The medial longitudinal arch of the foot is. The human foot: a miracle of upright walking. See what “Arch of the foot” is in other dictionaries

The foot performs the most important functions; it is with its help that a person can walk, run and just stand. She experiences enormous stress, especially if a person is obese or his work involves long periods of standing or walking, or playing sports. Many of the functions of the foot are performed by its arches; thanks to them, shock absorption is provided, protecting other joints and the spine from excessive loads. The formation of the arch of the foot ends in different ways in children. For some, the arches are formed by the age of 4-5 years, for others the process continues up to 10 years. Let's consider a topic such as foot arches - anatomy and physiology.

In general, a formed human foot has two types of arches - transverse and longitudinal, or rather, the latter 2. Normally, an arched foot creates elevations, which is why a person does not rest on the entire foot, but only on individual points. This is necessary to make movements - pushes that do not cause muscle strain and do not injure the bones, muscles and joints of the leg. Often, under the influence of negative factors, flattening of one or several arches at once develops, which is why flat feet develop - an unpleasant disease that worsens a person’s well-being. Let's look at what the arches of the feet are and what happens when they are deformed.

Anatomy of the foot

Despite their small size, the feet have a complex structure, because a considerable load is placed on them. Let's look at the main elements and, as a result, the formed arches on the feet. The main elements in the foot are the bones that form its skeleton. There are 2 sections - the anterior one, formed by the scaphoid, cuboid and three sphenoid bones. The structure of the posterior region includes the tarsus, metatarsus and toes.

The powerful element is the talus, located in the middle calcaneus and shins. With the help of the calcaneus, the heel is formed - one of the fulcrum points of the foot, or rather, the heel tubercle. The metatarsal bones make up the metatarsus; by the way, the 1st and 5th are also the support of the foot and they are located in front. Together with the phalanges of the fingers they form the metatarsophalangeal joints. The fingers themselves are formed from three phalanges, with the exception of the 1st finger - there are only 2 phalanges in its structure, which makes it more vulnerable to deformation.

With the help of these bones, the shape of the foot is formed, secured by the ligaments and joints. There are several joints, the main ones in the formation of the shape of the foot are:

metatarsophalangeal joints;
subtalar joint;
talocaleonavicular joint;
Tarsometatarsal group of joints.

The structure of the foot also includes muscles and fascia that protect the joints from injury and prevent flattening of the arches. By the way, anatomical features can form both a high arch and a low arch, which affect the nature of gait, the ability to walk in shoes and motor activity. Let's take a closer look at the structure of the arches of the feet.

Transverse arch - anatomy

The transverse arch of the foot is formed in the forefoot; it is not immediately possible to determine its flatness. In order to see it, you need to bring the sides of the foot together with your palm, that is, squeeze the sole. Normally, the sole bulges upward and bends. In general, the arch has an arched shape, is not completely in contact with the ground and rests on the 1st and 5th metatarsal bones, on their edges (heads). The heads of the remaining metatarsal bones - 2, 3 and 4 - form the convexity itself - the arch.

The arched shape is supported by the muscular-ligamentous apparatus. If this arch of the foot flattens, then a transverse form of pathology occurs and, as a result, supination. In other words, supination is a shift of the center of gravity forward, therefore, the shock absorption function decreases, the degree of load on the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the ankle and foot increases, and their elasticity increases, which is manifested by rapid fatigue of the legs. The forefoot may become swollen, and its surface is often covered with calluses or “corns.”

With flat feet, the load on the toes also increases, especially on the 1st toe, which begins to bend. Thus, a valgus deformity is formed associated with the deformation of the 1st metatarsal bone, and subsequently the remaining fingers become bent. Symptoms of flat feet are pain in the legs, increased fatigue, and an increase in the width of the forefoot. Long walking leads to stagnation, causes swelling, which causes muscle cramps.

The low arch of the foot has three degrees of flattening. With transverse flatfoot in various degrees The angle of the arch of the foot is determined by the following indicators:

with the 1st degree of the disease, the angle of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones is 10-12 degrees;
with the 2nd degree of pathology, the angle increases to 15 degrees;
The angle for the 3rd degree of the disease increases to 20 degrees.

It is worth remembering the reasons for the appearance of transverse flatfoot - this is wearing uncomfortable shoes, excessive weight of a person, work associated with stress on the legs and previous injuries and paralysis. To treat this form of the disease, wearing orthopedic shoes, it is recommended to reduce loads and exercises to strengthen the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the foot. Yoga, leg taping, physical therapy and massage often help.

Longitudinal flatfoot - anatomy

The longitudinal arch starts from the heel tubercle and runs through the center of the foot, divided into an internal arch (on the inside) and an external one. In total, five arches of the arch can be distinguished, each of which originates from the area of the calcaneal tubercle and ends near each metatarsal bone. Moreover, on the inside it is slightly higher than on the outside.

To determine the longitudinal arch, you need to run your hand over the surface of the sole, you will feel the arched shape. By the way, flat feet in early stage may not be detected visually, which is why the disease often starts. The foot becomes flattened already at the 2nd and 3rd degree of flatfoot, and the risk of developing arthrosis and other complications increases.

The causes of flattening of the arches are associated with excessive stress on the legs, hereditary predisposition, and congenital weakness of the musculoskeletal system. In children, the risk of developing the disease increases during the period when they are just starting to walk and their parents place more stress on their legs.

Diagnostic criteria for longitudinal flatfoot are identified. So, with the 1st degree of the disease, the arch angle is 131-140 degrees, while the height indicators are from 25 to 35 millimeters. With the 2nd degree of pathology, the angle of the arch fluctuates in the following figures - 141-155 degrees, the height decreases from 17 to 24 millimeters. With the 3rd degree, the arch angle increases to 155 degrees, the height, on the contrary, decreases to 17 millimeters.

Often, flat feet affecting the longitudinal arch cause pain in the heel area in the center of the foot, and the patient’s legs cramp from the load. To prevent this from happening, special insoles are prescribed for the longitudinal arch of the foot. It is recommended to undergo a course of therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy, and massage. Walking barefoot on the ground, sand or pebbles can help strengthen the arch of your feet.

By the way, flattening of the arches often occurs in children, especially at an early age, when they begin to take their first steps. The child has infancy Diagnosis of flat feet is not carried out, since the arches are still forming. Only advanced forms of clubfoot can be detected and congenital anomalies development of the structure. The resulting flat feet lead to curvature of not only the feet, but also the ankles and knees. Thus, a child may develop an X-shaped foot shape - hallux valgus or O-shaped legs (varus deformity). With varus curvature, it is difficult to bring the knees together.

Prevention of flat feet

To prevent flat feet from developing in children and adults, special gymnastics have been developed that are used in the initial stages of the disease, as well as when there is a risk of developing the disease. To avoid pathology, you need to wear comfortable shoes and, if possible, corrective shoes or at least insoles.

If there is a threat of developing flat feet, then, in addition to gymnastics, you should periodically undergo a course of massage, take a sufficient amount of vitamins and microelements, and do not overwork your legs. Women are advised to choose shoes with heels up to 5 centimeters. If you experience discomfort associated with wearing shoes, you should not delay going to the doctor to get examined.

Many of the functions of the foot are performed by its arches; thanks to them, shock absorption is provided, protecting other joints and the spine from excessive loads. The formation of the arch of the foot ends in different ways in children. For some, the arches are formed by the age of 4-5 years, for others the process continues up to 10 years. Let's consider a topic such as foot arches - anatomy and physiology.

Anatomy of the foot

The powerful element is the talus, located in the middle of the heel bone and tibia. With the help of the calcaneus, the heel is formed - one of the fulcrum points of the foot, or rather, the heel tubercle. The metatarsal bones make up the metatarsus; by the way, the 1st and 5th are also the support of the foot and they are located in front. Together with the phalanges of the fingers they form the metatarsophalangeal joints. The fingers themselves are formed from three phalanges, with the exception of the 1st finger - there are only 2 phalanges in its structure, which makes it more vulnerable to deformation.

With the help of these bones, the shape of the foot is formed, secured by the ligaments and joints. There are several joints, the main ones in the formation of the shape of the foot are:

The structure of the foot also includes muscles and fascia that protect the joints from injury and prevent flattening of the arches. By the way, anatomical features can form both a high arch and a low arch, which affect the nature of the gait, the ability to walk in shoes and motor activity. Let's take a closer look at the structure of the arches of the feet.

Transverse arch - anatomy

The low arch of the foot has three degrees of flattening. With transverse flatfoot in varying degrees, the angle of the arch of the foot is determined by the following indicators:

with the 1st degree of the disease, the angle of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones is equal to degrees;
with the 2nd degree of pathology, the angle increases to 15 degrees;
The angle for the 3rd degree of the disease increases to 20 degrees.

It is worth remembering the reasons for the appearance of transverse flatfoot - wearing uncomfortable shoes, excessive weight of a person, work associated with stress on the legs and previous injuries and paralysis. To treat this form of the disease, wearing orthopedic shoes is used, it is recommended to reduce loads and exercises to strengthen the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the foot. Yoga, leg taping, physical therapy and massage often help.

Longitudinal flatfoot - anatomy

To determine the longitudinal arch, you need to run your hand over the surface of the sole, you will feel the arched shape. By the way, flat feet in the early stages may not be detected visually, which is why the disease often starts. The foot becomes flattened already at the 2nd and 3rd degree of flatfoot, and the risk of developing arthrosis and other complications increases.

Diagnostic criteria for longitudinal flatfoot are identified. So, with the 1st degree of the disease, the angle of the arch is equal to degrees, while the height indicators are from 25 to 35 millimeters. With the 2nd degree of pathology, the angle of the arch fluctuates in the following figures - degrees, the height decreases from 17 to 24 millimeters. With the 3rd degree, the arch angle increases to 155 degrees, the height, on the contrary, decreases to 17 millimeters.

By the way, flattening of the arches often occurs in children, especially at an early age, when they begin to take their first steps. Diagnosis of flat feet in an infant is not carried out, since the arches are still developing. Only advanced forms of clubfoot and congenital anomalies of structural development can be detected. The resulting flat feet lead to curvature of not only the feet, but also the ankles and knees. Thus, a child may develop an X-shaped foot (valgus deformity) or an O-shaped foot (varus deformity). With varus curvature, it is difficult to bring the knees together.

Prevention of flat feet

Foot arches - what are they?

“I CAN’T FEEL MY FEET UNDER ME.”

The heroine of Alexandra Marinina's bestsellers, detective Nastya Kamenskaya, loves solving ingenious crimes more than anything in the world and least of all loves wearing shoes. high heels. What is the mystery of such an unusual dislike for elegant fashionable shoes for such a woman? Nastya gets very tired when she has to wear high-heeled shoes, and always feels free and comfortable in sneakers.

Poor Nastya Kamenskaya suffers from flat feet, and as a result of this disease - osteochondrosis. That’s why at the end of the working day her lower back ached and her legs hurt.

By chance or not, the writer chose typical diseases of our time for her heroine. Osteochondrosis affects up to 85 percent of the population with flat feet - from 40 to 60 percent, and the doctor has his own personal statistics. So, according to my data as a practicing orthopedist, 98 percent of patients with osteochondrosis and other orthopedic diseases have flat feet.

Doctor, I have flat legs, - some of my patients call their diagnosis - that’s how they understand it. Are they right?

Once I almost sued the editors of a certain tabloid newspaper, the author of which tailored an article from my book “How to Live with Flat Feet.” I was outraged by its illiterate name - “Flat as a board.”

Flat feet are not a flat foot at all. Different peoples and races have their own characteristics of skeletal construction. For example, representatives of the yellow race have relatively short hips and lower legs, but a high arch of the foot, blacks have longer legs, but low arches, but both suffer from flat feet no more often than white-skinned people.

What's the matter? If you answer in one word - stability. In a few words, flat feet are a static deformation of the foot, characterized by flattening of its arches. It can be longitudinal or transverse, and both are often found together. Perhaps these medical terms are not clear to all readers, so I will try to explain popularly.

I have already said that the foot absorbs all loads, shocks and impacts when walking, running and jumping. This is ensured due to its vaulted structure (Fig. 6). There are longitudinal and transverse arches.

The longitudinal arch is easy to determine; anyone can do this by running their hand along the inner edge of the foot. It persists to some extent even with severe forms of flat feet; this often misleads people: “After all, I have such a high instep!” The apex, like the “keystone” of this arch, is the so-called scaphoid bone. Let's remember this name, we will return to it when it comes to diagnostics.

The transverse arches of the foot are less pronounced and, accordingly, less noticeable to a layman. If you take the sole of the foot with your palm and squeeze it, it will bend, forming a transverse (convex upward) arch from the first metatarsal bone to the fifth.

The arches of the foot are formed by the heel, tarsal and metatarsal bones. There is a system of muscles that support them. They are connected to each other by relatively inactive joints, reinforced by powerful ligaments that passively hold them in a given position, like cement that holds the stones of an arch.

But this structure can still move and move apart, allowing the arch to have different curvature and elasticity. Such movements are ensured by the active function of the muscles of the foot and lower leg (Fig. 7). The latter plays a leading role in the correct biomechanics of the arches. It provides a shock absorption function.

The muscles of the lower leg, located in front and outside, under the knee, are of greatest importance. There are several more long muscles of the lower leg, which, intricately overlapping and stretching, form a system of tense stretch marks that keep the arch in a tense state.

Normally, when supporting the foot, the main load falls on the heel bone, the head of the first metatarsal bone and the fifth metatarsal bone - the outermost one, that is, the foot rests on three points.

When the system of active and passive stretching weakens, a state of chronic foot fatigue occurs. At first it's dull pain in the foot and front surface of the lower leg, which disappear after rest. In this case, the arches of the feet do not flatten. But the muscles are already aching, they are signaling: the foot needs help.

Further, if the disease progresses, the phase of so-called intermittent flatfoot begins. Tired muscles and stretched ligaments of the foot do not ensure the stability of the arches and, if you look at the foot in the evening, after walking, you will notice that its arches have dropped. But after a night's rest, their height is restored. This point is very important for diagnosing flat feet.

If the disease progresses, the bones of the foot are no longer connected to each other in a stable enough manner, and their relative position is disrupted. At the same time, the ligaments are overstrained - especially in the area of the apex of the longitudinal arch, which increases painful sensations, which can be determined by feeling the back of the foot, at the junction of the small tarsal bones. A tic called flat foot is formed, and then a flat-valgus foot - one of the types of flat feet. There are six of these types in total.

Arches of the feet

Arches of the foot. A distinctive feature of the human foot is that its bones form arches. This allows the foot to be flexible enough to adapt to uneven ground conditions while still bearing the body's weight.

The bones of the foot form arches. They are supported by the shape of the bones, the strength of the ligaments and muscle tendons.

The arched shape of the foot can be demonstrated by the image of its imprint. The print shows only the heel, the outer edge of the foot, the pads under the heads of the metatarsal bones and the tips of the toes. The remaining parts of the foot are raised above the ground.

Arches of the feet

The foot has two longitudinal arches that run along its entire length, and a transverse arch that crosses it

Medial longitudinal arch of the foot

Medial longitudinal arch of the foot. This is the higher and more important of the two longitudinal arches. It is composed of the calcaneus, talus, scaphoid, three wedge-shaped bones and the first three metatarsals. This arch is supported by the head of the talus.

Lateral longitudinal arch of the foot

Lateral longitudinal arch of the foot. He is much lower and flatter, in a standing position his bones are on the ground. The lateral arch is formed by the calcaneus, cuboid bone, 4th and 5th metatarsal bones.

Transverse arch of the foot

Transverse arch of the foot. This arch crosses the foot, and is supported by longitudinal arches on each side. It is formed by the bases of the metatarsal bones, the cuboid bone and three wedge-shaped bones.

Body weight and foot

Body weight is transmitted down to the talus from the tibia. Then the weight force goes further down to the heel bone and forward to the heads of the 2-5th metatarsal bones and to the small sesamoid bones underlying the first metatarsal bone. Between these points, the weight is absorbed by the stretching of the elastic longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot, which act as shock absorbers.

Heads of metatarsal bones

It was believed that the body weight was supported on a “tripod” formed by the heel and the heads of the 1st and 5th metatarsals. It is now known that all metatarsal heads are involved in supporting weight, so long walks can cause a “stress” fracture of the second metatarsal head.

In case of being sophisticated, there are a lot of things to have a matter that it is likely to get down and fifty -fifty of the time. The footprint of a patient with flat feet shows that the entire foot is in contact with the ground.

With flat feet, the medial longitudinal arches are weakened, so the sole lies entirely on the ground. Treatment is required if it causes pain.

How to find out your arch

Some people only think about what kind of arch they have in their feet when they walk into a branded sports shoe store. The consultant will most likely be interested in this feature, but what should he answer? It is worth understanding this issue in more detail.

1 Main types of arches of the feet

Most often there are three types:

A high arched foot is noticeable on its own. When placed on a flat surface, a noticeable elevation in the middle part catches the eye. Due to insufficient pronation when running, the foot turns outward.
A flat foot also refers to deviations - this is the opposite of the first option. Depending on the degree of flatfoot, the lower surface almost completely touches the floor. During running, excessive pronation is observed, visually this is expressed in the feet turning inward.
A normal running foot has no noticeable biomechanical changes upon contact with the road.

2 Why do you need to know your foot arch type?

The simplest answer is for the proper selection of sports shoes for running and training, because people with certain problems often suffer from pain in their feet. Not only the foot can hurt, but also the ankles, calves, knees, etc. It is of no small importance that problems with the arch of the foot lead to pathological changes in the ankles, knees, hip joints and even the spine.

Running puts a lot of stress on the legs and the entire musculoskeletal system, so you need to ensure the necessary balance of stability and shock absorption. After all, sport should be beneficial and safe, and not cause additional problems and injuries:

If you are the lucky owner of a normal arch of the foot, you need to pay attention to sneakers marked “Support”, that is, stabilizing and having average control of pronation.
For runners with flat feet, running shoes that have sufficient rigidity and stabilization of the foot are suitable. This category is coded with the labels “Action control”, “Control”, “Durability”.
The high arch of the foot is designed to protect sneakers with impact-resistant soles and pronounced shock absorption. In this case, you need to look for the words “Extra padding”, “Neutral” or “Flexible” on the label.

To get an accurate diagnosis, it is better to visit an orthopedic doctor, but at home you can approximately determine your foot type.

3 How to recognize your foot type?

You shouldn’t rely on advice from consultants in a sportswear store, because they are interested in selling the product. Especially if they notice your interest in a particular model. For this reason, before you go shopping for sneakers, it is better to do your own testing:

Inspection. Take off your socks and stand on level ground hard surface floor. Bend towards your feet, but do not bend your knees, and make sure that your feet do not leave the floor. Place your index finger under the arch of your foot. Note how far he went. Less than 12 mm is typical for a flat foot; mm means normal pronation; 25 mm or more indicates insufficient pronation, which happens with a high arch of the foot.
Wet testing. Place a sheet of colored paper on the floor (this will make the wet print more visible). Dip your feet in water and shake off excess liquid. Place your wet feet on a piece of paper, and then carefully step off it and examine the result. If on paper you see an almost complete fit of the foot in the area between the big toe and the heel, then the foot is flat. A pronounced curve between the heel and the front of the foot with a narrow or disappearing isthmus between them is a sign of a high instep.

This is only a simplified check, as there are cases where orthopedic problems appear after exercise or have a hard day. For this reason, it is preferable to consult a doctor, because he will evaluate not only the feet, but also the ligaments, leg muscles, knees, spine, etc.

4 When do foot problems begin?

Sluggish pathological changes in the feet can begin in early childhood, so parents should never neglect preventive examinations pediatric orthopedic doctor. Even slight changes in the feet already in adolescence can form a high arch or flat feet. In this case, a person quickly gets tired during long walks, active walking or running. Quite often, pain manifests itself in the ankle area, and on the foot you can see very painful calluses in the area of the big toe and little toe. In an attempt to relieve pain, people try to shift their body weight to the outer part of the foot, which ultimately leads to muscle strain leading to even greater discomfort.

Arched feet appear for a number of reasons:

Neuroinfections (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, etc.).
Neurological pathologies (polyneuropathy, muscular dystrophy, poliomyelitis, etc.).
Foot burns.
Malunion of fractures of the talus and calcaneus.

Flat feet can form due to:

Weakness in the muscles and ligaments of the foot.
Excess body weight.
Transferred to childhood rickets.
Increased stress associated with professional activities.

Naturally, none of the parents wants such problems for their children. It is very important to consider here age characteristics little children. The feet of infants are not formed, and after birth you can notice that some babies seem to be clubbing. This should lead parents to think about the need for medical consultation and urgent therapeutic massage from a professional.

When the baby begins to stand on his feet and tries to walk, without proper control and orthopedic shoes, planovalgus feet may well form. Ignoring this problem in the future by the age of 3-5 years can develop into an X- or O-shaped change in the knee joints. Unfortunately, this is not only a visual defect. Improper load redistribution affects ligaments, tendons and joints. Subsequently, spinal problems arise, especially scoliosis.

The main conclusion from the above is the need to form the arch of the foot from early childhood. Then in adult life it will be possible to avoid many problems.

5 Treatment of arch abnormalities

However, you should not think that orthopedic shoes with a hard back and special insoles-instep supports are a clear solution to problems. This is not entirely true. Children should be active. It is worth mentioning that children with orthopedic problems fall very often, so parents protect them from excessive stress. What is important here is a balance between a variety of physical therapy exercises and walking barefoot on difficult surfaces (sand, pebbles, steps, etc.). Only in this case will the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the legs develop correctly.

The tactics for treating problems associated with flat feet or its opposite directly depend on the cause of the development of the pathology, the age of the patient and the degree of development of the disease. For weak and moderate progression of the disease, it is prescribed conservative treatment:

use of orthopedic shoes;
massage;
physiotherapeutic treatment;
physical therapy;
drug therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve inflammation and pain.

For some time you will have to give up high-heeled shoes, as well as tight and uncomfortable shoes. Of no small importance is the elimination of the main cause of the disease, the prevention of osteoporosis and osteochondrosis, weight loss and constant physical activity.

In severe cases, when pain and discomfort prevent a person from moving, it is recommended surgery. Depending on the situation, surgical intervention in people with pathologies of the arch of the foot, it can affect the soft tissues and bones of the foot. During the operation, one method or a combination of several is used:

Osteotomy is the cutting of a bone to give it a different configuration.
Tendon transplantation.
Arthrodesis to create a fixed joint - ankylosis.
Incision of the plantar fascia to lengthen or shorten the ligaments.

After the operation, the wound is sutured and drainage is installed, and a circular plaster cast is applied to the leg itself.

During postoperative rehabilitation, along with drug therapy, carry out physiotherapeutic procedures, and later massage and exercise therapy. For a long time the patient constantly wears special orthopedic shoes that protect the musculo-ligamentous apparatus from overstretching.

Often people pay attention to problems with their feet too late, but the feet are a very important part of the musculoskeletal system. The habit of taking your ability to walk for granted brings many problems. A careful and attentive attitude towards your health and the well-being of family members will help save money, nerves and time.

And a little about secrets.

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scratch irritation
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Arch of the foot

Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. .

See what “Arch of the foot” is in other dictionaries:

The arch of the foot is the configuration of the skeleton of the foot in the form of an arch resting on the calcaneal tubercle, as well as the heads of the I and V metatarsal bones and strengthened by ligaments and muscles. The transverse arch of the foot is a set of arches that form the arch of the foot, running in the transverse direction. Code... ...Medical encyclopedia

arch of the foot - configuration of the skeleton of the foot in the form of an arch resting on the heel tubercle, as well as the heads of the I and V metatarsal bones and strengthened by ligaments and muscles ... Big medical dictionary

transverse arch of the foot - a set of arches forming the arch of the foot, running in the transverse direction ... Big Medical Dictionary

longitudinal arch of the foot - a set of arches forming the S. of the foot, running in the longitudinal direction ... Big Medical Dictionary

VOD - VOD, ah, husband. 1. see reduce. 2. Information, materials, texts brought together and arranged in a certain order. C. laws. Letopisny village 3. An arched ceiling connecting walls, supports of which kind. structures, as well as internal... ... Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

vault - a; m. see also. vault, vault, vault 1) to reduce to reduce 7), 9), 16) Vault of the forest. Formation of regiments into a division ... Dictionary of many expressions

vault - a; m. 1. to Reduce reduce (7 9, 16 digits). S. forests. S. regiments per division. S. schools in herds. 2. Information, materials, texts, documents brought together and arranged in a certain order. C. laws. International s. marine signals. With ... Encyclopedic Dictionary

Ball of the foot - External images The ball of the human foot The location of the ball on the sole ... Wikipedia

arches of the foot - the spatial architectonics of the bones of the foot during their articulation. This structure is characteristic only of the human foot due to the vertical position of the body. There are longitudinal and transverse arches. Longitudinal arches pass through each... ... Dictionary of terms and concepts on human anatomy

Arches of the feet

Pain in the legs and back are such common symptoms that many people do not pay attention to them. There is nothing surprising in this, because in the last 20 years people have begun to lead a passive lifestyle, children and adults sit a lot at school and in offices, and in the evenings in front of the computer and television, which necessarily disrupts the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

The foot is one of the most important parts of the body; it is constantly under heavy pressure, because a person spends most of his life on his feet. Unpleasant sensations may occur due to fatigue after a day of work or be a sign of a serious pathology, such as a broken arch of the foot. In this case, the patient needs to see a doctor, undergo examination and begin treatment; such measures will help avoid serious complications in the future.

What is this

The human foot is designed in a special way; it not only allows you to move comfortably and painlessly on two legs, but also plays the role of a shock absorber, protecting the spine, knee and hip joints from various injuries. The arches of the feet have this effect. There are two of them: longitudinal and transverse.

The longitudinal arch creates a lift that can be felt when you run your hand along the inside of the sole from toe to heel. Notice the transverse arch of the foot without special knowledge It’s difficult, but if you take your foot in your hand and squeeze it, a bulge forms on top, which is the transverse arch.

The arches of the foot are formed by the heels, bones, muscles, joints and tendons, which can move and move apart, making the foot elastic, which allows it to play the role of a shock absorber when moving. Usually the load is distributed evenly between the heel, first and fifth metatarsal bones, but if there are problems in the arches of the feet, the fulcrum points shift and the legs begin to hurt.

Diseases

There can be many reasons why your legs hurt under load and at rest, and the cause of the problem is not necessarily a violation of the arch of the foot. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist, based on x-rays, ultrasound, and other studies.

The following diseases can cause pain:

A callus can cause pain if it is large or burst.
Flat feet, or flattening of the arch of the foot, is a common disease that provokes chronic pain in the legs even at rest.
Joint diseases, such as arthritis, arthrosis, gout. These diseases destroy joints, in which case cartilage tissue the bone is broken and overgrown, the motor activity of the foot is disrupted and severe pain appears.
A heel spur is a deformation of the heel bone in which a growth occurs that injures the soft tissues and painful and inflammation.
Diabetic foot occurs due to diabetes mellitus;
Valgus deformity, with this disease, the functions of tendons and ligaments are impaired.
Tumors on the arch of the foot.
Problems with blood vessels.

Each disease has its own symptoms and consequences, and treatment is prescribed taking into account main reason leg pain. Unfortunately, in all of the above cases, it will not be possible to manage with painkillers alone; all diseases gradually progress and cause complications, so they must be treated under the supervision of an orthopedist.

When the arches of the feet are damaged, a well-known disease occurs - flat feet; scientifically it is called flattening of the arches of the feet. With such a disease, the foot does not become completely flat, so it is impossible for an unknowing person to immediately detect the problem; only an orthopedic doctor can make a correct diagnosis.

The reverse of flatfoot is a disease called arched foot, in which the arches of the feet do not flatten, but rather rise. This disease is immediately noticeable and easy to diagnose; it causes a lot of inconvenience to the patient, just like flat feet, and requires proper treatment.

Symptoms

With flat feet, the following symptoms occur:

Shoes quickly wear out inside, the insole wears out;
Legs get tired quickly;
Pain appears after walking and running; it bothers not only the feet, but also the legs.
Cramps and burning in the legs;
It is difficult to wear shoes with heels;
The shoe size increases, narrow shoes become uncomfortable to wear, as the foot gradually expands.

The following symptoms appear with arched feet:

Pain when walking and running, which can appear periodically and go away, over time the pain becomes permanent;
Sprain;
Mobility disorders;
Increases the rise of the foot, which makes it difficult to select shoes;
Calluses appear on the little fingers and around the thumbs.

It is important to note that when arches are deformed, pain in the feet does not always occur; in some cases, the problem may not show itself for a long time, but the knees and knees suffer. hip joints, cramps in the calf muscles and nagging pain in them may appear. Over time, the situation usually worsens and pain manifests itself during exercise.

Flat feet

A doctor can determine flat feet through a routine examination at an appointment. A qualified orthopedist only needs to examine the arches of the feet to see their flattening and prescribe necessary treatment. In some cases, the patient is sent for radiography to clarify the diagnosis.

It is important to note that all children under two years of age experience flat feet, but it is physiological. With age, the baby's feet change, and the formation of the arch of the foot ends at the age of 5 years. At this time, it is imperative to show the child to an orthopedist, and if even the slightest disturbances are present, treatment must begin.

There are many reasons for flat feet in children and adults, here are some of them:

genetic predisposition;
excess weight;
incorrectly selected shoes in children, wearing heels in adults;
increased stress on the legs, for example, during pregnancy or when standing;
improper teaching of walking to infants, use of walkers;
injuries;
muscle paralysis after polio.

The disease can occur at any age if negative factors begin to affect the legs. So, if a person changes jobs and has to stand on his feet a lot, or gains excess weight, then the likelihood of developing flat feet increases greatly, even if his feet were completely healthy before.

It is important to note that flat feet in adults is a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured. In childhood, it is possible to get rid of the problem if it is detected at the initial stage, since the body of a small child is still developing and it is quite flexible.

Usually, both in childhood and in adulthood, conservative treatment is prescribed, to surgery resorted to in very severe cases in adults. The therapy is complex, it involves the use of special insoles and shoes, physical therapy, massage, physiotherapy and various health procedures.

Such conservative treatment helps to form the correct arch of the foot in children and relieve them of the problem for life. But if the disease has become an adult, then it will not be possible to recover completely; in this case, the doctor prescribes measures that will help improve the patient’s condition and relieve pain.

Arched foot

The exact cause of the disease is not known, but it may be a consequence of the following diseases:

Cerebral palsy;
Hereditary diseases of the nervous system, brain and spinal cord;
Polio;
Calcaneal fractures;
Spinal disorders;
Weak muscle tone.

In some cases, the cause of the disease remains unclear.

An experienced orthopedist can diagnose the disease, as with flat feet, during examination, since the changes are usually very pronounced. X-rays help confirm the diagnosis. The doctor also asks the patient whether he has a history of diseases that cause arched feet, and if there is any suspicion, the doctor may send the person to see a neurologist, and may also prescribe a CT, MRI or other studies to identify the real reason pathology.

The initial stages of the disease are treated with a conservative method, the doctor prescribes physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and massage to the patient. If a person is experiencing severe pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other pain medications may be recommended.

If the foot is severely deformed, then the patient is advised surgery, after which rehabilitation is carried out with physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, antibiotics and painkillers. The disease can only be completely cured surgically, conservative methods help stop the destruction of the foot and reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Exercise therapy plays an important role in the treatment of foot arches, especially in children. Therapeutic exercise, which is carried out every day, improves blood circulation in the tissues of the legs and strengthens the muscles; special exercises help form the correct arch and cure the disease.

In adults physiotherapy It will not be able to correct the arch, but it will help reduce the symptoms of the disease, since the muscles and ligaments will become stronger, shock absorption will improve and pain will disappear, in addition, the foot will no longer deform and the disease will not worsen.

It is best to carry out the first training sessions under the supervision of a doctor, who will select a set of necessary exercises depending on the patient’s condition. When treating flat feet in children and adults, it is very important not to overdo it, so as not to further injure the sore legs.

Folk remedies

Flat feet or arched feet can be treated using folk remedies, but they are best used in complex therapy, after consulting a doctor. It is important to understand that folk remedies are not a panacea for all diseases; they can help relieve pain and improve blood circulation in the legs, but it is not possible to cure a child completely with their help.

Recipes

Salt bath. It is necessary to fill the basin with warm water; its temperature should not exceed 38 degrees. Dissolve 3-4 tablespoons of natural sea salt and place your feet in the bath for a minute. This procedure should end with a light massage with a nourishing cream, and it should be repeated no more than 3-4 times a week.
Bath with chamomile. For this procedure, you need to brew 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers in boiling water and leave to steep under the lid for an hour. Then you need to strain the broth and pour it into a bowl of warm water. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. When using this method in a child, you need to make sure that there is no allergy to herbs.
For severe pain in adults, a compress with iodine, aspirin and lemon juice will help relieve the condition. You need to mix a tablespoon lemon juice and the same amount of iodine and add a crushed aspirin tablet to the liquid. Apply the resulting mass to the sore foot, secure the top with cling film and put on woolen socks. You need to keep the compress all night, and in the morning, wash off the remaining product and wipe your foot dry. Repeat the procedure no more than 6 times a month.

An evening massage will help you get rid of pain at home. To do this, after a hard day at work, you need to wash your feet in warm water or do medicinal bath, then conduct a self-massage session with nourishing cream. The procedure begins with stroking from toe to heel, after which you need to start kneading the foot along the entire perimeter, you can do circular movements and light pinching and pressing. It is important to note that such a procedure should not be painful, otherwise you should reduce the pressure. You can also use a roller massager or rolling pin to alleviate the condition; to do this, place your feet on it and roll it from toe to heel and back.

Prevention

Timely prevention in children and adults helps to properly form the legs and prevent the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms. First of all, you need to pay attention to your lifestyle, you need to eat right, food should be tasty, healthy and contain a sufficient amount of essential vitamins and microelements.

To do this, from childhood, you need to teach your child to eat small portions, at least 5 times a day, since rare meals most often lead to digestive disorders, excess weight gain, or, conversely, exhaustion. It is best to cook your own food, using fresh and natural products without dyes, preservatives and other harmful additives.

It is important to note that only a qualified nutritionist can prescribe a diet for a child, if urgent need, in all other cases, it is impossible to restrict children’s nutrition, since an incorrect diet can lead to irreparable disturbances in the development of a growing organism. But it is very important to limit the amount of junk food, such as sweets, smoked meats, fast food and other less healthy foods. This means that you can and should spoil your child, but there must be moderation in everything.

Another one preventative measure flat feet and other health problems - moderate physical activity. To do this, children and adults need to do gymnastics every morning; it is recommended to enroll the child in a sports section, where it will be interesting, fun and useful for him to exercise.

Correctly selected shoes will help prevent deformation of the arch of the foot. Children need to buy shoes and boots made from natural materials; the shoes should be thick enough, but soft and comfortable, and matched to size. You cannot buy shoes for children as they grow, the maximum margin is 1 cm, otherwise you can provoke deformation of the arches. On the recommendation of a doctor, you may be prescribed to wear orthopedic shoes or insoles; such recommendations should not be neglected.

Adults should also buy natural and comfortable shoes; for prevention when working on their feet, they should use orthopedic insoles. Women are not recommended to spend the whole day in heels; they must change their shoes during the day so that their feet can rest.

Complications

At timely diagnosis and treatment, complications with flat feet in children rarely occur, since it is possible to prevent leg deformation in time and form a physiologically correct foot. In adults, the disease is always complicated by pain, and if flat feet are not treated, it will turn into chronic form, in this case the following complications may arise:

Constant pain, especially during active exercise;
Spinal disorders, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, tumors, etc. may occur.
Other foot conditions, e.g. heel spur, arthritis, chronic calluses, etc.
Arthritis and arthrosis of the hip and knee joints;
Constant lameness;
Clubfoot;
Dystrophy of the muscles of the leg and back.

In the absence of timely treatment, the patient's legs quickly tire, and it becomes impossible to wear dress shoes and high heels. Timely treatment helps to get rid of not only external defects, but also to cure chronic fatigue and pain in the legs.

How the human foot works: anatomy, “weak points”, possible diseases and their prevention

Feet are parts of the lower limb that perform very important functions, providing support for the body when standing and walking. Together with other parts of the body, they are directly involved in moving the body in space. At the same time, this part of the lower extremities performs spring functions, providing softening of shocks when walking, running, jumping, as well as balancing functions - regulating a person’s posture during movements. All these functions performed were the reason for the special anatomy of the feet.

The foot is a very complex part of the human body, consisting of 26 bones connected by 33 joints and strengthened by numerous muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage.

Foot bones

The 26 bones of the foot are conventionally divided into 3 sections: toes, metatarsus and tarsus.

Toes

Each toe consists of 3 phalanges. The only exception is the thumb or first finger, which has only 2 phalanges. Quite often, the phalanges of the little finger grow together, as a result of which it also consists of 2 phalanges.

The phalanges that are connected to the metatarsal bones of the foot are called proximal, followed by the middle and then the distal. The bones that form the fingers have short bodies.

At the base of the big toe on the plantar side there are additional sesamoid bones that increase the transverse arch of the metatarsus.

Metatarsus

This part of the foot consists of 5 short tubular metatarsal bones. Each of them consists of a triangular body, a base and a head. The first metatarsal bone is the thickest, and the second is the longest.

The heads of these bones serve to connect with the proximal phalanges, and the bases with the tarsal bones. In addition, the bases of the metatarsal bones are connected to each other by the lateral articular surfaces.

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The region of the head of the first metatarsal bone is active participant in the development of hallux valgus. During this process, a bone growth appears on the outer edge of the metatarsal bone, which compresses the tissue and deforms the joint, resulting in severe pain and gait disturbances.

In addition, it is the first metatarsophalangeal joint that is most susceptible to arthrosis.

Tarsus

This section of the foot contains greatest number various bones, which are located in 2 rows: proximal and distal.

The proximal row consists of the talus and calcaneus. The distal row consists of 3 sphenoid bones, the cuboid and the scaphoid.

The structure of the talus consists of a body, a neck and a head. It is this bone that connects the foot with the bones of the lower leg into one common mechanism. This joint is called the ankle.

The calcaneus is located behind and below the talus. This is the largest bone of the foot, consisting of a body and a tubercle. The calcaneus unites with talus from above and from cuboid bone with its front part. In some cases, a spiky growth known as a “heel spur” may develop on the heel bone. This is accompanied by severe pain and gait disturbance.

The cuboid bone forms the outer edge of the foot. It articulates with the 4th and 5th metatarsals, calcaneus, external cuneiform and navicular bones. Below there is a groove with the tendon of the peroneal muscle.

The scaphoid bone forms inner side feet. It connects to the talus, sphenoid and cuboid bones.

The sphenoid bones (lateral, medial and intermediate) are located in front of the scaphoid and are connected to it. They also connect to the metatarsal bones and to each other.

Foot joints

The bones of the foot are connected to each other by joints that ensure its mobility.

Ankle

One of the main joints of the foot is the ankle. It connects the foot to the lower leg. This joint has a block-like structure and is formed by the articulation of the talus and tibia bones. The ankle is securely reinforced with ligaments on all sides.

The ankle provides plantar and dorsiflexion (movement of the foot around the transverse axis).

Damage to this joint causes severe pain. Because of this, movement becomes difficult or even impossible. In this case, the body weight is transferred to the healthy leg, resulting in lameness. If the problem is not treated in a timely manner, persistent disturbances in the mechanics of movement of both limbs are possible.

Sprains and ligament tears occur quite often in the area of this joint. Synovitis of the ankle joint may also develop as a result of impaired pronation.

Subtalar joint

No less important is the subtalar joint, which is formed by the calcaneus and talus bones. This joint has a cylindrical, slightly spiral-shaped structure. It allows the foot to rotate inward and outward (pronation). There is a thin capsule and small ligaments around the joint.

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If the pronation of this joint is impaired, the foot receives additional stress when performing its functions, which is fraught with dislocations and sprains.

Wedge-navicular joint

This joint is on a par with the subtalar joint in importance, since they can compensate for each other’s dysfunction. If such compensation is observed for a long time, then the joints wear out much more quickly, which leads to their pathologies.

Talocaleonavicular joint

From the name of this joint it is clear which bones of the foot form it. This joint has a spherical structure and provides supination and pronation of the foot.

Tarsometatarsal joints

These joints form the solid base of the foot, as they are practically immobile thanks to their reinforcement by numerous ligaments. They are formed by the connection of the metatarsal bones with the sphenoid and cuboid bones.

Metatarsophalangeal joints

These ball-and-socket joints have little mobility and provide extension and flexion movements of the fingers. They are formed by the basics proximal phalanges toes and metatarsal heads.

Due to the fact that the joint formed by the phalanx of the big toe and the head of the first metatarsal bone experiences the greatest load from body weight, it is most susceptible to various pathologies. So it is this joint that is susceptible to gout, arthritis, radiculitis, etc.

Interphalangeal joints

These joints provide connection between the phalanges of the fingers. They have a block-like structure and are involved in flexion and extension of the fingers.

Arch of the foot

The foot absorbs all loads during running, jumping, and walking thanks to its special arched structure. There are 2 arches of the foot - longitudinal and transverse. The longitudinal arch ensures that the foot rests on the surface not with its entire area, but only with the heads of the metatarsal bones and the heel tubercle.

If the normal functioning of the ligaments and muscles of the foot is disrupted, the shape of the foot changes with a decrease in its arches. This leads to a disease such as flat feet. In this case, the foot loses its spring functions and the spine and other joints of the leg receive the load when moving. This leads to faster “wear and tear” of the joints and spine, the appearance of pain and associated diseases.

Foot muscles

The movement of the foot is provided by 19 muscles located in the lower part of the leg. There are 3 muscle groups on the sole. One group is responsible for the mobility of the big toe, the second for the mobility of the little toe, and the third for the movements of all toes. The fibers of these muscles are directly involved in maintaining the arches of the feet and also provide spring functions.

The dorsum of the foot consists of 2 muscles, which are also involved in the movement of the toes.

All other muscles that are attached to the bones of the foot, but begin from the bones of the lower leg, belong to the muscles of the lower leg, although they take part in the movements of the foot.

If the muscles are overstrained or severely relaxed, the position of the bones and the reliability of the joints of the foot may change. As a result, various pathological conditions can arise.

Ligaments

As you know, ligaments are inelastic, thick, flexible fibers that surround and support joints. When there is a blow or injury to the leg, pain and swelling are most often caused by stretched or torn ligaments.

Tendons

Tendons are strong elastic fibers that provide attachment to muscles to bones. When muscles are stretched to the limit, it is the tendons that take on the stretching force. If this excessive stretching occurs, inflammation of the tendons develops, called tendonitis.

Blood vessels

The foot is supplied by 2 main arteries: the posterior tibial artery and the dorsal pedis artery. They are divided into more small arteries and saturate the foot tissues with oxygen. Veins carry blood back to the heart. they are connected to the arteries by small capillaries. The veins are divided into superficial and deep. The longest vein in the body originates from the big toe and is called the great vein. saphenous vein legs.

Due to the fact that the blood vessels of the foot are the most distant, it is in them that circulatory disorders most often occur. This can lead to arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins veins, swelling of the legs, etc.

Nerves

Of course, the functioning of the foot is impossible without nerves. There are 4 main nerves located here: the gastrocnemius, the posterior tibial, the deep peroneal and the superficial peroneal.

Often it is in this part of the legs that compression and pinching of the nerves occur.

Foot diseases

Such a complex structure and the heavy loads that fall on them every day lead to frequent illnesses. All people are at risk of their occurrence, regardless of age and gender. But athletes and people whose work involves large amounts of work are most prone to foot diseases. permanent loads on your feet.

Foot diseases occur with severe symptoms and pain syndrome, therefore they cause a lot of inconvenience and discomfort. There are a huge number of them. Here are just a few of them that are most common: flat feet, arthritis, arthrosis, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, metatarsal deformities, dislocations, sprains, algodystrophy, bone cracks, osteochondropathy, tendinitis, soft tissue inflammation, hooked toes , calluses, damage to blood vessels, pinched nerves and many others.

Disease Prevention

Preventing the development of a disease is much easier than treating it later. Therefore, preventive recommendations will not hurt anyone:

it is necessary to ensure systematic hygiene procedures legs;
shoes should be chosen that are comfortable and made from natural materials;
try to wear high-heeled shoes as little as possible;
you should strengthen your foot muscles with special exercises;
It is advisable to use special orthopedic insoles;
Sports activities can only be carried out in shoes specially designed for this purpose.

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Leg and back pain are such common symptoms that many people don't pay attention to them. There is nothing surprising in this, because in the last 20 years people have begun to lead a passive lifestyle, children and adults sit a lot at school and in offices, and in the evenings in front of the computer and television, which necessarily disrupts the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

The foot is one of the most important parts of the body; it is constantly under heavy pressure, because a person spends most of his life on his feet. Unpleasant sensations can occur due to fatigue after a working day or be a sign of a serious pathology, such as a broken arch of the foot. In this case, the patient needs to see a doctor, undergo examination and begin treatment; such measures will help avoid serious complications in the future.

The longitudinal arch creates a lift that can be felt when you run your hand along the inside of the sole from toe to heel. It is difficult to notice the transverse arch of the foot without special knowledge, but if you take the foot in your hand and squeeze it, a bulge will form on top, which is the transverse arch.

Diseases

When the arches of the foot are damaged, a well-known disease occurs - flat feet, scientifically called flattening of the arch of the foot. With such a disease, the foot does not become completely flat, so it is impossible for an unknowing person to immediately detect the problem; only an orthopedic doctor can make a correct diagnosis.

Symptoms

With flat feet, the following symptoms occur:

Shoes quickly wear out inside, the insole wears out;
Legs get tired quickly;
Pain appears after walking and running; it bothers not only the feet, but also the legs.
Cramps and burning in the legs;
It is difficult to wear shoes with heels;
The shoe size increases, narrow shoes become uncomfortable to wear, as the foot gradually expands.

The following symptoms appear with arched feet:

Pain when walking and running, which can appear periodically and go away, over time the pain becomes permanent;
Mobility disorders;
Increases the rise of the foot, which makes it difficult to select shoes;
Calluses appear on the little fingers and around the thumbs.

It is important to note that when arches are deformed, pain in the feet does not always occur; in some cases, the problem may not show itself for a long time, but the knee and hip joints suffer, cramps in the calf muscles and nagging pain in them may appear. Over time, the situation usually worsens and pain manifests itself during exercise.

Flat feet

A doctor can determine flat feet through a routine examination at an appointment. A qualified orthopedist only needs to examine the arches of the feet to see their flattening and prescribe the necessary treatment. In some cases, the patient is sent for radiography to clarify the diagnosis.

There are many reasons for flat feet in children and adults, here are some of them:

genetic predisposition;
excess weight;
incorrectly selected shoes in children, wearing heels in adults;
increased stress on the legs, for example, during pregnancy or when standing;
improper teaching of walking to infants, use of walkers;
injuries;
muscle paralysis after polio.

Usually, conservative treatment is prescribed both in childhood and in adulthood; surgery is resorted to in very severe cases in adults. The therapy is complex, it involves the use of special insoles and shoes, physical therapy, massage, physiotherapy and various health procedures.

Arched foot

The exact cause of the disease is not known, but it may be a consequence of the following diseases:

Cerebral palsy;
Hereditary diseases of the nervous system, brain and spinal cord;
Polio;
Spinal disorders;

In some cases, the cause of the disease remains unclear.

An experienced orthopedist can diagnose the disease, as with flat feet, during examination, since the changes are usually very pronounced. X-rays help confirm the diagnosis. The doctor also asks the patient whether he has a history of diseases that provoke arched feet, and if there is any suspicion, the doctor may send the person to see a neurologist, and may also prescribe a CT scan, MRI or other studies to identify the true cause of the pathology .

If the foot is severely deformed, the patient is indicated for surgical treatment, after which rehabilitation is carried out with physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, antibiotics and painkillers. The disease can only be completely cured through surgery; conservative methods help stop the destruction of the foot and reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Exercise therapy

In adults, physical therapy cannot correct the arch, but it will help reduce the symptoms of the disease, since the muscles and ligaments will become stronger, shock absorption will improve and pain will disappear, in addition, the foot will no longer deform and the disease will not worsen.

Folk remedies

Flat feet or arched feet can be treated using folk remedies, but it is best to use them in complex therapy, after consultation with a doctor. It is important to understand that folk remedies are not a panacea for all diseases; they can help relieve pain and improve blood circulation in the legs, but it is not possible to cure a child completely with their help.

Recipes

Salt bath. It is necessary to fill the basin with warm water; its temperature should not exceed 38 degrees. Dissolve 3-4 tablespoons of natural sea salt in it and place your feet in the bath for 15-20 minutes. This procedure should end with a light massage with a nourishing cream, and it should be repeated no more than 3-4 times a week.
Bath with chamomile. For this procedure, you need to brew 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers in boiling water and leave to steep under the lid for an hour. Then you need to strain the broth and pour it into a bowl of warm water. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. When using this method in a child, you need to make sure that there is no allergy to herbs.
For severe pain in adults, a compress with iodine, aspirin and lemon juice will help relieve the condition. You need to mix a tablespoon of lemon juice and the same amount of iodine and add a crushed aspirin tablet to the liquid. Apply the resulting mass to the sore foot, secure the top with cling film and put on woolen socks. You need to keep the compress all night, and in the morning, wash off the remaining product and wipe your foot dry. Repeat the procedure no more than 6 times a month.

An evening massage will help you get rid of pain at home. To do this, after a hard day at work, you need to wash your feet in warm water or take a medicinal bath, then have a self-massage session with nourishing cream. The procedure begins with stroking from toe to heel, after which you need to start kneading the foot along the entire perimeter, you can do circular movements and light pinching and pressing. It is important to note that such a procedure should not be painful, otherwise you should reduce the pressure. You can also use a roller massager or rolling pin to alleviate the condition; to do this, place your feet on it and roll it from toe to heel and back.

Prevention

To do this, from childhood, you need to teach your child to eat small portions, at least 5 times a day, since rare meals most often lead to digestive disorders, excess weight gain, or, conversely, exhaustion. It is best to prepare food yourself, from fresh and natural products without dyes, preservatives and other harmful additives.

It is important to note that only a qualified nutritionist can prescribe a diet for a child, in case of urgent need; in all other cases, children cannot be restricted in their diet, since an incorrect diet can lead to irreparable disturbances in the development of a growing organism. But it is very important to limit the amount of junk food, such as sweets, smoked meats, fast food and other less healthy foods. This means that you can and should spoil your child, but there must be moderation in everything.

Another preventative measure for flat feet and other health problems is moderate physical activity. To do this, children and adults need to do gymnastics every morning; it is recommended to enroll the child in a sports section, where it will be interesting, fun and useful for him to exercise.

Complications

With timely diagnosis and treatment, complications with flat feet rarely occur in children, since it is possible to prevent leg deformation in time and form a physiologically correct foot. In adults, the disease is always complicated by pain, and if flat feet are not treated, it will become chronic, in which case the following complications may occur:

Constant pain, especially during active exercise;
Spinal disorders, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, tumors, etc. may occur.
Other foot conditions such as heel spurs, arthritis, chronic calluses, etc.
Arthritis and arthrosis of the hip and knee joints;
Constant lameness;
Clubfoot;
Dystrophy of the muscles of the leg and back.

The foot is designed and functions as an elastic movable vault. The arched structure of the foot is absent in all animals, including anthropoids, and is a characteristic feature for humans due to upright posture.
This structure arose in connection with new functional requirements placed on the human foot: an increase in the load on the foot during vertical position body, reducing the support area combined with saving building material and the strength of the entire building.

The complex of bones of the foot, connected almost motionlessly with the help of tight joints, forms the so-called hard base of the foot, which includes 10 bones: os naviculare, ossa cuneiformia mediale, intermedium, laterale, os cuboideum, ossa metatarsalia I, II, III, IV, V.

Of the ligaments in strengthening the arch of the foot, the lig. plantare longum- long plantar ligament. It starts from the lower surface of the heel bone, stretches forward and is attached by deep fibers to tuberositas ossis cuboidei and superficial - to the base of the metatarsal bones.

Throwing over sulcus ossis cuboidei, the long plantar ligament turns this groove into an osteofibrous canal through which the m. tendon passes. peronei longi.

In the general arched structure of the foot, there are 5 longitudinal arches and 1 transverse arch. The longitudinal arches begin from one point of the calcaneus and diverge forward along radii convex upward, corresponding to the 5 rays of the foot.

Plays an important role in the formation of the 1st (medial) arch sustentaculum tali. The longest and highest of the longitudinal arches is the second. The longitudinal arches, connected in the front part in the form of a parabola, form the transverse arch of the foot. Bone vaults are held in place by the shape of the bones that form them, muscles and fascia, and the muscles are the active “puffs” that hold the vaults.
In particular, the transverse arch of the foot is supported by the transverse ligaments of the sole and oblique tendons m. peroneus longus, m. tibialis posterior and cross head m. adductor hallucis.

Longitudinal muscles shorten the foot, while oblique and transverse muscles narrow it. This bilateral action of the tightening muscles maintains the arched shape of the foot, which springs and determines the elasticity of the gait. When the described apparatus is weakened, the arch drops, the foot flattens and may acquire an irregular structure, called a flat foot.
However, passive factors (bones and ligaments) play an equal, if not greater, role in maintaining the arch than active ones (muscles).

Additionally, we recommend: The main axes of movement of the foot joints in the figure

The elastic-locomotor function of the lower extremities is ensured mainly by the arched structure of the foot. The complexity of the structure of the foot has led to great disagreement in determining the architecture of the arch as an active element, the number of arches and supporting surfaces. We should focus on the definitions that have received the most recognition.

There are two longitudinal arches and one transverse arch in the foot. Longitudinal arches: the outer (cargo) is formed by four bones (calcaneus, cuboid, fourth and fifth metatarsal) and the inner (spring) is formed a large number bones (talus, navicular, three cuneiforms and first, second and third metatarsals). As a result of the large number of movably interconnected bones, the springiness of the internal arch is manifested. However, its strength is significantly inferior to that of the sedentary outer arch, which is dynamic, mainly due to the elasticity of the underlying soft tissues, including a significant fat layer.

The longitudinal arches of the foot normally rest on the supporting plane with the points of the calcaneal tubercle and the heads of the metatarsal bones (I-V); The posterior portion of the internal arch (talus) overlaps the outer arch (calcaneus).

The base of the arch of the foot is, as it were, tightened by a strong tendon plate, which is attached at one end to the heel tubercle and at the other to the bases of the toes (see Fig. 4). The muscles located nearby take part in the work of the tendon plate. Thus, according to prevailing ideas, the internal arch functionally depends on the condition of the muscles. The pressure is distributed unequally between the front and rear support points.

From these positions, longitudinal arches can be considered as independent only conditionally. In reality, the lateral and medial sides of the foot are closely connected and function as a single organ. Moreover, general structure the articular apparatus is what it is, which excludes the possibility of isolated movements in individual joints.

The transverse arch in the distal section is formed by the heads of all metatarsal bones. But recently, many researchers have denied the presence of this arch, based on the position that when the foot functions, the load falls on all the heads of the metatarsal bones. Other researchers justify the presence of a transverse arch by the nature of the imprints of the first and fifth heads of the metatarsal bones in worn shoes on the inner footprint and the relief of pain in feet with a lowered transverse arch with the support of only the middle metatarsal bones. In the literature, the term “transverse flatfoot” is retained.

The original definition of the arch as a spirally twisted plate placed on the edge, elastically springing when loaded with the weight of the human body, was given by I. L. Polievktov, which is quite consistent with the anatomy of the foot. Most high point The longitudinal arch is considered the lower base of the second sphenoid bone. In the distal part, the arch is wider and lower; behind the foot it narrows and rises. Therefore, it is more correct to talk about the arch of the foot, and not about its individual arches.

The muscles play a significant role in maintaining arching by contracting them to prevent the foot from spreading out. Being attached to the plantar aponeurosis and ligaments, they strain them and give the foot elasticity.

The plantar muscles, located from the heel tubercle to the anterior points of the arch, are a counter-support that increases the elasticity of the arch.