Flat feet in children. How to treat in the 3-5, 10-12 and older. Causes, symptoms, how to determine the diagnosis, advice for parents, prevention and treatment

According to medical statistics, in the first year of life are often found in children predisposed to flat feet. How is the flattening of the arches of the foot, the parents should be aware of all the details in order to control the duration of the correction process.

The causes of flat feet in children

Factors hindering the normal development of the foot:

• genetic abnormalities associated with improper development of the connective tissue on a background of other disorders of the musculoskeletal system;
• Ankle injuries, tarsal (collectively foot bones);
• torn ligaments, tendons on the arch;
• paralysis of muscles of the foot and lower leg;
• rickets, which distorts the structure of bone and ligament tissue due to deficiency of vitamin D3.

Over 80% of cases of childhood foot deformities, it loses its damping ability is associated with obesity, incorrectly selected footwear, age inappropriate physical exertion.

Types of flat feet in children

Flattening of the arch is a congenital or acquired.

In addition, the disease is classified by type of extension of the foot:

• longitudinal - at heel-axis fingers;
• cross - along the line along the base of the fingers;
• combined - simultaneously in two directions.

The degree of severity of flatfoot

Ploskovalgusnaya inexorably deformation progresses without proper treatment:

• Grade I - weakly expressed. The normal shape of the foot become swollen, aching after walking, but after a rest restored. The height of the arch - 25-35 mm.
• Grade II - intermittent. Feet markedly enlarged, longitudinal and / or transverse arches lowered to 25-17 mm, and their height noticeable decrease in the evening; disturbed gait, clubfoot occurs; due to the deformation of large joints pain becomes longer, it extends to the knee.
• Grade III - height of the arch is less than 17 mm, there is a flat-valgus curvature of the foot with a support on the inside, all disease of the musculoskeletal system; higher pain intensity, tolerability of the minimum load.

Features of the development of the disease in children 3-5, 10-12 years

Up to 3-year-old age foot baby still has no lifts in the core zone. Weak muscles, ligaments, bones may not form strong vaults. Flat feet in children, how to treat it - this problem occurs in 4-5 years, when the kids are already active and moves a lot.

Normally, exercise, weight gain strengthen the muscles, ligaments, stimulate the formation of the longitudinal and transverse arches. If the baby's feet suffered from congenital or acquired negative factors, the foot can not acquire the damping properties.

4-5 years old baby diagnosed with "flat feet", because he was limping, turns the foot, is not capable of running on a par with their peers, constantly complains of fatigue. Flat feet in children, how to treat it should be solved in the 7 years of age, because in the next period from 10 to 12 years without corrective measures the deformation is aggravated to the III degree.

Observed lowering of the foot inside the expressed X-shaped curvature in the toe area of ​​valgus type. At the same time a deviation of thumbs inside, and articular bones at their base - outside. hocks head overgrown layers of cartilage, resulting in protrusion of the bumps. Vtesnennye from his seat thumbs lie overlapped on neighboring.

The absence of depreciation in undeveloped arches increases the load on hip joints and spine, which provokes pain in this area.

complications of the disease

Treatment of flat feet in children, both in time and well-organized set of corrective actions, protect against fatal complications:

• heel offset inward (varus) outward (valgus);
• neuritis, spurs, corns;
• degenerative and dystrophic changes in the leg joints in the form of arthrosis, arthritis;
• curvature of the spine (scoliosis), intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis;
• constant pain in the locomotor system, waist, back, head.

symptoms

Flatfoot signs that should alert parents:

• complaints of fatigue, pain in the legs, not only after running, but after walking, prolonged standing;
• Erasing the inside edges of the shoe, the emergence of resistant corns, indicating improper tilt stop development;
• lameness;
• a decrease in the evening normal instep.

To what doctor to carry a child?

The first doctor who will advise about flat feet, will be a pediatrician. Based on the history of development of the child, his complaints, visual inspection he evaluates pre-clinical picture and make a decision about the direction of a specialist.

How to treat flat feet in children in each case, decide to orthopedic surgeons. other specialized doctors, to whose competence can be brought are the reasons which provoked the disease.

Independently determine the child's flat feet

At 5 years of age signs of deformation of the baby will be visible even parents with no medical training. The most significant is the imprint of a foot. For this sole lubricated with sunflower oil or watercolor paint and ask the kid to stand half a minute on plain paper.

Halfway between fingerprints need to draw a vertical axis of symmetry. From it to the narrowest place of the shaded line is laid perpendicular to the outer edge of prints.

Compare simple:

• NOT, the horizontal segment in the zone longer than dyed, then rise sufficiently high;
• shaded area wider vault means omitted;
• imprinted completely the entire foot, then the maximum degree of flattening.

Transverse deformation in this manner is difficult to detect. This type of flatfoot is noticeable when the foot is already expanded in the anterior and any problems with footwear.

Methods for clinical diagnosis

In the children's diagnosis of flatfoot is used several methods:

• podography using shoes with sensitive contacts fixes straightness of movement, the rotation angle of the foot, the step width, the length of each of its phases;
• Electromyography examines the activity of muscle tone;
• computer testing when walking barefoot on a special platform tracks the biomechanics of movement.

If the doctor is not enough of these methods is assigned to X-rays.

Orthopedic pads for flat feet

Flat feet in children, how to treat it without surgery - this task is realized in orthopedic mats: made of soft rubber for toddlers up to 3 years, from more elastic silicone or natural pebbles for older children. In the first case they are used prophylactically, in the second - with the correction.

Colorful, bright products are manufactured in different variations in size, shape, number of massage bumps and lint. Mats can be joined to each other like a puzzle, creating a long track with alternating small and large relief. The bedroom baby orthopedic blocks combined in outdoor carpet.

An important point - the child must not be hurt. Before choosing orthopedic products should consult with your doctor what type and height of the corrugations of the feet correspond to the particular case.

Walking, jogging on orthopedic mats need to spend at least 5-10 minutes. daily. 1-1,5 years to strengthen the muscles, ligaments and joints. A child accustomed to the rhythmic movements to get rid of pain, swelling, seizures. Orthopedic mats give their part of the effect in the framework of a comprehensive program of prescribed treatment.

Orthopedic shoes

Correcting children's shoes for a day keeps the musculoskeletal system in a natural position. This prevents the vessels are pressed, do not accumulate edema, increased resistance to walking feet load.

Shoes need to choose according to strict criteria:

• natural material (leather, suede, nubuck, textile combination with skin), a non-toxic coloring;
• tough ankle boots above the ankle to ensure the correct position of the heel, the ankle joint;
• Only the outer seams;
• soft edging top, internal softeners laterally as protection against chafing;
• tight fixation of the foot straps, velcro;
• interior space, allowing to place the insoles, arch supports desired crimp height;
• Thomas heel - wide, evenly distribute the load, with extended inner side, not allowing zavalivanija, torsion;
• sole - resilient, with a roll for correct gait not slippery, harmless (Tehnogel polyurethane, TPE termokauchukovaya, ethylene vinyl acetate EVA);
• holes for air access, at the heel side flap;
• margin length of no more than 1 cm.

The child must feel comfortable in corrective shoes at home and on the street. Greater comfort is achieved through tailor-made in-ear arch support. shaped arches right under these conditions.

Quality orthopedic model for all seasons Turkish companies produce TM «Ortopedia», Minimen; Russian - Totti, Skorokhod, Orthodontist. In compliance with all requirements for orthopedics price of these brands lower than in Europe. Wearing special shoes should be combined with walks barefoot on loose surfaces - sand small smooth stones.

massage treatment

Adjustment massage gives a significant positive children, as their skeletal system is still said to have cured. In the case of congenital pathology can start with 1.5-2 months. For children with mild strain will take at least 12 sessions a day, with heavy violations - not less than 20. They are held on 7-20 minutes. twice a day, at the rate of 1 for every quarter of the year.

Massage causes a surge of blood to the soft and hard tissues, providing them with food, the oxygen saturation. The impact of his hands, massage mats, balls activates the lymph flow, exempting edema, stasis. Massage improves metabolism, transmission of neural signals, tones and calms the motor muscles, strengthens the joints, relieves pain.

Parents can only perform simple massage, which is taught at the orthopedist. For complex deformations involving the foot and other departments, rely on the child's health can only be experienced masseurs who know the anatomy of the feet, skillfully control the force of pressing and reaction patient.

Professional treatments start from the back, where the focus ganglia. Next treated whole surface of the thighs, drumsticks and the end - of the foot.

At home, the following methods are permitted manual massage:

• baby in a horizontal position to carry out rubbing, patting, stroking of each leg from the ankle to the groin, t. e. from the periphery to the center;
• from the toes to the ankle held circular rubbing movements of the fingertips;
• alternately soles rub transversely palm edge;
• clenched fist ridge tiles make embossing upward movement of the arch;
• alternately lifting the baby legs bent at the knee, massage the heel and underside of the fingers of both hands, thumbs resting on the arch of the foot.

The intensity of the pressure should not cause pain.

Physiotherapy

Flat feet in children, how to treat and prevent, manage with the help of daily exercise. The complex is made individually orthopedic surgeon and a doctor of physical therapy. In the first year of life passive gymnastics - with the help of my mother's hands.

LFK basis constitute proven long practice exercises:

1. Sitting to approve the heel on the floor. Synchronously prim and relax the fingers on both feet.
2. Complicating the task fingers bomber fabric grab small objects from the floor, and rearranged.
3. Ride round the whole foot smooth stick ball.
4. The thumb of the left foot to hold up and down the right lower leg. Repeat, changing legs.
5. Sitting on the floor with arms and legs spread to rotate the feet to the right, then to the left.
6. Stand up, hands on his belt, feet slightly apart. Several times to get up on your toes, drop the whole foot. then swing from heel to toe.
7. Sound like a domestic, then at the outer edges of the feet.
8. Walk sideways down the long narrow strips or a rope laid on the floor.

Charging will start with 3-4 reps, adding weekly 1. Under the cheerful music of 10-20 minutes of gymnastics will be much more interesting.

Physiotherapy

Effectively complement the treatment program ploskovalgusnoy foot:

• electrical;
• electrophoresis;
• magnetic therapy;
• shock wave therapy (SWT);
• paraffin, ozokeritnye applications.

Electrical stimulation is performed weak currents. On their feet are fixed contacts, during a session you can see contraction of the muscles that will support the arches and the whole foot. The procedure takes a few minutes, its parameters are prescribed individually. They spend an average of 10 sessions in a day.

Electrophoresis uses currents to transport drugs into the inner tissues. Drugs are prescribed individually. For children suffering from transverse deformation of vascular clamping, suitable Trental. It activates blood circulation and lymph flow, is struggling with edema inflammation. Frequently used drugs with calcium.

A bandage impregnated with medicine applied to the foot, is placed on top plate electrode. 5-10 minutes necessary zone saturates therapeutic substances.

when magnetic therapy on his feet are fixed coils - coil, creating a magnetic field due to the applied pulse current. 12-15 sessions of 20-30 minutes. tissue activates all processes necessary to build muscle, strengthen the ligaments and cartilage, forming the right foot.

UHT - treatment of low-frequency acoustic waves. Pulse action creates a series of blows to the tight junctions such as salts, improves blood circulation, metabolism, cell renewal. 5 treatments carried out once a week for 15-30 minutes.

Paraffin, ozokeritnye packs deep warm up the lower parts of the limbs, improving blood circulation, metabolism, eliminating the inflammation and pain. The procedure lasts about one hour. 15-20 course sessions are conducted daily or every other day.

manual therapy

The purpose vertebrologist - indent osteochondral apparatus, releasing the clamped blood vessels, nerves, soft tissues. During 10-15 sessions happening systematic impact her hands not only on foot but also on the points of the body that affect the condition of the feet.

While some muscles relax after removal of excessive load, others are activated for use, the bone is prepared a normal motility, leave pain. Relive circulation in large and small vessels creates the conditions for tissue regeneration, improving strength tendons and ligaments.

Hirudotherapy

Applying pure medicinal leech helps to cope with arthritic, arthritic changes in joints:

• increased blood flow;
• increases local immunity;
• resolves inflammation;
• recovering the energy potential of the cells;
• formed elastic structure;
• pain disappears.

The beneficial effect of hirudotherapy is based on the enrichment of blood enzymes contained in leeches. Bloodsuckers applied on several pieces on the affected joint, lump, swelling and painful place. Often a sense of relief after the first session. At the discretion of the physician assigned to 10 treatments. After 2-2.5 months of a course may be repeated.

Hirudotherapy can be used, if necessary, in early childhood, but it is preferable to 10 years, when the body's response to enzymes is more predictable.

Operation

Flat feet in children how to treat a high degree of deformation, the X-shaped curvature - these tasks are operative by:

• elongation, reduction, strengthening the tendons;
• plastic metatarsal (finger) bones;
• artroerez subtalar joint - setting 1-1,5 years for the formation of the inner arch support right heel position.

By resorting operations no earlier than 8 years of age, but not later than 17 years. This period is considered optimal because the immune system has been formed it is sufficient, and the plasticity of bone even allows you to adjust their position.

Rehabilitation is similar to the program of the conservative therapy. For a long time, the child is established regime, including physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, nutrition, wearing orthopedic shoes.

Forecast for flat feet in children

Ploskovalgusnaya deformation is curable in the early stages - mild, moderate. In severe pathogenesis of degenerative and dystrophic changes affect the area of ​​the spine, so guarantees a full recovery medicine does not. Although always a chance for a miracle.

Prevention of flatfoot child

About correct gait need to take care before the baby began to walk. To this end, after six months and a year after the birth it must examine an orthopedist or surgeon. Experienced eye specialist can see even subtle background to the disease.

At an early age it is important to prevent rickets. For this purpose, a child needs to be getting enough vitamin D. Sunlight penetrates the skin during the walks, provides a natural synthesis of vitamin. In the cold time of year deficit overcast reimburses pharmaceutical counterpart. His dosage appoint a pediatrician.

It can not be too soon to encourage the baby to an independent sitting, standing, walking. The body is more visible when the soft and hard tissue will be ready for such a load. The most significant period for ploskovalgusnyh change - 3-7 years. At this age, at least once in 1-2 months should be done at home test prints by visual comparison of the symmetry of the legs in the standing position.

Child nutrition is also essential in the prevention of distortion. Baby should be fed, but without over-eating and fat accumulation.

Growing body to build new, durable fabrics are needed in full:

• proteins;
• fats;
• carbohydrates;
• vitamins;
• minerals.

Especially recommended for children all kinds of dairy products. They supply a large number of protein and calcium, the molecules of which are embedded in the collagen-elastin fibers, bone and cartilage structure of the joints and strengthen them.

For the proper formation of useful brake light meats and fish, beans, buckwheat, rich in proteins. Food products need a high collagen content, gelling agents - jellied beef tails, Shanks, desserts with natural gelatin.

Fruits, vegetables, grains, rich in complex carbohydrates, provide a lot of energy cells. In contrast, fast carbs of baking, sweets, sugary drinks contribute to the accumulation of body fat, so eating sweets must be limited.

Recommendations to parents for the prevention and treatment of flat feet in children

Protect children from possible deformation stop physical activity, comfortable shoes, walking barefoot. Parents should help the child to develop the correct posture and gait - to learn to keep your back flat, toes forward oriented, not overwhelm foot sideways.

It is necessary to give the child the opportunity to at least part of the day to go home without shoes, suit him walk barefoot on the beach, health trails where various alternate uneven surfaces of natural materials, bridges in the form of logs or stretched rope.

Parents need to choose a comfortable everyday shoe that does not press, not hanging on her leg. Required heel height of 1/14 of the length of the foot, the protrusion under the insole to maintain the arch. You can invest springy, elastic insoles Bykov. They work like springs in the vehicle, activating the work of ligament-muscular system and preventing tired feet.

Understanding the parents the importance of prevention and early treatment of flat feet in children, according to podiatrists, will significantly reduce the morbidity statistics.

Video of flat feet in children, its causes, symptoms and treatments

Dr. Komarovsky on child flatfoot:

How to recognize a child's flat feet, expert advice: