Transverse flatfoot is a flattening of the foot, in which it is in contact with the floor. This pathology occurs with weak muscles. A similar problem can appear if there are ailments of an acquired or congenital nature. Pathology is diagnosed most often in 30-50 years.
Characteristic
The transverse flatfoot is manifested by the deformity of the foot. Characterized by the fact that the tendons change their position. The metatarsal bone loses its integrity, and the frame that holds it in the desired position is deformed.
This pathology is considered common. Although it is usually diagnosed in middle-aged and elderly people, it also occurs in adolescents. If left untreated, the disease can develop into arthrosis.
The described problem is characterized by an incorrect position of the first finger. It should be noted that the pathology also affects the spine and internal organs.
The disease affects the condition of the veins, can cause swelling. In advanced cases, flat feet cancause disability or death.
Reasons
The causes of the development of transverse flat feet are various genetic problems, such as muscle weakness or excess weight. Provoking factors should be called even such simple nuances as wearing low-quality and tight shoes.
Often, this disease affects the legs of pregnant women due to the increased load on the limbs.
Symptoms
People who suffer from this pathology may experience swelling and fatigue, especially if they exercise or carry weights. You need to pay attention to the fact that there is no pain between the first and second toe on the foot.
If we talk about more pronounced symptoms, then there may be cramps at night, the foot expands, there is a burning sensation in the calf, it is difficult to find comfortable shoes, it is difficult to walk. There will also be constant pain in the legs.
Symptoms of transverse flat feet increase gradually. At first, only pain appears, then discomfort when walking, any shoes with a narrow toe bring discomfort. The joints of the foot begin to work poorly, the cartilage will grow.
Development of disease
First, the deviation of the finger inward by 20 degrees is fixed. The skin is irritated, reddens. The pain usually gets worse in the evening. Up to 4 toes may thicken.
The second stage is characterized by a deviation of up to 40 degrees. A person can performbone, in the place of which there is a burning sensation and pain. Calluses form. It becomes difficult for a person to stand in one place for a long time, as the muscles begin to weaken.
Classification
Doctors distinguish several degrees of this problem. Let's take a look at each one.
- During stage 1, the first finger does not move, but the skin begins to thicken. The deviation is about 20 degrees. 10 degrees is considered normal.
- 2 degree is manifested in the fact that the thumb begins to deviate slightly to the side. Gradually, the bone is formed. Deviation from 20 to 40 degrees.
- 3 degree is characterized by the fact that the thumb is strongly deflected and presses the second. Over time, the latter will begin to rise and lie down on the first. If at this stage the transverse flatfoot is not cured, then the 3rd and 4th fingers will be involved in this process.
- 4 degree of the disease is a problem in which the deviation of the finger is 40 degrees. A person's gait turns into a duck, as this is how you can achieve less stress on sore fingers.
In addition to this classification, several other types of diseases are also distinguished depending on the etiological factor.
- Statistical disease. This variety is the most common, as it occurs in 80% of cases. As a rule, either genetics or hard work leads to it.
- Rachitic. This problem occurs due to a lack of vitamin D. This disease is quiterare.
- Traumatic longitudinal-transverse flatfoot occurs after injuries of the lower extremities.
- A congenital problem is rare and can only be diagnosed after the child is 2 years old. This is due to the fact that all babies have a thickened foot, so it is quite difficult to see the problem.
Diagnosis
Next, we will describe methods that will determine the presence of a similar problem in children and adults. First you need to study the medical history of the patient and his relatives. Considering that longitudinal-transverse flat feet can be inherited, this aspect is very important. It is also necessary to analyze the life of the patient, that is, to identify factors that could influence and provoke the development of this problem. Next, you need to perform a physical examination: to assess exactly how the fingers are deformed and what are the volumes of the bump. It is important to palpate, while monitoring the reaction of the person.
After that, you need to interview the patient in detail in order to understand what symptoms are present. If we talk about instrumental diagnostics, then MRI, CT and radiography are used. Sometimes, for diagnosis, you have to turn to specialists such as a phlebologist and a neurologist. You will not need to do general blood, feces and urine tests, as they do not bring any information.
Treatment
In order to quickly get rid of the symptoms of transverse flatfoot, treatment must be highly effective. It should be notedthat this disease is irreversible, that is, all the changes that have occurred with the foot cannot be corrected. At the moment, those medicines or devices that will restore tone and connective tissue have not been developed.
If the disease is at stage 1 or 2, then the patient is prescribed massage, special insoles and interdigital rollers, physiotherapy exercises, which will strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the foot, physiotherapy, as well as taking medications to relieve the inflammatory process and get rid of unpleasant symptoms. Such methods will not give a complete treatment of transverse flatfoot, however, they will prevent a quick transition from one stage to another.
When it comes to treatment at home, it is necessary to use baths. You can make them from chamomile and linden (they will help get rid of pain), sea s alt (it eliminates puffiness), sage, and essential oils.
Compresses from propolis, badyagi, iodine and so on are well suited. Each patient will have their own individual exercise therapy, it should be based entirely on the symptoms and severity of the disease.
The most effective for everyone is walking on the outside of the foot, while the toes should be bent. You need to constantly squeeze and unclench them, then rotate your foot. The legs must be connected and rotated in front of you, then the left foot must be brought behind the right and vice versa. You should also pick up various objects with your fingers. A great way is to take the pencil with your finger and write something.
In the event that the pain syndrome is veryserious and strong, and a person has a deformity of the foot, an operation is performed. Often female representatives resort to this procedure. This is due to a cosmetic defect. Treatment can take place on bones and tissues. This operation is called an osteotomy. It involves cutting off the lump and moving the tendons. However, after the operation is done, it is necessary to provide rest to the feet, wear special wide shoes, go for massage, exercise and use orthoses.
Prevention
In adults, transverse flatfoot is a complex disorder that affects the function of the entire lower limb. Most of the patients do not pay attention to it, trying to be treated on their own, this leads to severe disorders. However, it should be noted that if earlier such a problem appeared only in old age, now people of 40-50 years old can already have a bone, pain in the feet and constant swelling of the legs with fatigue. That is why it is important to prevent this problem.
You need to constantly perform exercises that will strengthen muscles and ligaments. If a person has already reached middle age, then you need to constantly monitor all overloads that may occur. Be sure to monitor your weight and burn extra calories. Shoes should be as comfortable as possible. On vacation outside the city, it is better to walk without shoes or in wide and comfortable sneakers. Also, do not forget about the use of arch supports, self-massage, as well as the formation of the correct gait.
Forecast
If you start treating transverse flat feet, the photo of which is presented in the article, at the very beginning of the development of the disease, you can avoid unpleasant consequences. In this case, the prognosis of treatment will be as favorable as possible. Thanks to conservative methods of treatment, it is possible to prevent the transition of the problem to the third and fourth stages. After the operation is performed, patients will be able to work again in a few months.
Compresses and lotions
Often, in the initial stages, people treat transverse flat feet at home. Lotions and compresses will be most useful. However, you need to understand that it is best to combine them with a conservative method of treatment, which will achieve the best result. Wormwood should be used, which must be washed and tied to sore feet. Also, such a tool will get rid of pain in case of dislocations, sprains and damage to the limb itself.
In order to reduce the pain of the described problem, you can use an excellent mixture, which consists of iodine and citric acid. Proportion 1:1. You should also add two aspirin tablets. In this case, iodine should be used only three percent, otherwise a burn cannot be avoided. In order to get at least some result, you need to do the procedure 3 days in a row. After that, you should rest for a week.
Herbal baths
To avoid symptoms and treat cross-sectionalflat feet, the photo of which is given in the article, you can use herbal baths. Especially those that are combined with sea s alt will help. If all baths are prepared correctly, they will help reduce pain and strengthen bones. The muscles will also expand. It is necessary to take warm water in the amount of 1 liter, dilute one tablespoon of s alt and herbs in it. Next, you need to put your feet in it and hold for about 20 minutes. After that, you should wipe your feet and grease them with a fat cream. Such a procedure will allow you to get rid of pain, as well as at the initial stage of the development of the disease, return the shape of the fingers.
Also, baths can be made from sage, linden, chamomile and so on. Contrast baths are especially helpful. You can use two water containers with warm and cold water.
Results
It must be said that a problem such as transverse flatfoot must be treated in the early stages. It is best to try to prevent the development of the disease. To do this, wear comfortable shoes, special insoles, and avoid wearing shoes with large heels. It should be noted that the problem most often affects women, since it is they who wear uncomfortable shoes. In order not to have a cosmetic defect, you must immediately consult a doctor. You can use conservative and traditional methods at the same time, so you can achieve the maximum effect from therapy.
