Flat feet, early detection and early correction, be careful of flat feet in infancy!

Flat feet are not uncommon in life, but I believe many people do not know why a small arch of the foot affects the body's posture and motor function, and what bad habits can cause flat feet in babies. Let's unveil the mystery of flat feet below.

Function of the arch of the foot

The inner and middle parts of the soles of most people's feet bulge upward, forming two vertical and horizontal arches. Although the arch of the foot seems to be dispensable, in fact, this small arch has great uses.

First, when the foot lands, the softness of the arch adapts to different road surfaces. When the foot leaves the ground, the toughness of the arch has a certain elastic thrust, which makes the load of the human body borne by the foot be dispersed from the top of the arch to the forefoot and hindfoot. In addition, the arch of the foot has a shock-absorbing function, protecting the internal organs during movement, especially protecting the brain from frequent shocks.

Flat feet, can't run fast

In life, not everyone has two vertical and horizontal arches. About 7% of people have flat feet. These flat feet are called flat feet.

People with flat feet have little impact in childhood, but when they reach adolescence or middle age or become obese, they will find that their feet will become tired and painful after standing or walking for a period of time.

Bones are the first line of defense that constitutes the arch of the foot, and ligaments are the second line of defense. Flat feet do not have an advantage in these two lines of defense, so muscles become the third line of defense to maintain the arch of the foot, and also the most important line of defense. Therefore, actively exercising the foot and calf muscle strength, especially the tibialis posterior muscle strength, can improve the condition of arch collapse. However, if the arch of the foot has lost its elasticity or has collapsed, it is not suitable to do excessive running or jumping.

If babies walk too early, they may develop flat feet

During infancy, the bones contain more gelatin and less calcium, making them soft and easily deformed, especially the lower limb muscles and the small muscle groups that maintain the arch of the foot, which are not yet fully developed. If parents let their children learn to walk too early, the weight of the body will inevitably increase the burden on the spine and lower limbs. Over time, it will easily cause the spine and lower limbs to deform, forming a hunchback, "X"-shaped legs and "O"-shaped legs, affecting the beauty of the body and easily forming flat feet.

Congenital flat feet can be observed after the baby starts walking. Generally speaking, infants and young children have plump feet and most of them have flat feet, which is normal. As children grow older, the muscles in their feet gain strength and an arch forms. When a child is 3 years old, you can already see a relatively obvious arch of the foot. If the sole of the foot is still flat at this time, it may be flat feet.

Therefore, if parents find that their baby still often walks with an unstable posture, easily becomes weak and tired in the feet, or does not like to walk after the baby is 3 years old, they should take the baby to the hospital orthopedic department for treatment as soon as possible.

Causes and functional exercises of flat feet

Physiological flat feet may be related to being overweight, wearing hard-soled shoes and high heels, involuntary walking too early, calcium deficiency and genetics. It can be corrected slowly while observing the child before he is 5 years old.

①In addition to adjusting eating habits and calcium supplementation, parents can also train their children to use their big toes and index toes to pinch things, or do tiptoe exercises to promote the development of the arch of the foot. If the Achilles tendon is contracted, it is advisable to massage the Achilles tendon every day.

②At the same time, avoid letting your children wear hard-soled shoes or high-heeled shoes. The sole should be of medium hardness and it is best to buy a looser one.

③However, for obvious flat feet, it is recommended to go to the hospital to measure the arch of the foot first, and then customize shoes or insoles suitable for the foot shape according to the specific situation.