Flatfeet in children and how a podiatrist can help
People with flat feet (or fallen arches) have little or no arch in their feet. Often, there’s a gap beneath the inner part of the foot when a person stands, as the arch slightly raises off the ground.
Flat feet only need treatment if they lead to pain elsewhere in the body, indicate an underlying disorder, or cause discomfort. Certain individuals appear to have little to no arch without ever experiencing any problem.
When symptoms are caused by flat feet, simple exercises and devices can help to reduce the discomfort.
Read this blog before your resume, your quest to find a reputable podiatrist in Chino.
What are flat feet?
People with flat feet have little to no arch, meaning that one or both of their feet may be flat on the ground.
The human foot consists of 33 joints, holding 26 different bones together. It also has more than 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
The arches offer a spring to the step, helping to distribute body weight across the legs and feet. The walk of a person is determined by the structure of the arches. The arches need to be both flexible and sturdy to adapt to stress and a number of surfaces.
While walking and standing, the feet of such people may roll to the inner side. This is referred to as overpronation, which may cause the feet to point in the outward direction.
How can a podiatrist help?
A podiatrist may recommend certain exercises to manage the symptoms of flat feet or prevent them from developing. These exercises can improve flexibility and strength in the feet and ankles, which may assist in relieving every symptom. Following are two examples of such exercises:
- Heel cord stretching: The foot may roll inward as a result of a tight Achilles tendon. The aim of this exercise is to stretch the posterior calf muscles and Achilles tendon. This is how you normally go about it:
- Stand with your face towards the wall and place one hand on the wall at eye level.
- Place the leg that requires stretching roughly one step behind the other leg, and firmly plant the heel on the ground.
- Keep bending the knee of the front leg until a stretch is felt on the back leg.
- Hold for half a minute and then rest for half a minute. Repeat this nine more times.
- It is important to keep the back straight and avoid arching it.
Often, the children will be asked to perform this exercise twice a day.
- The Golf ball roll: This exercise requires a golf ball and a chair. Sit on the chair with feet planted firmly on the ground. Place the golf ball under the foot, and roll it back and forth under the arch of the foot for 2 minutes. The aim is to stretch the plantar fascia ligament.
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