Treatment of flat feet

Flat feet are a foot deformity that is accompanied by the lowering of one or two natural arches. The longitudinal arch runs from the big toe to the heel, and the transverse arch runs from the little toe to the little toe.

This shape of the foot helps a person maintain balance and provides cushioning when walking, running, and jumping. Lowering the arches leads to an increase in the load on the musculoskeletal system. This increases the risk of joint damage, vascular diseases, spinal curvature, and chronic leg pain.

Oxford Medical employs experienced orthopedists and traumatologists who diagnose and treat flat feet in both adults and children. You should consult a specialist at the first signs of the disease - in this case, treatment may be easier and more effective.

Children's feet only develop their correct shape at the age of 5-6. At birth, the arch is almost invisible due to a large layer of subcutaneous fat tissue. They gradually increase as the child grows. The presence of congenital pathologies can disrupt this process and lead to the development of flat feet.

To ensure the correct formation of the feet, it is recommended that children be examined by an orthopedist at the age of 3-6 years. If flat feet are detected, treatment should be started immediately to prevent complications.

At an early age, the feet are more flexible, which often allows the anatomically correct shape to be restored using conservative methods – wearing arch supports and orthopedic shoes, massages, and therapeutic physical training.

In addition to congenital anatomical abnormalities, the causes of foot deformities in both adults and children can include:

• muscular dystrophy;
• rickets;
• polio;
• obesity;
• weak muscle tone in the feet and lower legs;
• tendon rupture in the legs;
• improper healing of fractures;
• prolonged or excessive stress on the legs;
• wearing shoes that are too small, with the wrong insole, or with high heels.

First of all, flat feet are classified according to which arch of the foot is lowered. Accordingly, the following types are distinguished:

• Longitudinal flat feet – the arch that runs from the big toe to the heel is reduced, making the foot wider.
• Transverse flatfoot – the arch located from the big toe to the little toe drops, and the foot slightly increases in length.
• Combined, or longitudinal-transverse flatfoot – accompanied by a simultaneous lowering of both arches.

Also, depending on the presence of changes in the bone structures of the foot, flatfoot can be:

• Anatomical – accompanied by a physiologically incorrect position of the bones of the foot.
• Functional – develops mainly due to low tone or pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system.
• There are also different types of flat feet depending on the main cause of development: congenital, traumatic, static, rachitic, paralytic, etc.

Transverse flatfoot has four stages:

• The first stage – the angle between the metatarsal bones of the first and second toes is 10-12°, and the angle of deviation of the big toe is 15 to 20°.
• The second stage – the first angle increases to 15°, and the second to 30°.
• The third stage – the angles are 20° and 40°, respectively.
• The fourth stage – the angles exceed 20° and 40°.

The angle of the longitudinal arch of the foot is normally 125-130°, and the height of the arch is more than 35 mm. With this type of flatfoot, there are 3 stages:

• The first stage – the angle of the arch increases to 140°, and the height of the arch decreases to 25 mm.
• The second stage – the arch angle is between 141 and 150°, and its height is between 24 and 17 mm. At this stage, signs of arthrosis of the tarsal-navicular joint may appear.
• The third stage – the arch angle is over 155°, and the height is less than 17 mm. Osteoarthritis can spread to all joints of the foot.

In the early stages, flat feet are almost imperceptible. Discomfort may only appear after long walks or standing on your feet, as well as when pressing your fingers on the arch of the foot.

In stage 2, leg pain, changes in gait, and poor posture may appear. In stages 3 and 4, the shape of the feet changes significantly, causing walking and even standing for short periods of time to be very uncomfortable. At this stage, there is a high risk of complications.

Comprehensive treatment is recommended for flat feet. Depending on the degree of deformation, the patient may be prescribed:

• wearing arch supports made from an individual cast of the feet;
• wearing orthopedic shoes – they provide rigid fixation and maximum support for the feet, which contributes to the correct formation of the arches;
• therapeutic exercise;
• foot massage;
• physiotherapy and drug therapy to eliminate pain and treat complications or concomitant pathologies.

In most cases, flat feet can be treated conservatively, although it may take a long time to achieve a significant effect.

Surgical treatment is rarely used, mainly for congenital forms of flat feet, when there are structural changes in the bone tissue of the foot.

Oxford Medical is a modern medical center with experienced orthopedic traumatologists and expert-class equipment. The clinic has everything you need for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of flat feet and other musculoskeletal disorders.

To make an appointment with an orthopedic traumatologist, call our contact center or leave a request on the website.

Flat feet are a serious physiological disorder. The arches of the foot provide a cushioning function and evenly distribute the load on the entire musculoskeletal system. A slight lowering of the arches may not cause discomfort and remain unnoticed for a long time, while a significant deformation leads to pain in the legs, a change in gait and other complications.

With flat feet, the load on the spine increases, as well as the ankle, knee and hip joints, which increases the wear of cartilage tissues.

This increases the risk of developing:

• joint diseases;
• heel spurs;
• changes in gait;
• deterioration of posture and curvature of the spine;
• varicose veins and other vascular pathologies.