What is flatfoot in children?
In children with flat feet, the curvature of the medial arch of the foot is reduced. When standing, the arch of the foot decreases or disappears, forming a duck palm shape, which affects walking.
Congenital flat feet: Many children are born with mild signs of flat feet, and those who are mild will grow up and return to normal, while those who are severe will begin to show jitters when they reach puberty as they grow in size (18). The early treatment can have a good effect by paying more attention to the child’s walking posture.
Acquired flatfoot: Acquired flatfoot, also known as adult flatfoot, is usually caused by a slight congenital flatfoot, combined with tendon degeneration and obesity. The initial symptoms include chronic foot muscle strain, posterior tibial tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, etc. At this time, special insoles must be worn and combined with medication and rehabilitation treatment to have a very high chance of cure.
Symptoms.
1.Walking inwards, often flattening the inner side of the shoe sole
2, often complaining of pain in the back of the calf
3.Lack of balance, stumbling, and therefore easily lose motivation and self-confidence when engaging in dynamic activities with peers
4.The structural abnormality of flat feet makes the crestal force uneven when standing and increases the chance of crestal scoliosis.
Physiotherapy interventions
1, tiptoe walking: at least 30 to 50 meters to increase myofascial tension.
2, toe twisting towel: twist the towel into a ball with the toes and then open it.
3.Stretching exercise: stand on the palms of your feet on a ladder with your ankles hanging in the air, relax your body weight naturally and pull on the Achilles tendon.
4.Ankle downward pressure: place the towel at the palm of the foot, pull the towel with both hands and press down on the ankle to train the strength of the posterior calf muscle.
5.Patching treatment: Use elastic, non-medicated muscle energy system patching to support the arch of the foot and promote the weaker foot muscles to generate strength and guide the correct way of walking.
Orthotic Insoles.
The orthopedic treatment will recommend to order a rigid insole with good foot support and wear it with shoes with a more stable and rigid heel; during the treatment, it should be worn daily and for a sufficient period of time, and with muscle exercise training, and regular follow-up visits are required every 3~4 months to understand the arch development and adjust the insole at the right time in order to achieve the best orthopedic treatment.
Early prevention.
1.Avoid prolonged standing and prolonged walking
2.Do more foot exercises
3.Avoid premature weight-bearing
4.Pay attention to weight
5.Select shoes carefully
Suggestions.
1.If you have flat feet, you should pay special attention to the development of your child’s feet.
2.Do not allow children under 10 months old to bear weight on their feet for a long time.
3.Avoid children under six years old at home or kindergarten
4. Expose children to nature more often to provide openness and more space for activities, and avoid learning inline skating and scooter games too early if the ligaments are lax and the feet have flat exostoses.