNUMXth metatarsal bone.
In people with a transversely flat foot, the transverse arch of the foot becomes flattened and its statics are disturbed, as the weight is transferred to the second and third metatarsal bones. As a result, the forefoot becomes much wider as the metatarsal bones have come apart. Cross-flat foot becomes a serious problem when it begins to cause pain. In the treatment of this defect, it is mainly recommended to perform exercises and use orthopedic insoles.
The causes of the formation of the transversely flat foot
The most common causes of the transverse flat foot are:
- hammer finger,
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- overweight / obesity,
- lowering the second and third metatarsal bones,
- stiff big toe,
- hallux valgus,
- too long XNUMXnd and XNUMXrd metatarsal bones compared to the XNUMXst metatarsal bones,
- dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the second, third and fourth fingers,
- too loose ligamentous apparatus (this problem occurs very often in women after pregnancy).
Symptoms of the transversely flat foot
Excessive pressure on the second and third metatarsal bones while walking on the existing calluses causes chronic inflammation in deeper soft tissues with subsequent pain. In advanced lesions, especially in the elderly, there is a loss of subcutaneous tissue with the palpable heads of the metatarsal bones just under the thin skin. Such changes cause great pain, especially when walking on hard and uneven ground, resulting in significant disability. The deformity usually occurs on both sides and is often accompanied by hallux valgus or hammer toes.
Transversely flat feet – recognition
The basic tests used to diagnose the transverse flat foot are pedobarography and podoscopy. The first is a computerized foot test that helps determine the distribution of pressure on the sole of the foot. This test also shows the shape of the feet and how they function when both walking and standing. Podoscopy, on the other hand, is a static and dynamic examination of the feet performed using a mirror image. It helps in determining the shape of the feet and reveals any corns and calluses.
Treatment of the transversely flat foot
Existing abnormalities should be taken into account in treatment. In young people, improvement can be achieved by the use of comfortable hygienic footwear and systematic use of exercises to restore the muscle balance of the foot. Orthopedic insoles used in the transverse flat foot are insoles that lift the transverse arch of the foot (shock-absorbing with a metatarsal arch). In turn, in the treatment of pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Very often, transverse flat feet is caused by excessive body weight – such people should lose unnecessary kilograms as soon as possible, which will certainly bring positive results. Physiotherapy is also helpful, in the course of which exercises are selected individually for the patient; helps to fight inflammation and pain.
Lack of any effects after using the above methods may be an indication for surgery. Surgery in transverse flat foot is performed when the patient is additionally accompanied by:
- dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint,
- hallux valgus,
- hammer toe.
Transversely flat feet – exercises
Examples of exercises to strengthen the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the feet (performed while sitting down):
- grabbing the fingers of one foot, e.g. a bag, and then passing it to the opposite hand,
- high heel lift,
- curling and straightening the fingers (alternately),
- lifting the pouches with your feet,
- rolling the bags around the floor,
- lifting the inner edges of the feet up and curling the toes at the same time.
Prophylaxis in the transversely flat foot consists in choosing the right footwear and avoiding excessive body weight.