picture of the right foot

Narrated by. Maxim Banetsky, orthopedic traumatologist and expert in the program 'Symptoms' with Olga Lisakova on the Doctor channel.

In a Paket

The main cause of flat feet is a weakening of the ligaments of the foot. Normally, when the foot strikes, the heel is slightly stretched outward, while in the middle part the foot, as it were, collapses inward, and then the heel returns to its original position with the help of the ligaments. However, if the ligaments are too stretchy, they cannot return the foot to the correct position, leading to the development of flat feet.

This problem often manifests itself in childhood. The fact is that we are all born with flat feet and proper arch development develops with age. However, this is not the case for all people. If the ligaments are naturally weak (a trait that is inherited genetically), the child is more likely to have flat feet. But that doesn't mean that you have to accept a bad disposition and do nothing about it. Ultimately, it is up to us how severe the flat feet will be, whether they will be accompanied by foot pain and other complications.

To run barefoot?

The main factor in the development of flat feet is wearing shoes, regardless of the type of shoes. People from indigenous peoples who constantly walk barefoot never suffer from flat feet. Because when we put on shoes, the foot is on a flat surface. And if we constantly walk barefoot, he has to step on small stones and other obstacles, which strains various foot muscles and trains the ligaments.

The safest way to prevent flat feet is to walk barefoot, preferably on sand or small pebbles.

Of course, it's not easy for city dwellers to go barefoot on a regular basis. Therefore, in order to avoid foot problems, it is necessary to teach the child special exercises, such as: B. pick up small objects from the floor with your toes and alternately walk on your toes and heels. Foot massages and sports that stress the feet and shins—running, dancing, ballet, and wrestling—are also effective. All these simple measures create a strong muscle corset, and even if a child develops flat feet, they simply will not be noticeable. The problem is not the flatfoot itself, but rather its symptoms and complications.