Musculoskeletal system >>>> How does flat feet develop?

How does flat feet develop?

Our foot is a shock absorber that bounces when walking or running. The arch of the foot is raised in such a way that the ligamentous-muscular apparatus of the foot can withstand a certain load during movement (jumping, running or walking) and prevent it from spreading to the entire spinal column. Thus, the lower extremities take on the load from the movement of the human body when walking upright.

Due to a number of factors, the ligamentous-muscular apparatus of the foot weakens, and the arch of the foot drops. Springiness during movement disappears, there is no shock absorption, and this becomes the cause of a number of diseases not only of the lower extremities, but also of the spine.

How does flat feet develop? Flat feet are the result of excessive stress on the muscles and ligaments of the foot:

Too much body weight,
Lifting weights,
Incorrect positioning of the foot due to uncomfortable shoes,
Long standing on your feet,
Inherited predisposition,
Flat feet can develop in old age due to weakening of muscle tissue.

Flat feet can become an occupational disease if the work environment requires continuous standing.

Flat feet develops gradually, going through three stages, but progresses rapidly in the presence of aggravating factors.

Signs of flat feet:

At the initial stages of the development of flat feet, pain is not pronounced, the feet quickly get tired from walking and standing, and may swell.
At the second stage of flatfoot progression, pain in the foot develops during and after exertion. The person gets tired of walking and being on their feet.
The most severe stage of flat feet is the third, when pain in the foot becomes almost continuous, the pain extends to the entire limb (shins, knees hurt). Changes begin in the lumbosacral region of the spine. A person, trying to unload the foot, puts the leg incorrectly, as a result of which the gait changes, clubfoot develops, and the blood circulation of the limbs is disturbed. Problems begin with the selection of shoes.

How is flat feet treated? It is very important to capture the development of flat feet at the very beginning. Then it is possible to correct the position of the foot with orthopedic insoles. At the same time, procedures are carried out that strengthen the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the foot - therapeutic training of the foot, foot massage. Inflammatory processes in the ligaments and muscle tissue of the foot are removed.

At the subsequent stages of development of flat feet, its treatment requires surgical correction: plastics of the tendons, correction of the ligamentous apparatus, removal of the protruding part of the thumb bone. The transition to orthopedic shoes is possible.