Treatment of flat feet. Treatment methods for orthopedic problems Treatment of flat feet with a 100 guarantee

Flat feet is a structural disorder of the foot in which its arch flattens and natural shock absorption disappears. When walking, additional stress is placed on the joints of the legs and spine, which adversely affects their condition.

With flat feet, the patient may experience severe pain. This is due to overstrain of the joints, which are no longer able to provide normal active movements. The presence of the disease often leads to the development of scoliosis, arthrosis and varicose veins. To eliminate the risk of serious complications, it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner.

Causes of the disease

Doctors identify several causes of flat feet:

• Incorrectly selected shoes - with high heels, the wrong size or too narrow;
• Overweight;
• Traumatic injuries - severe bruises, fractures or cracks;
• Hereditary predisposition;
• Past polio;
• Rachitic changes in the bones;
• Strong physical stress on the foot - standing work, professional long-distance running, jumping;
• Insufficient physical activity.

It is surprising that the development of flat feet is equally provoked by too much physical activity and too little. During active sports and standing work, a constant load is placed on the foot, which provokes its flattening.

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to underdevelopment of the ligamentous apparatus, against which the disease develops. Regular training without overexertion and excessive stress will help avoid unpleasant consequences.

Many women are interested in the question of whether constantly wearing high-heeled shoes can cause flat feet. The answer is maybe. Too high heels and inappropriate instep should make a woman refuse to buy even the most beautiful shoes.

Types of flat feet

Normally, the foot has two arches - longitudinal and transverse.

1. Transverse;
2. Longitudinal;
3. Combined.

With combined flatfoot, both the longitudinal and transverse arches are immediately affected. The transverse form of the disease is most common, longitudinal and combined - less common.

Based on the causes of occurrence, the disease is divided into 2 types:

• Congenital. Occurs due to a developmental defect in the first few days of a newborn’s life.
• Acquired. Develops due to exposure to external factors.

Congenital flat feet are rare. More often the disease develops during life.

It could be:

• Paralytic (after polio);
• Rachitic (when suffering from rickets in childhood);
• Static (with insufficient physical activity);
• Traumatic (in case of damage to the bones of the foot and ankle joint).

The most common is static acquired flatfoot.

Symptoms

The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Pain in the legs, which initially occurs only after walking long distances or during prolonged standing, and then even with minor physical exertion;
• Severe swelling of the ankles;
• Increasing leg length;
• With a long course - pain in the lower back.

You can determine if you have flat feet by looking at your shoes. Often the patient's shoes become too small and he has to buy a larger size. Women cannot wear high-heeled shoes - acute pain occurs. Old shoes are worn out and worn out on the inside.

Each type of flatfoot also has its own characteristic features. The longitudinal form of the disease, in addition to the listed symptoms, is characterized by the appearance of sharp pain when pressing on the middle of the foot, smoothing of the longitudinal arch, and flattening of the heel. With transverse flatfoot, symptoms are concentrated in the forefoot. Calluses often appear on the fingers. Combined flatfoot combines longitudinal and transverse features.

Degrees of flat feet

According to the severity of symptoms, the disease is divided into 3 degrees:

• Lightweight. Smoothing is weakly expressed, but noticeable visually. There is practically no pain, it only occurs during heavy physical exertion.
• Moderately expressed. Flat feet are clearly visible visually. The pain becomes stronger, and with light loads, aching pain appears in the ankle and foot. The gait is noticeably disturbed - the patient is clubbed, moves heavily, and drags his feet.
• Heavy. The foot is completely deformed, flat, the arch disappears. Very severe pain is typical - it is painful for the patient to move the foot, active fast movements are almost impossible. Severe gait disturbance.

Stage 3 disease often affects not only the foot, but also the joints of the legs and spine. Possible development of arthrosis and scoliosis. In the initial stage, flat feet are a mild foot disease, but in advanced cases it leads to disruption of several parts of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, when flat feet are detected, it is necessary to begin treating it as early as possible.

The course of longitudinal and transverse flatfoot differs in many ways. With grade 1, these differences are not so noticeable, however, grade 3 flatfoot for each form of the disease has characteristic features. With longitudinal flatfoot, the length of the leg lengthens significantly, the foot becomes deformed, and the gait changes.

Grade 3 transverse flatfoot is characterized by severe shortening of the foot. Fingers become deformed and their position changes. The thumb deviates from the rest and takes on a hammer shape. The appearance of calluses on the forefoot is typical, and severe pain is localized here.

Diagnostics

The doctor makes the diagnosis of “flat feet” based on examination data. The doctor asks the patient about the symptoms (severe pain, gait disturbance), finds out where the pain is localized, determines when signs of flat feet first appeared and what caused them.

After the interview, the doctor examines the patient’s foot and notes the flattening of the arch of the foot. After this, he is referred for plantography and podometry. The final diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray data. The picture is taken in several projections in a standing position. On it you can detect the angles of deformation and determine the degree of flat feet.

Treatment of flat feet

Complete restoration of the normal arch of the foot with conservative treatment of flat feet in adults is impossible, but significant improvements can be achieved. Therapy is aimed at eliminating pain and increasing the tone of the muscles of the foot and lower leg.

To relieve pain due to flat feet, treatment is carried out with analgesic drugs that quickly and effectively relieve discomfort in the legs. Physiotherapeutic treatment can also be used.

Typically, 3 procedures are prescribed for flat feet:

• electrophoresis of the affected area;
• phonophoresis;
• treatment with magnets.

Hydromassage foot baths will also help relieve pain. They stimulate blood circulation in the foot, thereby improving nutrition of damaged tissues. Conservative therapy may include massage and therapeutic exercises - special exercises that help minimize the symptoms of flat feet in adults. The activities are aimed at strengthening the ligamentous apparatus and restoring muscle tone.

Insoles for flat feet provide a good effect at the initial stage of the disease. They help distribute the load on the foot correctly and provide additional cushioning.

It is important to understand that all methods of conservative therapy are effective only for mild flat feet. In severe cases of the disease, bone deformations occur that cannot be removed with medications or physical therapy, only surgery.

The method of surgical intervention depends on the severity of the deformity. For transverse flatfoot, one of the treatment methods is soft tissue surgery, which is a correction of the position of the ligaments and tendons of the foot.

In severe forms of deformity with deviation of the big toe (valgus deformity), surgery is performed on the bones of the foot - osteotomy. During it, the bone of the thumb is partially excised, compared with other bone formations and fixed. Due to this, the normal anatomy of the foot is restored.

The same operation is performed for deformation of the 2nd and 3rd fingers. After surgery, sutures are placed on the subcutaneous tissue and skin. The patient remains in the hospital for a day, the doctor monitors his condition and eliminates possible postoperative complications. The patient can go home the next morning.

During the postoperative period, the patient must come to the hospital for dressing changes within the time frame established by the doctor. Usually this is 5–6 days. On days 13–15, the patient's sutures are removed. For 3–6 weeks, special Baruk shoes are prescribed; they can be purchased at an orthopedic salon. After a while, you can wear regular shoes, but you should buy special insoles for them.

For the first 3–5 months after surgery, you need to limit physical activity - you cannot walk for a long time or actively engage in sports. Women should not wear shoes with heels, this can cause the opposite process.

If the talus and calcaneus are deviated, surgery is performed using an implant. This surgical treatment of flat feet is called subtalar arthroeresis. The implant, which is especially often used in the treatment of transverse flatfoot, is made of a special medical metal that remembers its shape. It fixes the foot bones in the correct position and prevents the progression of the disease.

The price of any operation depends on the severity of flat feet.

Prevention

To never encounter the last degree of flat feet, follow the recommendations:

• Choose the right shoe size - you don’t want it to rub your feet;
• Wear high-heeled shoes as little as possible;
• Massage your feet after prolonged exercise on your legs;
• Walk barefoot on sand or gravel.

Flat feet are only a simple disorder at first glance. The progression of the disease can lead to serious deformations of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, react to symptoms in time and promptly make an appointment with a doctor. This will avoid the need for further surgical treatment of flat feet.

Many people are diagnosed with flat feet. This change in the shape of the foot is characterized by the omission of one of the arches. Doctors distinguish three types of disease: initial, transverse and longitudinal. When compared with other types of deformity, transverse flatfoot accounts for 55% of clinical cases, and longitudinal flatfoot – approximately 30%.

Flat feet interfere with the normal position of the ankle joint, ligaments and muscles when walking. Increases the load on the tissues of the foot, leading to injuries, the formation of corns and bone deformation.

We must not assume that this disease is not dangerous! A crooked foot leads to gait disturbances, causes rapid fatigue of the legs, creates conditions for the development of varicose veins, the development of arthrosis, scoliosis, and intervertebral hernia.

Causes of flat feet

• poorly developed muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the feet;
• wearing tight high-heeled shoes for a long time;
• genetic predisposition;
• rickets;
• diabetes;
• professional activity - flat feet is a disease of surgeons, salesmen, machine operators, hairdressers;
• weakening of muscles in older people and pregnant women due to weakening muscles.

If you are tired of pain in your feet, can’t stand a day in heels, or experience discomfort in your ankle - come to our medical Center and get qualified help!

Why should you contact the Innovative Medical Center?

Our clinic will give you back healthy feet and give you a life without pain and fatigue in your legs!

1. We work with the causes of flat feet and do not allow surgical intervention, which carries the risk of complications and a long period of treatment with medications.
2. Natural movements and special exercises selected by the Center’s doctors allow you to gradually return the arch of the foot to its normal position and eliminate flat feet at any stage.
3. We use only modern decompression machines that minimize the load on the foot and ankle system as a whole, without overloading it. The absence of pain and the control of a kinesiotherapist allow you to quickly cope with the problem.
4. Only doctors with extensive experience, kinesitherapists and doctors of other highly qualified specialties treat - our team consists of doctors and candidates of medical sciences.
5. The ability to order custom orthopedic insoles that will provide proper foot support and help prevent leg fatigue after a hard day at work, as well as the progression of flat feet.

We will return you to a full life and give you a feeling of light and confident gait.

Who will treat you?

Bogdanov Vadim Yuryevich – chief physician, orthopedist-traumatologist. Completed internships in Germany to perform complex arthroscopic interventions, successful experience in performing thousands of operations. .

Dlubovskaya Larisa Florovna is a physiotherapist with many years of experience in her specialty. She has worked at the Paralympic and Youth Olympic Games as a member of the medical team. .

Olga Grigorievna Karpukhina is a kinesiologist with 28 years of professional experience. Specialist in the field of adaptive physical education and rehabilitation. Conducts exercise therapy, physical rehabilitation and therapeutic massage. .

Vera Nikolaevna Volokhova is a category 1 physical therapy and sports medicine doctor, kinesiotherapist, has 13 years of work experience, constantly improves her qualifications by participating in international congresses and original seminars of leading kinesiologists in Russia. .

Paretsky Maxim Dmitrievich is a professional massage therapist who knows various massage techniques. Helped the recovery of many patients with spinal hernias. .

What treatment methods are used for flat feet?

With transverse flatfoot, pain and heaviness appear in the feet at the end of the working day. If the disease progresses, the foot widens and the transverse arch disappears. The toes become hammer-shaped and the skin on the forefoot hardens.

In the case of longitudinal flat feet, the legs become tired after standing and walking for a long time, and by the end of the day they swell. Subsequently, the arch disappears, and the pain radiates to the legs and ankles. Shoes are becoming difficult to find.

The symptoms of flat feet cannot be ignored! This problem, left unattended, leads to the development of serious diseases: radiculitis, protrusions, osteochondrosis!

How does the treatment process work?

The treatment course in our clinic is compiled individually for each patient. Doctors take into account the nature of the disease, the stage of development, the person’s age and the shape of the foot. Treatment of flat feet for an adult takes approximately 1.5 months. Doctors at the Innovative Medical Center treat flat feet using a set of techniques:

Kinesitherapy on innovative decompression simulators under the supervision of an instructor and doctor. Classes provide dosed, targeted load on the foot, and relieve pain and spasms, and also strengthens muscles and ligaments, providing a gradual correction of flat feet without uncomfortable mechanical impact.

Manufacturing of individual insoles, which can evenly distribute the load on all muscle groups, ensure correct gait and beautiful posture. This can reduce back pain, reduce muscle fatigue and joint wear, and will also help get rid of the formation of corns and problems with choosing shoes.

This verdict from doctors is upsetting for most parents: the child’s beautiful gait is at risk. Ah, if we were talking only about a cosmetic problem... Unfortunately, flattening of the arch of the foot is a serious and insidious pathology that can affect almost the entire musculoskeletal system. How dangerous is this disease? How to recognize it? And is it treatable?

Unfortunately, flat feet are one of the most common deviations from the norm in the development of the musculoskeletal system. Here are disappointing statistics: out of 1.5 million children in the city of Moscow, it was detected in 9 thousand children. And approximately 2 thousand young patients complain of pain in their legs. First of all, let's figure out what is meant by this pathology?

Flat feet is a deformation of the foot in which the arch of the foot is lowered (flattened). To better understand the nature of the disease, let's look at some anatomical features of the foot. In the process of evolution, it acquired a shape that allows it to evenly distribute body weight. The bones of the foot are connected to each other by strong interosseous ligaments (these are fibrous formations of connective tissue, presented in the form of a bundle connecting the bones) and form its arch, which provides shock absorption during walking and running. Convex arches are oriented in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Therefore, the foot of an adult normally rests on three points - the calcaneal tubercle, the head of the 1st metatarsal bone and the 5th metatarsal bone. There are two longitudinal and one transverse arches of the foot. The inner and outer arches form the longitudinal arch of the foot, and the front arch forms the transverse arch. Depending on their deformation, longitudinal and transverse flat feet are distinguished.

With longitudinal arches, the outer and inner arches of the foot are flattened, its length increases and almost the entire area of ​​the sole is in contact with the floor.

With transverse, the transverse arch is flattened, the forefoot fan-shaped and rests on the heads of the five metatarsal bones.

All children under two years of age have a flat longitudinal arch of the foot. Experts consider this condition to be physiological, because the bone tissue in babies is soft and elastic. It contains few minerals, which give bones strength, and the muscular system is not well developed. When children begin to stand on their feet (at 7-9 months) and walk independently (at 10-12 months), the “fat pad”, which is located on the sole, under the skin, takes on the function of a shock absorber.

At 2-3 years, the bones gain a sufficient amount of minerals, the articular surfaces acquire normal shape, the ligaments become stronger, and muscle strength allows you to stay on your feet longer. The process of formation of the bones of the foot continues until approximately 5 or 6 years of age. Only during this period can we talk about the presence or absence of flat feet in a child.

If the diagnosis is confirmed

Longitudinal flatfoot occurs most often in children. It can be congenital or acquired. The congenital form of the disease is rare and is a consequence of intrauterine malformations. It is already detected in the maternity hospital. In most cases, one foot is affected, but sometimes both are affected. This pathology is very noticeable in children: a convex sole and the forefoot “turned” outward. Treatment is carried out from the first days of the child’s life: the deformation is gradually corrected using plaster casts. If this does not help, they resort to surgery.

As for acquired longitudinal flatfoot, it can be:

1. Traumatic.

Occurs after fractures of the bones of the foot and ankle. Partial or complete damage to the ligaments during such an injury, as well as the child’s prolonged stay in a plaster cast, contribute to the flattening of the arches of the feet.

1. Paralytic.

Occurs due to disorders of the central or peripheral nervous systems (more often - consequences of polio 1).

1. Static.

This is the most common form of pathology. It occurs due to overload with a significant increase in body weight, usually with obesity and endocrine disorders.

1. Rachitic.

Occurs when there is excessive elasticity of the ligaments and weakening of the muscles of the arches of the foot. The cause may be a lack of vitamins and microelements - with 1 or general exhaustion, as well as with congenital pathology of connective tissue.

So, the foot turned out to be deformed. What happens in the body? The ligaments send “signals” to the nervous system about trouble in this “area”. In response, the muscles receive an “instruction” to enter into a “fight” with the deforming forces - that is, to tense up as they should. But they are not able to withstand such a load for a long time, so they quickly become exhausted, relax and stretch. And the deforming force continues to act now on the ligaments. Soon, stretching occurs in them (especially if there is a congenital pathology of the connective tissue), since without muscle support they cannot work for a long time. Now all the load falls on the bones. When they cannot stand it, deformation from compression begins. By this time, the ligaments finally “fail” and the deformation enters the final, irreversible phase. The gait loses its plasticity and smoothness. Children often complain of fatigue when walking, pain in the ankle joints or lower legs, and often in the lower back. Some cannot clearly identify where exactly they experience discomfort or pain, so they do not complain, but simply prefer calm, less active games. A deformity of the ankle joint appears (it is also called valgus or X-shaped). If one or more of these signs are present, consultation with an orthopedic doctor is necessary.

Sometimes a foot deformity can exist for many years (until adulthood) without showing itself in any way. But sooner or later, deterioration will occur, since the body’s compensatory capabilities are not limitless.

In a child 3 years old (but not earlier), an initial diagnosis of the pathology can be made using the most common method - plantography (footprint). This is easy to do at home. A blank sheet of paper is placed on the floor, and the baby stands on it with both feet. It is better that the soles are wet, then their clear imprint will remain on the paper. At the same time, the torso must be kept straight, legs together. The outline of the feet in this position is outlined with a pencil. Then a straight line is drawn perpendicular to the contour line, crossing the entire narrow part of the foot. The mildest degree of deformation is the first. Well, the heaviest and most serious is the third.

X-rays are not taken for children at this age. Firstly, the bones of the foot have not yet fully “matured”, the cartilage tissue is not visible on an x-ray and it is difficult to assess the true height of the longitudinal arch. And secondly, this diagnostic method is quite harmful for a child, so it is performed only for serious indications and more often after 9 years.

Only to eliminate severe pain is it permissible to use painkillers.

Treatment of flat feet

Unfortunately, one cannot count on complete relief from flat feet, especially with advanced pathology. But you need to be treated carefully, regularly and conscientiously. The earlier the signs of the disease are identified, the smaller the foot deformity, the more favorable the conditions for stopping the progression of flat feet and its correction.

At the initial stage, pain in the legs can be eliminated within 1-2 months through warm daily foot baths with sea salt, manual therapeutic massage and gymnastics. As for the baths, the requirements for them are simple: water temperature is +40-50 "C, the duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes, and the proportions of their components are indicated on the packaging and vary depending on the concentration of dry matter.

Self-massage will have a very beneficial effect - fortunately, there are many devices for it (special mats, rollers, balls). Exercises with them are performed arbitrarily (walking on a massage mat, rolling a massage roller with your feet, etc.). As a result, blood circulation improves and muscle tone normalizes. It is better to do gymnastics in the morning, when the muscles are not yet tired. It is better to show the technique and pace of exercises (see gymnastics) to the child by example. The room should not be stuffy or drafty, and the child should exercise in comfortable clothes that do not restrict his movements.

Therapeutic massage must be carried out by a certified specialist - an instructor in physical therapy and massage.

In the treatment of flat feet, physiotherapy (paraffin-ozokerite applications, electrophoresis, etc.) is often used, which improves metabolic processes and blood circulation in the tissues and indirectly strengthens the arches of the feet. Massage and physiotherapy are prescribed in courses, usually 10-15 procedures. It is advisable to conduct 2-3 courses per year.

"Magic" insoles

A special role in the treatment and prevention of progression of flat feet is given to orthopedic insoles, which are prescribed already at the first degree of pathology. They help relieve painful areas of the foot and correct identified deformities at the initial signs of flat feet. The height of the arches of the feet in the insoles depends on the degree of flattening. You need to invest them in street and indoor shoes to make life easier for the baby when he is on his feet for as long as possible. As the child grows, the shape and size of the insoles need to be changed. And here you cannot do without repeated consultations with an orthopedic doctor. It is best to purchase insoles from prosthetic and orthopedic companies, orthopedic centers, or order them individually.

Only in this case are such products guaranteed to meet the required standards. And one more thing: you shouldn’t use orthopedic insoles “just in case.” If you wear them constantly without an objective need, the arches of the feet will become relaxed, and flat feet can develop even in a child who is healthy from an orthopedic point of view.

If the baby has third degree longitudinal flatfoot, especially in combination with valgus deformity of the ankle joint, the matter will not be limited to insoles. He will have to “show off” in orthopedic shoes - boots with laces and rigid internal lateral support for the foot.

Complications

What are the complications of flat feet? Unfortunately, very different. First of all, this is a flattening of the transverse arch of the foot with subluxation of the 1st toe outward in adolescence. If the foot has been in an incorrect position for a long time, and especially if there is a valgus deformity of the ankle joint, this can lead to deformation in the joints of the foot and even to a change in the ratio of the articular surfaces of the knee and hip joints. This is accompanied by pain in the legs, especially in the evening, and a decrease in shock absorption functions leads to pain in the spine. In the future, this can lead to, that is, an arched deformation of the spine to the right or left, or to its curvature with the formation of a posterior convexity - kyphosis.

This is a disease that manifests itself as a deformation of the shape of the foot.

The foot is a natural shock absorber that protects the body from shaking when walking and allows you to maintain balance when moving. The foot springs as it touches the ground; not the entire surface at once, but only part of it (reference points). As a result, a certain amount of empty space appears under the foot. When the load increases (for example, when taking a step), the foot sags a little, taking advantage of this volume; this allows you to avoid hard contact with the supporting surface, that is, a real blow.

When considering the shape of the foot, two arches are distinguished - longitudinal and transverse. Longitudinal arch- This is the curvature of the foot on the inside from the heel to the big toe joint. It is usually clearly visible. Transverse arch less noticeable. It is an arch at the base of the toes (where the metatarsals end). The position of the bones, in which both arches have a pronounced character, is fixed by the ligamentous-muscular apparatus. When the muscular-ligamentous apparatus is weakened, the normal shape of the foot is disrupted. The expression of the arches is lost, the foot settles and spreads out. This pathology is defined as flat feet.

What are flat feet like?

Deformation of the foot can lead to flattening of the longitudinal arch, in this case they speak of longitudinal flatfoot. Flatness of the forefoot is called transverse flatfoot. If the deformity affects both arches of the foot, combined flatfoot is diagnosed.

Flat feet may be congenital. In this case, improper development of the foot occurs due to intrauterine defects. This is a fairly rare occurrence. It happens much more often acquired flat feet, which can develop at any age.

Causes of flat feet

Acquired flatfoot is classified depending on the cause of the foot deformity. There are:

• traumatic flatfoot. Develops as a result of injury - fracture of the bones of the foot, ankle joint, damage to the connective tissues of the arch of the foot;
• paralytic flatfoot. Occurs as a result of paralysis of the muscles of the foot (for example, as a complication of the disease);
• rachitic flatfoot. With rickets in children, during a period of intensive growth, bone mineralization is disrupted: they become pliable and soft. This also applies to the bones of the foot, which are deformed under the weight of the child’s body;
• static flat feet. It occurs in cases where the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the foot cannot cope with the load placed on it. This is the most common type of flatfoot (more than 82% of all cases).

Static flatfoot is not caused by any disease. It can develop in both children and adults. The main factors contributing to its occurrence are the following:

• congenital ligament weakness;
• weakness of the muscles and ligaments of the foot, which developed as a result of low physical activity (sedentary, especially sedentary lifestyle);
• incorrectly chosen shoes. Women's shoes with high platforms or high heels are almost guaranteed to lead to flat feet;
• increased loads on the foot caused by life circumstances (professional activities associated with constant standing, etc.).

Flat feet lead to a loss of shock-absorbing ability of the foot. As a result, the entire bone apparatus begins to experience harsh shocks when walking. The concussion is transmitted up the skeleton and reaches the brain. With severe flat feet, these excess loads affect various places, causing:

• changes in gait and posture. The gait becomes heavy, “clubfooted”;
• foot diseases and foot pain;
• diseases of the knee joints (deforming, inflammation of the menisci, laxity of the knee joint) and;
• diseases of the hip joint (coxarthrosis);
• diseases of the spine (herniated intervertebral discs, radiculitis) and back pain;

Symptoms of flat feet

Symptoms of flat feet depend on its type and stage of development of the disease.

In the development of longitudinal flatfoot, the following stages are distinguished: pre-disease, intermittent flatfoot, flatfoot of the I, II and III degrees of severity.

The first signs of flat feet

The following signs may indicate that you have flat feet:

• your shoes usually get worn down and worn out on the inside;
• when walking, your legs get tired quickly;
• When working on your feet, your legs get tired and swell by the end of the day. Swelling is usually observed in the ankle area. There may be seizures;
• You find that you need a larger shoe size because your feet have grown. Or your old shoes become too narrow.

Pre-disease stage

The pre-disease stage is characterized by the occurrence of leg fatigue and pain in the foot after prolonged static loads, that is, if you have to stand for a long time or walk a lot. Any discomfort or pain in the feet indicates a failure of the ligamentous apparatus. At the same time, the shape of the foot is not yet compromised.

Intermittent flat feet

At the stage of intermittent flatfoot, the foot loses its shape under load, but after rest the shape of the foot is restored.

Flat feet of the 1st degree

Flatfoot of the 1st degree is mild flatfoot. The foot deformity is minor. The longitudinal arch is preserved and has a height of at least 25 mm. When pressing on the foot, painful sensations may occur. The gait changes a little. When walking, fatigue quickly occurs. By evening, the foot may swell.

Flat feet of the third degree

Level III flatfoot is characterized by significant deformation of the foot. The longitudinal arch is practically absent. Severe pain makes even short walking difficult. Swelling of the feet and legs persists almost constantly. Maybe the strong ones are emerging.

Transverse flatfoot

The development of transverse flatfoot leads to the fact that the toes acquire a hammer-like shape. As a result of subsidence of the transverse arch, the metatarsal bones are displaced; the big toe deviates to the outside of the foot, and the head of the first metatarsal bone begins to protrude. Visually, it looks like a bone is growing at the base of the thumb. The higher the degree of transverse flatfoot, the greater the deviation of the big toe. There may be pain, swelling and redness in the area of ​​the protruding bone. This indicates inflammation of the joint.

Methods for diagnosing flat feet

Diagnosis of flat feet is carried out by an orthopedic traumatologist. The degree of flatfoot is determined using instrumental research methods.

Treatment methods for flat feet

A complete cure for flat feet is possible only in childhood, since in children the bone and muscular-ligamentous apparatus are still in the process of formation, and by eliminating the pathology, the correct shape of the foot can be subsequently secured. In adulthood, we are only talking about some improvement in the situation and stopping the process of further deformation of the foot.