Prevention and treatment of flat feet in children
Flat feet is a characteristic deformity of the foot, in which the longitudinal or transverse arch is flattened. The main cause of the pathology is weakness of the ligamentous-muscular apparatus. Symptoms of flat feet in children are manifested by changes in gait caused by a decrease or complete absence of the arch of the foot in a standing position. The condition is considered to be benign pediatric flatfoot if the forefoot can be moved up and down freely and the valgus angle disappears when the child sits or stands on tiptoe. As a rule, children outgrow pediatric flat feet, that is, the defect is leveled by the age of five. In case of rigid flat feet, the arch is absent even when the child sits or stands on tiptoe - this condition requires treatment.
Diagnosis of childhood flat feet
In most children, this orthopedic pathology does not manifest any symptoms, and the defect is noticed by parents or a pediatrician.
Sometimes there are
- pain and/or cramps in the legs, especially in the feet
- changes in walking;
- discomfort when walking;
- uneven wear of heels;
- pain in the legs after sports and/or other physical activity.
If your child has any of these symptoms, you should consult a pediatric orthopedist. Flat feet are usually diagnosed by visual examination of the foot and podography (plantography). During the examination, the doctor determines the range of motion in the ankle joint and pays attention to the gait pattern. Examination of the child's shoes (specificity of wear) provides useful information. In some cases, a comparative analysis of foot development during a short period of child's growth is required (examination 1-2 times a year).
To determine the degree of flat feet, it is necessary to take an X-ray in two projections. After detection of dysfunction and accurate assessment of the level of deformity, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment.
Treatment and prevention of flat feet in preschool children
The main types of prevention:
- massage
- gymnastics;
- use of orthopedic footwear and insoles (insoles);
- hygienic measures.
Massage for flat feet in children helps to normalize muscle tone, improves blood circulation, and reduces pain. It is necessary not only to massage the child's feet, but also to use special mats, rollers, balls for this purpose. It is useful to walk barefoot on uneven surfaces: pebbles, sand, high-pile carpet.
Exercises for flat feet in children help to strengthen muscles, ligaments, and contribute to the formation of a correct gait. Gymnastics should be performed daily, following the complex recommended by the orthopedist. The exercises are simple: tiptoeing, twisting your feet clockwise and counterclockwise, picking up small objects from the floor with your feet.
Prevention of flat feet in preschool children begins with choosing the right shoes. It is mandatory to have a soft arch support, a rigid back, and a heel about 0.5 cm high. The shoes should be strictly sized and clearly fix the foot.
After determining the nature and degree of foot flattening, the specialist fits the child with orthopedic corrective insoles - these are structures with a pronator in the front and a supinator in the heel area. Such an insole helps to reduce muscle strain due to the correct position of the foot, which is necessary to restore its physiological shape. In case of rigid flat feet, special orthopedic shoes with high lacing are ordered.
Why timely treatment of pediatric flat feet is important
Treatment of flat feet in children should be considered as the main way to prevent orthopedic and other problems. In the absence of therapy, pediatric flat feet can lead to changes in gait, osteoarthritis of the joints of the lower extremities (including primarily the foot itself), varicose veins, scoliosis or advanced osteochondrosis, and spinal pain. Read more about the types of posture disorders on our website https://dobrobut.com/
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