The history of the discovery and development of flat feet in humans. Flat feet - causes, symptoms in adults, types, degrees, treatment and prevention of flat feet

Flat feet is a deformity of the shape of the foot, due to which the arches change. As a result of this distortion, the foot gradually loses its ability to absorb during movement, which leads to corresponding consequences.
The foot in an ideal position has a transverse and longitudinal arch, which are located on the inside. They help a person to absorb the body during movement, to maintain balance. However, in the presence of violations of the muscles, ligaments, weakening of the tone of the feet, a deformation of the shape occurs, i.e., an acquired flat foot is formed. As a result of the formation of flat feet, there is an uneven distribution of the load on the spine, knee joints, and ankle.

Due to the fact that initially the lower limbs are not intended for such work, they cope with their tasks accordingly, quickly come into a bad state.
Flat feet is a pathology, as a result of which fatigue, pain in the knees and legs can be quickly felt. Most adult patients do not realize that the disease is progressing, feeling constant discomfort in movement, pain in the back and legs.

Pain occurs when the body itself ceases to cope with the situation, to create optimal conditions for movement. Therefore, in children and adult patients, pathologies of the body begin to appear, irreversible changes in the joints occur.

Any type of flat feet is dangerous because it can provoke diseases such as scoliosis, arthrosis, varicose veins. Pathology can manifest itself in people regardless of the type of their activity. For office workers, the reasons for the development of flat feet are obvious: lack of physical activity, weakening of ligamentous and muscle tissues. Those who have a standing job, on the contrary, expose their legs to heavy loads that the muscles are not designed for.

Causes of pathology activation

The disease can appear at any age if there is a cause or several at the same time. The most common of them are:

1. Wearing the wrong shoes. The acquisition of excessively narrow, uniform, small or high-heeled shoes will certainly lead to a change in the location of the bones, and, accordingly, flat feet.
2. Obesity.
3. Mechanical damage: fracture, bruise, crack in the bone.
4. Predisposition. The presence of the disease in close relatives predisposes to the development of the disease in offspring.
5. Complications after serious illnesses(poliomyelitis, rickets).
6. Great physical activity.
7. Passive lifestyle.

The reasons may be different, but the most common among them are the underdevelopment of ligaments and muscles. In order for the feet to form properly, qualified specialists recommend performing regular workouts. Without the right loads, the muscles relax, do not support the leg in a normal state, which is why there is a predisposition to the development of the disease.

Flat feet are divided into longitudinal and transverse, depending on how the foot expands: in width or length. Currently, there are such types of flat feet:

Longitudinal, transverse, combined. To date, the most common form of foot deformity is transverse.
There is a difference between acquired and congenital pathology.

The congenital form of the disease develops even at the stage of fetal formation, in the womb.

The acquired form of the disease has varieties:

1. Rickets of bones. The disease can appear at any age. The rachitic type is possible due to the development, exacerbation of rickets, which does not allow the bones to develop normally.
2. Injuries. Manifested after the transfer of fractures in the joints, bones. In addition, the presence of injuries of muscle tissue, ligaments, tendons can lead to deformation of the gait, the formation of painful sensations.
3. The static development of the disease is diagnosed in more than 75% of registered cases.
4. paralytic manifestation.

One of the first symptoms that appear due to the development of the disease are pain after a long walk, stay in an upright position. Regardless of the type of disease, the following clinical signs are characteristic of it:

1. Regardless of the nature, painful sensations appear even after a small load.
2. The presence of damage in the sole and inner insole on worn shoes.
3. Swelling of the ankles.
4. Changing the shape of the feet in width, length (this indicator is difficult to track in children, since constant growth and change are natural).
5. The presence of pain in the lumbar, lower extremities, head. Movement becomes impossible, painful.
6. It hurts to walk in high heels.

Regardless of what types of flat feet develop in the body, they cause a lot of inconvenience and pain.

Symptoms of longitudinal flat feet:

1. High swelling of the legs at the end of the day.
2. Leg fatigue.
3. The presence of pain during external examination, pressing in the middle of the foot.
4. Pain in the leg (foot, ankle, lower leg).
5. It is difficult to choose a comfortable shoe model.
6. Accompanied by pain in the lumbar region.
7. Visual changes in the foot: swelling, flattening of the heel, lack of arch.

Symptoms of the disease of transverse flatfoot:

1. Pain in the forefoot.
2. The appearance of corns, calluses.
3. Deformity of the shape of the fingers on the feet.

Currently, experts distinguish three types of indicators of the degree of development of pathology:

The first degree is mild, does not cause discomfort to the patient. It is easy to diagnose the onset of the disease with a visual examination and a few elementary tests.

The second degree is a moderately severe form of pathology, which is characterized by changes in the structure of the skeleton. At the second degree of development of the disease, pain occurs in the ankle and foot. Figurative perception of gait: clubfoot, heaviness of movement.

The third degree is characterized by complete deformity of the foot. At the same time, a violation of the functions of the musculoskeletal system is diagnosed with the manifestation of relevant diseases. At this stage of the development of the disease, severe pain is felt, sports activities are impossible.

If we consider the longitudinal and transverse flat feet separately, we can diagnose the following changes.

Longitudinal flatfoot is characterized by:

1. Manifestation fatigue. It is characterized by weak manifestations of pain, swelling, discomfort while wearing shoes.
2. Pain in the ankle, lower leg. At this stage, it is difficult for the patient to move, the gait is distorted.
3. Constant pain in the lower extremities and lumbar region. There is swelling of the joints of the foot.

Transverse flatfoot is characterized by:

1. Changing the geometry of the foot: reducing the length of the leg, expanding.
2. There is a gradual separation thumb from the rest. This type of deformity is typical for women over 30 years old. At this age, when choosing the wrong shoes, corns, calluses appear, a bone begins to grow.

Regardless of the degree of progression, transverse flatfoot at all stages is characterized by the manifestation of pain in varying degrees intensity, the appearance of calluses, the formation of complications of concomitant diseases.

The causes of the development of children's flat feet are practically no different from adults. According to official data, experts diagnose flat feet in more than 50% of children aged 7 years.

Treatment of the disease is possible only with appropriate therapy up to 13 years. Then, even if you establish the causes, deal with them, then it is unlikely to eliminate the consequences. After 13 years, the arch of the foot is fully formed, so the effectiveness of the correction is reduced to zero.

There are cases when flat feet in children are diagnosed from the first days. In this case, it is necessary to start treatment as early as possible (if it is relevant) and prevent the disease.

Experts say that in most cases, with the normal development of the fetus inside the womb, children under 3 years old do not have flat feet, since there is a fat pad in the inside of the foot. It is she who acts as a shock absorber when the child learns to walk.

The most common types of flat feet in children under 13 years of age are: longitudinal, transverse, flat-valgus, mixed type.

Diagnosis

It is possible to determine the pathology in childhood if several methods of measuring the foot are used. Among them, the most common are: plantogram, external study.

The plantogram is one of the most effective methods diagnosing a disease. Its essence lies in determining the shape of the foot by imprint. Due to the fact that the children's foot is constantly growing, plantogram diagnosis is difficult.

If parents notice oddities in gait, an addiction to gait on one side, one-sided abrasion of the sole of the shoe, then it's time to start preventing the disease, contact an orthopedist, and undergo an examination.

High-quality prevention and treatment of the disease can be implemented using:

1. Walking barefoot on natural materials(sand, stones, grass).
2. Walking barefoot on artificially created surfaces (rugs with stones, buttons, stripes, etc.).
3. Active, outdoor games, hiking.
4. Compliance with the correct posture at the table, desk.
5. Refusal to wear someone else's shoes.

Treatment of flat feet

Regardless of age, the therapy of longitudinal, transverse and other types of pathology is similar to each other. It should be noted that it is impossible to completely cure flat feet in adult patients. Performing procedures can only slow down the progression of the disease, improve the condition of the body as a whole.

Treatment of flat feet is possible only in children under the age of 11-13 years, until the formation of the foot is completed. Once the body is fully formed, any attempts to correct the situation are in vain.

That is why it is very important to identify the disease in a timely manner, to start therapy in a timely manner. So, let's start studying therapy.

Often, the treatment of flat feet involves conservative treatment, that is, taking medications and performing physiotherapy procedures.

The basis of the treatment of flat feet is a specially designed gymnastics, a set of exercises in which is selected individually for each patient, taking into account the stage of development of the disease, age, shape.

High efficiency in the treatment shows the use of massages, foot hydromassage. The active method of stimulation of the problem area accelerates blood flow, muscle tone.
During treatment, do not neglect orthopedic shoes. Specially designed insoles, orthopedic heel, hard heel help correct gait, correct foot formation.

Also an excellent remedy in the treatment of flat feet for many patients is cold and hot shower. In the most advanced cases, when simple therapy is powerless, the pain does not subside, doctors may prescribe an operation.

Prevention of pathology

In order to relieve pain, remove fatigue, patients with flat feet are recommended to periodically warm up the lower extremities by transferring weight from the outside to the inside feet. In addition, at the end of the working day it is good to do massages, rubbing.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that flat feet in adults is the result of the care and attention of parents. Therefore, if you care about the future of your child, buy only new shoes, spend time actively and take care of your health from childhood.

In orthopedics, there are different types flat feet, depending on the form, disease. Flattening of the arch of the foot leads to deformation of the foot and dysfunction of the entire musculoskeletal system. Each type of flatfoot is characterized by its own characteristics, symptoms, and the possibility of correction.

Disease classification

At any age, there is a possibility of foot deformity. More often the disease and the elderly due to age characteristics. Depending on the cause of occurrence and other factors, the following types of ailment are distinguished:

congenital disease

Orthopedists are convinced that flat feet are not inherited. However, the likelihood of flattening of the foot is high in children whose parents and relatives suffer from such a disease. The reason for this phenomenon is a genetic predisposition. It consists of the following mechanism:

• information about the structure, density, strength of the connective tissue is genetically transmitted;
• connective tissue consists of tendons, ligaments, giving the foot a fixed position;
• their hypertrophy, weakness is accompanied by flattening and deformity of the foot.

How the disease develops

Visual photographs show what flat feet looks like at all stages of the development of the disease. Flattening of the arches of the foot and deformation of the feet occurs gradually. Each stage is characterized by certain features:

This type of foot deformity occurs when the longitudinal arch is lowered (flattened). To diagnose the disease, it is necessary to cover the sole of the foot with paint or oil and put it on a clean sheet of paper. If the indentation in the middle part is absent or weakly expressed on the resulting print, then flat feet are assumed. Features of this type of disease:

• the foot increases in length (it is necessary to wear larger shoes);
• the sole is almost flat, depending on the degree of neglect;
• more often observed in the age range from 16 to 25 years;
• constant pain in the ankle, knee joints;
• unusual trampling of shoes - more wear on the inside of the sole;
• difficulty walking, distorted swaying gait;
• swelling of the feet, pain in the lower back, hip joints;
• trampling of the calcaneus, the appearance of spurs.

• reduction in length and expansion of the forefoot;
• valgus deformity of the feet and large metatarsophalangeal joints;
• fan-shaped divergence of fingers and metatarsal bones;
• hammer-shaped curvature of the middle toes;
• women older than 25-30 years and people under 50 suffer more often;
• pain of varying intensity in the foot area.

With a transverse variety of flat feet, a pronounced deformation (expansion) of the metatarsophalangeal region occurs. Unnatural enlargement of the forefoot makes it difficult to choose shoes, interferes with normal walking, and can cause lameness and disability.

On a note!

In orthopedic practice, there are cases. It is characterized by symptoms of both forms of foot deformity.

One-sided and two-sided forms

In rare cases, there is a distortion of the foot on only one leg - a unilateral form of flat feet. Mostly this phenomenon is congenital. More often develops bilateral flat feet with damage to both feet.

Features of children's flat feet

In newborns and babies up to 1 year old, the longitudinal arch of the foot is filled with adipose tissue. The natural cushion performs shock-absorbing functions and protects against damage. At this age, a child's foot without flat feet has a flat sole appearance. By the age of 3, the child's feet take on a familiar form with a longitudinal and transverse arch. The formation of the musculoskeletal system continues up to 6-7 years, which significantly complicates the detection of the disease. Types of flat feet in children:

• longitudinal;
• transverse;
• mixed;
• flat-valgus.

Mostly flat feet in children is acquired and develops against the background of excessive weight, wearing uncomfortable shoes, rickets, and increased sports. The pictures show the most characteristics arch deformities in children preschool age. Their visible flattening is accompanied by pain in the lower leg, feet, knees, and spine. The exact diagnosis in babies up to 6-7 is established by an orthopedist on the basis of a special examination.

On a note!

Most often, children's flat feet are reversible and can be easily corrected. With timely diagnosis, it is possible partially or completely.

The arches of the human foot play the role of shock absorbers that compensate for the shaking of the body when walking. If the musculoskeletal apparatus weakens, then the feet flatten, and their "spring" function is reduced to "no", leading to severe changes in the musculoskeletal system, in particular, the spine.

Flat feet is an orthopedic pathology characterized by deformity of the foot, and accompanied by the omission of the longitudinal and (or) transverse arches. It causes changes in posture and gait and often leads to pain in the spine and joints of the lower extremities.

According to the currently accepted classification, the following varieties are distinguished:

• longitudinal;
• transverse;
• combined.

note: the share of the transverse variety of pathology accounts for more than 55% of diagnosed cases. In clinical practice, there is often a combined violation of the structure of the foot.

According to etiology, these types of flat feet are distinguished:

• congenital;
• rachitic;
• traumatic;
• paralytic;
• static.

Flat feet are also subdivided into degrees.

Some changes are common to all types of flat feet:

1. At 1 degree, the changes are weakly expressed; more often it is a "cosmetic" defect.
2. Grade 2 is accompanied by changes that are noticeable from the outside. It is already characterized by pain in the muscles of the legs (from the knee joint and below), as well as a change in gait, which becomes "heavy".
3. Grade 3 is characterized by a clearly visible deformity of the foot, which negatively affects the entire musculoskeletal system. Against the background of such flat feet, inflammatory diseases of the knee and hip joints, as well as pathology of the spinal column. The pains are of high intensity, and it becomes difficult for the patient to just walk. We are not even talking about physical education and sports.

Degrees of transverse shape:

• Grade 1 is characterized by recurring pain in the forefoot. The angle between the I and II bones of the metatarsus (determined during radiography) varies from 10 to 12 °, and the angle of deviation of the thumb is 15-20 °;
• at 2nd degree strong pain localized in the projection of the heads of the middle metatarsal bones. The angle between them becomes larger - up to 15 °, and the first finger is deflected by 30 °;
• Grade 3 is characterized by intense constant pain over the bones of the metatarsal, the angle between the I and II bones increases to 20 °, and the finger is deviated by 40 °.

Important:many young people are concerned about the question: do they take flat feet into the army?According to the current orders of the Ministry of Defense Russian Federation, a patient with flat feet of the third degree is considered unfit for military service and is exempt from conscription.

Transverse flatfoot is characterized by flattening of the transverse arch of the foot. Its anterior section rests on the heads of all metatarsal bones. The thumb is deviated outward, and the middle one has a "hammer" deformation. total length the foot of such a patient is reduced due to the fact that the bones of the metatarsus diverge like a fan relative to each other. This type of pathology is more typical for patients aged 35-50 years, especially women.

Note:among the signs of pathology - the so-called. "bone" and "corns".

The longitudinal variety is characterized by an increase in the length of the foot. A flattened shape is acquired by a longitudinal arch, so the sole is in contact with a horizontal surface over almost the entire area. The disease often develops by the age of 16-25.

Important:Formation of flat feet often depends on body weight. The higher the weight of the patient, the greater the load experienced by the bones and ligaments of his foot.

The formation of various forms of flat feet is due to a number of certain objective or subjective factors.

Diagnose congenital form of flat feet in children it is quite problematic until the baby is 5-6 years old. At an earlier age, the child somehow has signs of a flat foot, which is an anatomical norm. According to statistics, the congenital form of pathology occurs in about 3% of cases, and develops as a result of improper intrauterine formation of the skeleton and ligaments of the lower extremities.

Rachitic flat feet appears on the background of rickets. In this disease, the bones of the foot are very weak as a result of a severe lack of calcium, and the flattening of the arches is a consequence of normal physical activity.

Cause of human traumatic flat feet are transferred fractures of the calcaneus or bones of the tarsal region.

The reason for the development paralytic variety of flat feet there is paralysis of the muscles of the lower leg and (or) the muscles of the plantar part of the foot. In the vast majority of cases, this form of pathology develops after poliomyelitis and other neuroinfections.

Most often, orthopedic specialists have to deal with static flat feet. The reason for its development is the weakness of the bones of the lower extremities, as well as their ligamentous and muscular apparatus.

To the number possible causes also include excessive physical exertion when running and jumping, as well as the constant wearing of improperly selected (uncomfortable) shoes.

Symptoms of flat feet

Common clinical signs of flat feet include:

• foot deformity;
• pain (localized in the feet, or spread to the knee joints, hips and even the back);
• rapid fatigue of the feet;
• "heavy" ("waddling") gait and (or) clubfoot;
• swelling of the ankles in the evening;
• cramps in the calf muscles (not always);
• problems with maintaining balance when squatting.

With advanced flat feet, pain can spread to the base of the skull.

Important:One of the symptoms of flat feet is the inability to wear the usual shoes.

Complications

Complications of flat feet can be:

• ingrown nail;

A preliminary diagnosis is made during the examination, as well as on the basis of data obtained during the study using a podograph.

During the examination, the nature of the gait and the range of motion in ankle joint. Complaints of the patient allow you to set the intensity and nature of pain (permanent or intermittent). Useful information can give an examination of the patient's shoes (specific wear).

Note:flat feet are diagnosed in women 4 times more often than in men. Often, pathology develops during pregnancy due to a physiological increase in body weight.

The main diagnostic method, which allows to determine not only the presence, but also the nature and degree of pathology, is radiography in two projections. X-ray examination is carried out with a load, i.e. the patient must stand.

When a transverse shape is detected during the analysis of the images, 3 lines are marked on them, respectively, the longitudinal axes of the I and II metatarsal bones, as well as the first phalanx of the thumb. The angle between them allows you to set the degree of development of pathology.

To establish the degree of development of the longitudinal form, it is necessary to analyze the image taken in the lateral projection. Three lines are drawn on it, making up a triangle between themselves, the obtuse angle of which is directed upwards. It determines the pathological increase in the angle of the longitudinal arch.

Physiotherapy is widely used to relieve pain. In addition, the patient is prescribed analgesics.

To restore the physiological shape of the foot, an orthopedic specialist selects special orthopedic arch support insoles for the patient. Corrective liners are placed in the front of the shoe, under the heel and (or) in the interdigital spaces. The optimal design is a liner with an arch support in the heel area and a pronator in the front. This insole reduces muscle strain due to proper “twisting” of the foot. At running form diseases to order make special orthopedic shoes with a solid sole and high lacing.

Important:insoles should be selected strictly individually after taking measurements and establishing the nature and degree of flattening of the foot.

For the treatment of flat feet, massage and a complex of exercise therapy designed specifically for such patients are recommended. In severe cases, surgery may be required. During the operation, a part of the bones of the foot is resected. The purpose of such remodeling operations is to restore the physiological shape of the vault. Most often, surgical methods of treatment have to be resorted to with a traumatic variety of flat feet. For the treatment of congenital flat feet, a baby is put on plaster casts on the legs from the first days of life, and subsequently orthopedic shoes are selected.

Prevention of flat feet

Prevention of flat feet involves the elimination of causes that can cause pathology. It is advisable to refuse to wear uncomfortable tight shoes. Feet need to rest more often. It is recommended to massage the feet more often and do hot foot baths.

To understand what flat feet are, you need to understand what role the foot plays in movement. During the step, at first the foot rests on the heel area, that is, the load on the longitudinal arches, the calcaneal tuber increases, after which the emphasis falls on the anterior section. Thanks to this physiology, each step softens, the joints and spine of a person do not experience unnecessary stress, and the muscles, ligaments, fascia and joints of the foot itself do not suffer. But under the influence of various factors, including a person's lifestyle, pathological processes in the body, flat feet occur in adult patients and children, which disrupts the depreciation function of the feet. Let's analyze what flat feet are, the causes that cause it, the forms of the disease and the features of the clinical picture.

When flat feet occur, it is important to determine its form and degree, while identifying and eliminating factors contributing to the development of flat feet, since the disease tends to constantly progress. Identification of flat feet is carried out using a visual examination, measuring the height of the arch and prescribing x-ray diagnostics. When a diagnosis is made, active treatment can begin, so we will also analyze in detail how to get rid of this ailment. Prevention of pathology consists in monitoring what kind of shoes a person wears, whether his legs are experiencing excessive stress, and attention is also paid to general condition health.

Classification and reasons

The disease itself is associated with the flattening of the arches of the foot, forming the correct shape of the sole of the foot. This allows the foot to push off during movements, softens the fall from a height, during jumps. When there is an increase in the load on the legs or various diseases cause weakness of the musculoskeletal system, then there is a flattening of these arches. Existing types of flat feet can lead to a different clinical picture with external differences and various symptoms.

Let us analyze the classification of the disease according to the causes of origin.

Forms of flat feet

So, the most common form is static flat feet, which occurs under the influence of factors related to a person’s lifestyle, occurs in almost 80 percent of cases. This form appears due to an increase in the load on the legs, which is caused by such reasons:

• overweight;
• work associated with the need to stand or walk for a long time (salesman, hairdresser, teacher, waiter);
• playing sports with a load on the toes (football players, also ballerinas);
• uncomfortable shoes, causing an increase in the load on the toe of the foot.

By the way, it is shoes with a narrow toe, high heels that most often cause the appearance of flat feet in women. For your information, flat feet affects women four times more than men. This pattern is based on the love of the female half for high heels, is associated with pregnancy and childbirth, when weight increases, and the young mother is also forced to carry the child in her arms, which increases the load on the legs.

This form of the disease can be equated with hereditary predisposition. It has been proven that children whose parents suffered from flat feet are also subject to such an ailment. That is why, in the presence of a hereditary history, attention should be paid to prevention, the purpose of which is aimed at preventing flat feet.

The second form of the disease is traumatic flat feet, which is associated with damage to the bones, ligaments or muscles of the foot. In this case, the function of the ligamentous apparatus is weakened, the nature of the gait changes, since the occurrence of flat feet after injuries worsens the already poor condition of the muscles of the foot.

There are also rarer types of flat feet, which include the rickety form that develops in childhood due to a lack of vitamin D, poor absorption of calcium. Occasionally, a paralytic form occurs when a person has suffered neuroinfections, poliomyelitis, that is, during paralysis, the muscles of the leg atrophy and flattening of the arches of the foot develops under load.

The classification criteria include the variant of the origin of the disease. So, there are congenital forms (2-3 percent of all cases) and acquired. There are also three types of flat feet: transverse, longitudinal, combined. Symptoms vary depending on the form.

Symptoms

Let's analyze the symptoms and stages of flat feet. Consider the usual symptoms for each form of the disease.

cross shape

The most common is transverse flatfoot (about 60 percent of all cases). The transverse arch of the foot is located in front, which is why its flattening occurs when the load on the foot increases due to shoes, excess weight, hard work. For each form, a degree of flat feet is inherent, of which there are only three.

With the first degree of transverse flat feet, slight pains appear in the forefoot after the load. There is a feeling of discomfort after a long walk, the legs may swell in the evening. It is possible that both one and both legs are affected, and if a bilateral type of disease begins, then comorbidities, such as diabetes, weakness of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis, osteoporosis and other diseases, should also be looked for. They often occur as a complication of flat feet.

There is always a question, what is the difference between this form and longitudinal flat feet, if we consider external changes in the shape of the feet. With the transverse form of the disease, the foot increases in width, which is reflected in the inability to wear narrow shoes or shoes with heels. Such shoes will bring symptoms of pain and discomfort. And with 2 and 3 degrees of flat feet, there will be pain even when putting shoes on your feet.

Due to the increased load on the forefoot, there is a high chance of getting a hallux valgus deformity of the big toe. In this case, the thumb deviates from its axis, squeezing the other fingers, giving them a hammer-like shape. A “bone” forms at the big toe, which protrudes and hurts. Calluses, "corns" form on the front of the sole.

If flat feet of 2 and 3 degrees are diagnosed, then pain occurs not only in a state of exertion, but also at rest. Most often, during this period, a longitudinal type of disease joins the transverse flatfoot, and the foot is completely flattened.

Longitudinal flatfoot

The longitudinal type of the disease is less common, with it the lateral arches are flattened, the load increases on the calcaneus, plantar fascia. Let's analyze what threatens the flat feet of this form. First of all, the foot becomes wider, which changes the gait, and there are problems with the selection of shoes. The form is also inherent in 3 degrees, while in the initial degree symptoms of discomfort appear, and in neglected states it is difficult for a person to step on the sole of the foot, which is why he begins to limp.

Calluses form in the heel area and on the sides of the feet, longitudinal flat feet are characterized by the development of a heel spur, plantar fasciitis, which aggravates the clinical picture.

For any form of flat feet, a number of complications are characteristic, which occurs if you do not start getting rid of the disease in time. First of all, the load increases not only on the foot, but also on other joints, since the function of the springs is lost. Note what flat feet lead to. A person is threatened by arthrosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis. Often the lumbar spine suffers, in which osteochondrosis develops.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of flat feet is of great importance for young men, since this disease is included in the list of diseases that are contraindications for military service. The urgency of this problem worries both the teenagers themselves and their parents, because some dream of getting into the army, and for some, on the contrary, there is a chance to avoid service. For this, a category of suitability has been developed. Let's figure out when you can get into the army with flat feet.

When a young man goes through a medical examination, the surgeon always asks: do you have flat feet? And if the answer is positive, then the conscript is sent for an x-ray. The picture is taken under load, that is, in a standing position. By the nature of the picture and external examination, the degree of flat feet is determined, and, therefore, the category of fitness for service is assigned.

If a young man called for a medical examination has a 3rd degree of flat feet, then the fitness category “B” is assigned - it is limitedly fit, that is, it is impossible to draft a young man into the army in peacetime. With other degrees of flat feet, the conscript will go to the army, but the doctor will help the soldier to be called up for sparing service.

Let's figure out how to check flat feet at home. For this, a study is carried out - the method of plantography. On a sheet of paper, you need to put a pre-moistened foot and assess the condition of the print. healthy foot should not be completely reflected on a sheet of paper.

In medical conditions, computer plantography is performed, a more modern method. In addition to x-rays, the doctor performs an examination, collects complaints and calculates the Frinland index to determine the degree of flat feet.

Treatment

Consider how to deal with flat feet. First of all, loads are limited, high-heeled shoes are excluded. Of course, many are concerned about the question of whether flat feet can be corrected to the end. In adult patients, lasting recovery cannot be achieved, and in children early age pathology can be completely cured.

In most cases, conservative treatment is prescribed. Correction of flat feet begins with selection orthopedic shoes or at least insoles. Remedial gymnastics, which plays a big role in treatment, is necessarily prescribed. Need a massage, a course of physiotherapy. In the presence of a heel spur, serious deformities, doctors may advise you to undergo a course of shock wave therapy. In general, the result of treatment depends only on the desire of a person.

Improves the effectiveness of pool swimming treatment, the use of methods traditional medicine(baths, compresses), as well as seamless socks. It is recommended not only to undergo a massage course, but also to do self-massage regularly.

Of course, everyone is concerned about how to avoid flat feet. To do this, you need to wear comfortable shoes, play sports or exercise to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the legs. You should not overwork your legs, it is recommended to take breaks during standing work. It is better to think about the question of how to prevent flat feet than to treat a dangerous disease.

For the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to walk more barefoot on sand, earth, stones, but not concrete. By the way, you can dance with flat feet, unless it's ballet.

The foot is one of the main links in the support of the body. Its area is about 1% of the entire body surface. However, it is on it that the main load equal to the mass human body. The foot performs several functions: depreciation, support, balancing. Under the influence of certain factors, its arch undergoes deformation, a disease such as flat feet develops. As a result, the sole loses its cushioning features, which is accompanied by unpleasant complications.

Flat feet - what is it?

The human foot is made up of 26 bones. They are interconnected by joints and ligaments, the movement of which is controlled by tendons and muscles. In a healthy one, it has 2 arches: transverse and longitudinal. They are located in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe bases of the fingers and the inner edge of the sole. When walking, a person does not fully rely on the foot. As a rule, three points are involved: the area of ​​​​the base of the little finger and the thumb. If the ligaments and muscles of the foot weaken, its shape begins to change. It gradually becomes flat. When walking, a person is forced to lean the sole on the surface. As a result, shock-absorbing properties worsen, flat feet develop. A photo of the leg deformity is presented in this article.

The arches function as springs or levers, providing comfortable movement with minimal consequences for the body. Damage to this link entails a disruption of the entire system. The body, as you know, is a single whole. Any changes in the operation of one system necessarily affect the functioning of another. Flat feet can lead to damage to the hip and knee joints, deformation of the spine. If the foot does not cope with its functions, they move to the structures located above. The spine, knee and hip joints are not adapted to such a load, so they quickly fail.

Disease classification

The foot has two arches. Therefore, it is quite reasonable to distinguish the forms of the disease - longitudinal and Symptoms and treatment of each are discussed below. There is also a mixed (combined) version of the disease.

The classification of the disease by type also provides for the allocation of acquired and congenital flat feet. The first case is extremely rare and is the result of abnormal fetal development. Acquired flat feet can occur at any age. It, in turn, is divided into several subspecies:

• static (occurs due to a decrease in muscle tone);
• rickets (as a result of vitamin D deficiency in the body, the muscular apparatus is weakened);
• paralytic (develops against the background of poliomyelitis);
• traumatic (appears as a result of injuries and fractures of bones).

Symptoms of flat feet

What signs should be paid attention to in time to prevent flat feet? Symptoms of this disease appear gradually. The very first sign of it is considered to be severe pain in the legs at the end of the working day. By evening, the soles and legs swell, cramps appear. It becomes difficult for women to walk in heels. Due to foot enlargement old shoes I have to give up and buy a new one, but a larger one. Gradually, the pain syndrome spreads higher, passes to the knee and hip joints. Such signs characterize not only flat feet. Symptoms of a similar nature are observed with varicose veins. But the treatment for this disease is completely different.

To reassure yourself, you can conduct a simple test at home. To do this, grease the soles of the feet with a dye (for example, brilliant green or iodine). Then, on a sheet of paper, leave an imprint so that the load on the feet is even. After that, draw a line parallel to the plantar notch from the heel to the toes. Place a perpendicular in the deepest part to the outer edge of the foot. If the imprint of the bottleneck of the sole occupies at least half of the first line drawn perpendicularly, you have flat feet. A photo of the example circuit is presented below.

Causes of the pathological process

Flat feet is a serious disease characterized in everyday life, no one pays attention to this defect. It is worth knowing the features of the disease in order to take timely measures to correct it. The causes of the disease can be both external and internal. Considering the rhythm of life modern man and neglect of one's own wardrobe, sometimes flat feet have a mixed etiology. Even everyone's favorite running shoes can cause foot deformity. Why? The outsole of the shoe has excellent cushioning. They take on the entire load, fixing the heel. As a result, the muscles relax, all conditions are created for the development of such a problem as flat feet. What is flat feet, how it occurs, is now clear.

Returning to the internal causes of the disease, it is worth noting a number of provoking factors. First of all, it is the presence of concomitant ailments. Among them, rheumatoid arthritis occupies a place of honor. It affects not only the cartilage, but also the ligaments that are responsible for supporting the foot. Injuries and mechanical damage to the foot also contribute to the development of a foot defect.

Exposure is easily preventable if taken care of. own health and carefully approach the choice of shoes. Among the exogenous causes of flat feet include the following:

Longitudinal flatfoot

With this form of the disease, an increase in the length of the foot occurs against the background of lowering the longitudinal arch. As a result, the sole is in full contact with the floor. The main sign of deformation is the reduction of the gap between the inner edge of the foot and the floor surface itself. Patients with this diagnosis develop clubfoot over time.

There are three degrees of the longitudinal form of flat feet:

1. At the first stage of the development of the disease, there is no visible deformation. Discomfort in the legs appears after prolonged exertion. When pressed, pain occurs.
2. The second degree is characterized by a change in the arch of the foot. Painful discomfort increases and spreads to the ankles and legs. Muscles gradually lose their elasticity.
3. The third degree of the disease is characterized by a pronounced deformity of the foot. Pain in the legs does not go away even in the evening. There is discomfort in the lower back, reduced ability to work. It is difficult for a person diagnosed with longitudinal flat feet of the third degree to walk in ordinary shoes.

Transverse flatfoot

With this form of the disease, the length of the foot decreases, the big toe deviates, and the middle toe is deformed. It takes on a hammer-like appearance. A small bump appears at the base of the first toe.

There are three degrees of the transverse form of flat feet. Their differences are due to the angle of deviation of the big toe.

1. The first degree is a mild transverse flat foot. Symptoms of the disease appear as it progresses. The deviation of the thumb does not exceed 20 degrees. After physical exertion, painful discomfort appears. On the foot, corns are clearly visible in the area of ​​​​2-4 fingers.
2. At the second degree, the deviation angle is already 35 degrees. Under load, there is a burning sensation in the area of ​​​​the sole, corns increase in size.
3. The third degree of the disease is characterized by constant pain. The deflection angle is greater than 35 degrees. Some patients develop bursitis. This is a disease accompanied by inflammation of the periarticular sac.

Mixed flat feet are considered separately. What is longitudinal and we have already considered, and this pathology is accompanied by symptoms that are characteristic of both species. The manifestation of signs of a mixed form is distinguished by a greater degree of their severity.

What is the difference between flat feet in children?

The leg of a child under five years old is a fragile structure that is in the process of formation. Therefore, parents have a great responsibility. They must prevent the disease, recognize it in a timely manner and begin treatment.

Children rarely talk about health problems. If they try to hint, parents do not pay attention to them. Children lead an active lifestyle, are in constant motion, which is usually accompanied by fatigue. But there are certain points that parents should pay attention to:

• flattening of the arches of the feet;
• unevenly worn shoes;
• complaints of the child on pain in the legs after outdoor games.

If the child's gait has changed, he began to move less, it is necessary to consult an orthopedic doctor. An experienced professional can early stage recognize flatness. Symptoms and treatment of this disease in children practically do not differ from those in adults. Its only feature is the reversibility of the pathological process. The gradual maturation of the child is accompanied by a natural disposal of the disease. The foot is formed up to 13 years. During this period, it is necessary to focus on physical activity (running, walking). As a result, the muscles will begin to develop harmoniously, and the foot will acquire the correct shape.

medical examination

Flat feet in adults and children can be determined based on clinical symptoms ailment. To assess the degree of the pathological process, a serious examination of the patient is required. It includes several items. It:

1. Plantography allows you to determine the severity of the pathological process using prints. To do this, a solution of methylene blue is applied to the feet. Then make prints on a blank sheet of paper. Plantography provides indicative data on the condition of the arches of the leg.
2. The Friedland podometry method allows you to estimate the percentage of the height of the foot to its length.
3. The clinical method is based on the construction of a special triangle. Its base is equal to the distance from the head to the heel tubercle. The vertex of the triangle is in the center. The first leg reaches highest point calcaneal tuber, the second - to the head of the metatarsus. Normally, the height of the arch should not exceed 60 cm.
4. The X-ray method is also based on the construction of a triangle, but in this case the angle at the apex is measured. This parameter should not exceed 130 degrees.

Based on the results of the examination, the orthopedic surgeon can confirm the diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment.

With flat feet they take into the army? This question worries many young men who have reached the age of majority. If a conscript is diagnosed with a deformity of the foot of 1 or 2 degrees, he is subject to service in the ranks of the armed forces. With longitudinal or transverse flatfoot 3rd degree a young man is released from the army. He is given a military ID marked "limited fit".

Principles of treatment

Many do not pay attention to flat feet, they ignore the first symptoms. In fact, this is a rather serious and rapidly developing pathology, which is practically not amenable to therapy. It can be completely cured only in childhood, when the foot has not yet been fully formed. In adults, therapy is aimed at slowing the development of the disease and preventing complications. Treatment of the pathological process is complex. Muscles are strengthened for the patient, pain syndrome is eliminated, progressive longitudinal / transverse flat feet are stopped. Symptoms and treatment of these varieties of the disease are practically the same. Now let's take a closer look at modern methods therapy.

Medications in combination with physiotherapy help to eliminate pain. Patients are prescribed systemic analgesics (Ibuprofen, Aspirin), as well as topical ointments (Dolgit, Voltaren).

The basis of therapy is therapeutic exercises. A set of exercises is selected by an orthopedist, taking into account the stage of the disease and the age of the patient. A good therapeutic effect gives a foot massage. Regular procedures help to normalize blood circulation, increase muscle tone. Unfortunately, all of the above methods of treatment are effective only at the initial stage of the disease. With severe deformities of the foot, only one option helps - surgery.

Treatment of this disease in children requires a different approach. Most often, longitudinal flat feet are diagnosed in young patients (all parents should know that such deformation cannot be ignored). Pathology is perfectly treatable if it is detected in a timely manner. The bones, ligaments and muscles of the child are susceptible to conservative therapy. A positive therapeutic effect is given by exercise therapy and massage. If a child has congenital flat feet, they begin to treat him from the very first days of life. For this, special bandages and splints are used.

Why is flatfoot dangerous?

The human body works as a whole. Between all organs there are not only anatomical, but also functional connections. With flat feet, a shift in the center of gravity occurs. To maintain balance, a person is forced to constantly deviate in the opposite direction. Over time, the deformation increases, and the back noticeably rounds. Violation of posture and flat feet have similar causes of development. This is a weakness of the connective tissue, muscles, as well as obesity. In a healthy person, the arch of the foot acts as a shock absorber. With flat feet, it is lost. As a result, the spinal column and knees have an increased load. This leads to even more severe curvature of posture, scoliosis.

Foot deformity can trigger the development of other specific complications, including:

• ingrown nails;
• curvature of the fingers;
• heel spurs;
• dystrophic changes in the legs;
• clubfoot.

In children with this diagnosis, depreciation of the foot is also impaired. As a result, the vibration of the body during movement is transmitted to the legs and spine. Constant irritation of the joints leads to inflammation, arthrosis develops. The influence of flat feet on the spine is reflected in its curvature. The child is constantly tormented by pain in the legs and head, his ability to work and school performance are reduced.

Disease prevention in children and adults

To exclude the development of flat feet, it should be periodically carried out for its prevention. First of all, doctors recommend paying attention to shoes. Today, in almost every store you can buy special orthopedic shoes and insoles. The range of similar children's products is striking in its diversity. Do not forget that shoes and insoles cannot correct foot deformity. They only prevent its development.

To strengthen the muscles, it is useful to do contrast baths. It is necessary to alternately dip your feet in basins of cold and hot water. In addition, regular use of vitamins in their natural form (A, E, C, D) and trace elements (such as copper, selenium, calcium) contributes to muscle strengthening.

Prevention of flat feet in children can start with increased physical activity. Martial arts, skiing and horseback riding are considered useful. In summer, you can walk barefoot on mowed grass, pebbles. Such daily walks have a positive effect on the motility of the small muscles of the foot.