Treatment of flat feet (flat valgus foot) depends on the severity of the changes. Initially, changes in the shape and structure of the feet are more often perceived as an aesthetic defect, as they are painless in the initial stage. Pain symptoms appear and intensify with the progression of degenerative changes and deformation of the foot. The result of this process may be the lowering or even collapse of the natural arches of the foot - longitudinal and transverse. The set of symptoms known as the squamous valgus foot is a serious indication for treatment and should not be taken lightly.

Flat feetis a lowering of the natural arch of the foot. Each foot has a longitudinal and transverse arch. The first one runs along the medial edge of the foot, while the second one is located at the base of the toes. Flat feet can appear at any age, but in younger children it is most often a natural physiological change. In turn, in adults who have not struggled with such a problem before, it may be a symptom of degenerative-deforming changes.

Flat-foot (flat-valgus foot) - causes

Longitudinal flat feetis more common in children and is the result of insufficient or weak muscles and the capsular-ligament apparatus of the foot. The causes may also include abnormalities in the bone structure of the foot, additional tarsal bones or shortening of the Achilles tendon. Therefore, if no spontaneous correction is observed in a 5-6 year old child, an orthopedic doctor should be consulted.

Flat feet can be considered a stage or variant of the flat valgus foot, so the two terms are often used interchangeably.

In adults,transverse flat feetoccur more frequently, the source of which is the weakening of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot, which is a fire of the degenerative process. Such changes are more often observed in women and may be caused by hormonal fluctuations, genetic predispositions and the wearing of high-heeled shoes. The foot widens transversely, which changes its geometry and the system of muscle strength. The result may be the appearance of such ailments as hallux valgus, hammer fingers or metatarsalgia (chronic foot pain syndromes).

Flat foot (flat valgus foot) - treatment in children

Methodthe treatment of squamous valgus feet depends on the etiology of the problem. In children, the cause of flatfoot is usually a muscle-ligament insufficiency (the so-called static flat valgus foot), so treatment is aimed at strengthening the muscles of the feet and calves. Surgical treatment is not performed in the early stage. Conservative treatment, exercises, orthopedic insoles and the appropriate selection of footwear dominate.

In older children, whose bones are more mature, in cases of large defects accompanied by pain symptoms, surgical treatment may be considered, which consists in stiffening the calcane and ankle bones in the correct position. The procedure should always be considered when conservative treatment is unsuccessful. Otherwise, degenerative changes in the foot and pain syndromes with accompanying blisters and corns may develop.

Flat-foot (flat-valgus foot) - treatment in adults

The procedure is different in patients who have the problem of flat feet with age. This applies to cases where the feet were properly built, but the arch (usually longitudinal) of the foot was lowered and, as a consequence, secondary changes, such as hallux valgus, hammer toes or metatarsalgia developed.

Surgical treatment depends on the degree of deformity and consists in osteotomy, i.e. cutting the first metatarsal bone and narrowing the transverse dimension. Special insoles for shoes are also helpful in the correction of valgus-flat feet. Currently, they are made of modern materials and can be selected individually for each patient. The insoles passively support the longitudinal and transverse arch of the foot. There is no evidence that they permanently position and stabilize the ankle bone. It is not recommended to use the inserts as the basis for corrective actions, but only as a complementary treatment.

This will be useful to you

In order to strengthen the muscles of the legs and feet and prevent the occurrence of degenerations in the lower limbs:

  • tiptoe,
  • grab small objects with your toes,
  • walk on the outer edge of the foot,
  • walk barefoot on uneven surfaces (e.g. sand).

Flat-foot (flat-valgus foot) - when traditional treatment does not help

As the degeneration progresses, the pain increases and the feet get tired even with a little effort. There are also pathological changes in the entire bone and joint system of the foot. It usually also means circulatory disorders. Incorrect foot positioning affects the entire figure. Pain and deformities can also appear in the knees, hips, pelvis and the entire areaspine. In such cases, until recently, doctors proposed to patients an operation to fix the tarsal sinus, i.e. the ankle bone with the heel in the correct positioning, so as to recreate the longitudinal arch of the foot. Its effects are irreversible and, in addition, may cause loss of sensation in the lateral ankle area and relaxation of the sagittal muscles. The operation is associated with a long recovery period. Arthrodesis is also used in patients with deformation of the feet. This method involves inserting the implant into the outer tarsal bone.

Flat-foot (flat-valgus foot) - modern correction methods

One of the new methods of solving problems with displacement of the calcaneal joint are internal stabilizers (eg HyProCure). They do not block the joint, but stabilize the ankle bone and raise the tarsal sinus. Thanks to this, there is an immediate correction of the position of the rear part of the foot. There are also no restrictions on movement in the ankle joint.

The procedure is minimally invasive and the patient returns to normal walking within a few weeks. Usually, after a period of two months, you can play sports again and return to running training. The decision on the length of the recovery period is made by the attending physician.

Worth knowing

Stabilization of the foot with internal stabilizers is carried out in patients of various ages, most often over 12-14 years of age, although it also happens that in children under 10 years of age. It is allowed to use the implant from the age of 3. Patients with a dynamic form of deformity are eligible for the treatment.

Category:

Anatomy