Did you know that the nature of flat feet is not as straightforward as we usually think? The angle of view on this problem is on a completely different plane, it is non-standard, but quite logical and reasoned. In many ways, this opinion has points of contact with our position, which is why we decided to share this idea with you.
… So, in reality, many who have been diagnosed with flat feet have come to terms with this fact, reached the level of acceptance and live with this diagnosis, adapting to it and believing that nothing can be changed.
However, the vast majority of such people do not even think that they have already become victims of a serious medical problem. It is because of this problem that they feel - at best - tiredness in their legs more often than they actually should. Because of it, they have difficulty choosing shoes, since not every model sits comfortably on the foot. Because of it, they are probably limited in the desired physical - and in general in life! - activity. In the worst case - but not the worst - they feel pain.
Types of flatfoot
Some doctors classify flat feet into two different categories: flexible or rigid.
Flexible feet are those that flatten only when weight is applied. In other words, at rest, if a person sits or lies down without putting their feet under the weight of their own body, flat feet as such are absent.
Rigid feet are subject to a permanent state of flattening, regardless of a person's activity. The cause of rigid flat feet can be a coalition of the tarsus (fusion of the tarsal bones), as well as arthritis and genetic predisposition.
Thus, from the name it is clear that it is more difficult to influence rigid flat feet, precisely due to its nature, while flexible flat feet are more obedient and pliable.
It is noteworthy that flexible flat feet are much more common.
What external factors can help cope with flat feet?
1. Stretching
A tight, dense calf muscle is a very common cause of flat feet. A tense, unstretched calf muscle exerts a penetrating force on the foot, which in turn leads to the collapse of the arch of the foot.
A special program aimed at stretching the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon can soften the process of flattening the foot. Training exercises for runners will be effective. Also pay attention to yoga: the "dog" pose alone wonderfully stretches the back of the leg.
2. Exercises to strengthen the arch
If we primitively outline the problem of flat feet from an anatomical point of view, then the deformation can be blamed on the internal leg muscles, the same ones that are located at the bottom of the foot. The cause of flat feet is the underdevelopment or improper functioning of these muscles. Thus, to eliminate the cause, you need to work on strengthening the muscles of the arch of the foot - the so-called "arch".
Exercises that strengthen the arch are nothing new. They are recommended for flat feet, and we have listed them more than once. These are any actions that include the movement of grabbing various objects with the toes: balls, pencils, small toys, etc.
3. Shoes and special insoles
Correctorthopedic shoes play an important role in flat feet, where the desired relief is built into the insole. High-quality orthopedic shoes will hold the foot in the desired position, not restricting it too much, but also not allowing it to deform. After all, this is where the “legs” of ankle and then knee joint deformations “grow”. Excuse the pun, of course. Saying that shoes should not restrict the foot too much, we are ready to enter into polemics with those who believe that orthopedic shoes should be extremely rigid, and the sensations when wearing them should be akin to skating without ice. Yes, before, all orthopedists insisted that shoes should be extremely rigid. And they approvingly felt the non-flexible design of shoes. But times are changing, and the progressive part of pediatric surgeons and orthopedists found out that extremely rigid shoes are sometimes necessary, but in the vast majority of cases - not mandatory. Often, good fixation, the right instep support, a comfortable orthopedic last, moderate rigidity of the design, a moderately high back are enough. Keep this in mind when choosing boots or orthopedic sandals for a girl or boy.
Orthopedic insoles are also very effective for flat feet. Bulges and depressions in the right places on the surface of the insoles help to keep the foot in the correct anatomical position, lifting the arch, turning the heel bone, dictating the necessary angle to the bone structures of the foot.
The insoles make the physical condition easier, as they relieve muscle tension from the feet and ligaments and prevent possible cramps.
4. Walking barefoot
Someone might think that the advice to walk barefoot does not sound very logical, if with flat feet it is precisely the support of the arch of the foot that is needed. Nevertheless, walking barefoot is useful - especially on uneven surfaces: soil, grass, sand, pebbles. Have you noticed that orthopedic mats for feet are given the relief of poured sea pebbles?
The fact is that when walking barefoot, the muscles of the foot work and thus become stronger. And strengthening the muscles of the foot leads to its stabilization.
5. Surgery
Surgery is the most radical method in the fight against flat feet, if all available methods have been tried, but the deformation still remains.
Surgery to correct flat feet can be relatively simple or extremely complex, depending on the age of the patient, the degree of flat feet and its symptoms. Each case is individual.
Yes, there is no simple cure for flat feet yet, but there are methods that you can resort to to improve your condition. And surgery is one of them.
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