Flat feet (pes planus) is also known as droopy foot. There are 26 different bones in the human foot and ankle and many joints that hold these bones together. Additionally, dozens of muscles, tendons and ligaments support the foot structure. When you look at an adult's foot from the sole, you can see longitudinal and horizontal depressions called foot arches. The structure of the foot arches determines how the load is distributed on a person's foot and its effect on walking. Belts need to be tough and flexible to accommodate stress and a variety of surfaces. Conditions where there are no or few foot arches are defined as flat feet. In the case of flat feet, this feature of the foot, which distributes the body weight to the ground from three points, is disrupted and some problems may occur due to the biomechanical changes that occur.
What are the Symptoms of Flat Feet?
Flat Feet. (pes planus) does not usually cause problems in children and adults. Flat feet, which generally do not constitute an obstacle for sports or any other activity, may persist until children reach a certain age. Symptoms;
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Pain
The most common symptom of flat feet is foot pain and pain in the calves caused by stretched muscles and ligaments. Abnormal stress on the knee and hip can also cause pain in these joints
Pains;
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Inside the ankle
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In the arches of the feet
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In the calves
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In the knee joints
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In the hip joints
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It can be felt in the waist.
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Shoes deform quickly
Flat feet Especially the inner sides of the shoes may wear out more quickly due to the deterioration of the proper footing.
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Quick fatigue of the legs
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Stiffness or numbness in the feet. feeling
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Swelling in the feet
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Crowns developing secondary to poor foot pressure
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Problems with walking or balance may also be encountered ir.
Flat feet in children
Flat feet, one of the most common orthopedic problems in children; Most of the time, it manifests itself as the arch that should be on the inside of the sole of the foot not being seen when the foot is under load, that is, when stepping on the ground, the heel facing outwards when viewed from behind, and the sole completely contacting the ground. Flat feet relates to the tissues and bones in the feet and lower legs. This is normal in babies and young children.
All babies are born with flat feet. Therefore, flat feet should not be feared at a very young age. However, after a certain age, the possibility of flexible flat feet increases, especially if there is a family history. Its prevalence in society is around 20-25 percent in adults.
Flexible flat feet, which are more common in children, do not usually cause a health problem. Parents should not worry in the first 5 years of age, when foot development is faster, but they should definitely consult an orthopedic and traumatologist to diagnose hard or flexible flat feet.
FLAT FOOT TREATMENT
Treatment of flat feet in babies and children
Hard flat feet in babies and children; It manifests itself at birth and causes the appearance of boat feet. Most of the time, it is caused by the malposition of one of the ankle bones (vertical talus) and may be accompanied by other disorders. Definitive diagnosis can be made during examination.
If hard flat feet are not treated, it can lead to permanent disability. When it is noticed, appropriate physiotherapy should be performed without wasting time. The sooner hard flat feet are detected and the sooner the treatment is started, the higher the chance of getting satisfactory results from the physiotherapy and splints applied. Treatments may be more complex for flat feet that are past their initial stages. Although flexible flat feet, which are more common in society, are not a problem that requires intervention most of the time, it is still necessary to consult an orthopedics and traumatology specialist to distinguish between flexible and rigid flat feet.
Flexible flat feet It is not possible to correct it with treatment. If flexible flat feet are not very severe, they may resolve spontaneously as foot development is completed. In the past, traditionally therapeutic insoles, orthopedic shoes and exercises were recommended. However, scientific research; It shows that the insoles, boots and exercises used do not have a corrective effect on flexible flat feet. Insoles, orthopedic boots and physiotherapy seriously improve the person's quality of life. In addition, the severity of flexible flat feet can vary. In severe cases, a protrusion may be seen on the inside of the foot. This area may be affected by shoes and calluses may occur. Insoles or orthopedic shoes can be used to prevent these. When a child is diagnosed with flexible flat feet, it is often sufficient to follow him/her with physiotherapy until the age of 7-8 without the need for any intervention. The severity of flexible flat feet may be greater in children who have complaints such as getting tired easily. In such complaints, the use of insoles and physiotherapy are required. Although flexible flat feet do not require surgical treatment most of the time, the physician may decide to perform surgery in very advanced cases.
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