Flat feet is a disease that leads to a change in the arch of the foot. This can happen for various reasons. Doctors say that most often this happens due to the development of civilization. Previously, mostly children ran barefoot on grass, sand, and earth. Thus, they perfectly trained the muscles and ligaments of the legs, which made it possible for the normal formation of the arch of the foot. Now, early wearing of shoes and a flat floor lead to flat feet. But don't worry. This ailment can be corrected, it is important to consult an orthopedist in time for a consultation.
There are several types of this disease: transverse, longitudinal flat feet, longitudinal-transverse flat feet or combined flat feet. Most often, the hereditary nature of the disease is to blame. Weakness of the ligaments leads to a violation of the formation of the arch of the foot. But everything can be blamed for excessive physical activity or its complete absence. Diseases associated with endocrine or connective tissue disorders can also lead to flat feet. But it is more important not to determine the causes, since they can interact in a complex, but to start a timely correction.
The transverse flatfoot is manifested by a number of symptoms: fatigue by the end of the working day, burning in the lower leg, pain in the feet, cramps. If treatment is not started at this stage, the disease progresses. After that, discomfort begins to appear in the hip and knee joints. In the future, this can lead to the development of arthrosis.
X-ray will help determine the transverse flatfoot. A photo can also give a picture of the development of the disease, but will not give an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, the orthopedist may ask you to walk around the office. So he will analyze your gait. Visually, the foot looks flattened. In the future, the deformation of the first toe occurs and such a defect as a "bone" appears. In the future, it can seriously disrupt the biomechanics of the entire musculoskeletal system.
How is transverse flatfoot treated? It all depends on the stage of the disease. Conservative methods often help. They consist in the use of special corrective insoles or orthopedic shoes. It is important to reduce the load on the feet. If overweight is to blame, then you need to reduce it. If bursitis or arthrosis is already manifesting, then
doctor prescribes drugs to reduce inflammation. To slow down the development of flat feet, you can use physiotherapy, massage, and special exercises. This will help improve the condition of the muscles, and, therefore, will stop the process of foot deformity.
In severe cases, carry outsurgical intervention. It is very traumatic, so it is used only when conservative methods have not helped, and the pain has become acute. During the operation, the surgeon removes the deformed bone, restores the joint capsule and tendons. But given the long rehabilitation period and the possibility of repeated deformation of the finger, surgery is not the best way to treat. Transverse flat feet is, first of all, in the weakness of the ligaments and muscles. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in time if foot pain appears and start timely treatment.
