Many parents are faced with such a problem as flat feet. Unfortunately, not everyone attaches great importance to this problem, they say, it will pass with age. On the contrary, the development of flat feet affects the vital organs, their correct development in the baby.
Flat feet primarily affects the development of the spine. Incorrect formation leads to its curvature and other problems. It is possible to correct the situation with flat feet with the help of massage at the initial stage.
Causes of flat feet in children
The curvature of the shape of the foot against the background of the omission of the transverse and longitudinal arch is called flat feet. It is the bend that serves as a shock absorber between the load on the foot and the vertebrae.
An interesting fact is that when a baby is born, his foot is filled with a layer of fat that aligns the foot. As they grow older, the layer decreases, turning into the correct outline of the foot.
The reason for the development can be laid down as a legacy from relatives. Those parents who suffered from the disease pass it on to their children.
Deformity of the foot has different degrees of severity:
- Subtle.
- Noticeable distortion of the foot.
- Severe stage in which movement becomes painful.
Deformation of the foot can be:
- Longitudinal.
- Transverse.
- Valgus.
- Longitudinal and transverse.
A type of disease can be:
- Congenital.
- Rachitic.
- Traumatic.
- Statistical.
- As a consequence of the transferred poliomyelitis
- Wearing poor quality shoes or the wrong shape / size.
- Low physical activity.
It is not difficult to fix the problem at the initial stage, guided by the recommendations of a specialist. As a rule, it sounds like this - wearing orthopedic insoles, self-massage.
Among the ways to combat flat feet, insoles are one of the most effective ways. Comfortable, do not cause discomfort.
Tasks of massage for flat feet
Thanks to massage, the manifestation of flat feet can be slightly reduced - in severe cases, as well as painful symptoms can be minimized. Its effect allows you to relieve pain, swelling and tension from the limbs. In addition, blood circulation and lymph flow in the legs is improved.
As a rule, doctors recommend combining massage sessions with gymnastics, periodically doing warm baths. But the main thing is to fight the disease at all stages.
Massage for flat feet in a child
Flat feet in children are referred to as diseases of the musculoskeletal system. At the first stage of development of flat feet, as a rule, parents do not pay attention to the disease. However, as it develops, it affects the entire body.
General massage technique
- Once the baby is ready, rub the oil over the skin.
- Starting position - lying on your stomach. You need to start the massage by stroking the back. Then the movements turn into rubbing. You can pinch your skin a little. These tricks are good for all children who are already crawling. For best results, massage should be done before or after meals.
- From the back, they switch to foot massage. The child is lying on his stomach, kneading the skin of the legs, stroking, patting the entire surface. A child's legs are a good place to start as they are less sensitive than some parts of the body. Using a little oil, wrap your arms around her thighs and pull down one hand after the other, squeezing slightly, as if you were milking her leg. Change legs and repeat.
Massage for longitudinal flat feet
Before the start of the session, the child must be placed on the back. Start the massage with light stroking of the body. The intensity is determined by the child's age, the older, the more intense the touch.
After stroking, you need to move to the groin and foot area - then alternately along the back and front of the thigh. Move smoothly to the lower leg. It is important not to touch the patella in any way.
Massage with transverse flat feet
A change in the foot and its arch during transverse deformation is due to a change in the forefoot - it is deformed and compacted. The deformation does not properly redistribute the stress on the heel and metatarsal bone.
Massaging this zone is no different at the beginning from massage with longitudinal flat feet, with the difference that the emphasis is on the forefoot.
Massage for valgus flat feet
With deformity of the foot, when the calcaneus is directed "outward", the hallux valgus develops, popularly referred to as "clubfoot". In this case, massage should be aimed at relaxing the muscles of the arch, for the further formation of the correct position of the leg.
Massage technique for flat feet
Massage for flat feet in children should be started in the back area.
Basic techniques:
- stroking;
- warm-up;
- squeezing;
- vibration;
- pressing.
Foot
Foot massage should be alternating - stroking the ankle is replaced by stroking the lymph nodes. Then it is replaced by comb-like “caressing” of the sole surface.
Rubbing is done in a circle with the back of the hand. It is important to be careful not to provoke a localized hematoma.
Ankle and shin
Massage of the lower leg and ankle area is performed when the baby is lying on his stomach. Massaging is carried out in the area of the calf muscle and foot.
First, the surface is rubbed, then kneaded, vibrating and tapping movements are carried out. A stronger impact is allowed on this part of the leg than in other areas.
Knee joint, thigh
Massaging the area of the thigh and joints is carried out according to the classical type - stroking is combined with a light warm-up in the lumbar region.
Indeed, massage should be carried out in the buttocks area. Move gently to the surfaces of the thigh.
How to do massage at home?
Regardless of the location of the massage, it is worth getting the advice of a massage specialist on your own.
Before starting the massage, you need to establish eye contact. Prepare everything necessary for the procedure, to achieve maximum peace of mind for the baby.
Correctly baby massage must be carried out in compliance with the following steps:
- Stroking
- Trituration
- Kneading
- Pressing with fingers
- Joint movements.
Massage for the prevention of flat feet
With flat feet, it is very important to carry out massaged feet in order to exclude its deformation and prevent the development of the disease. Moreover, all manipulations in this part are aimed at strengthening the ligaments and improving blood flow.
It is better to prevent any ailment. Therefore, it is worth listening to the recommendations of orthopedists and surgeons regarding flat feet. First of all, you need to take care of high-quality shoes that match the size of the leg.
Barefoot walks and walking are useful.
In aggregate, it is important to adhere to proper nutrition so that the body is saturated with multivitamins and minerals.
Physiological deviation of the development of the foot - flat feet mainly affects the child's leg. In view of growth and underdevelopment. As a rule, it is not difficult to defeat flat feet at preschool age. Worse when it develops after 6 years of age or has not been treated at all.
The consequences of flat feet are poor development of articular tissue, musculoskeletal system, poor posture, deformation of bone tissue. The consequences of untreated flat feet are so destructive that early relief will avoid most problems in adulthood.
