At an early age, the child’s bone apparatus is flexible, and the muscles and ligaments are easy to stretch. During this period, there is a rapid development of the musculoskeletal system of the baby, including the formation of the arch of the foot. Therefore, it is very important to closely monitor so that development proceeds correctly. Today we’ll talk about flat feet, how it affects the health of the child and how to prevent this disease in the first years of the baby’s life.
How to determine flat feet in a child
Affirmative talk about flat feet is only possible for children who are older than 5 years. At an earlier age, the diagnosis is complicated by the presence of a fat pad on the arch, which creates a flattened foot and resembles flat feet. Nevertheless, this is not a pathology, but the norm for a given age, and with proper development by the age of 5-6 years, the foot takes on the correct shape.
There are several signs that may indicate the presence of flat feet in a child under 5 years of age:
- fatigue of the legs;
- discomfort in the back;
- aching pain in the foot and lower leg;
- growing pains while standing and walking;
- heaviness in the lower back.
These symptoms are often accompanied by irritability, headaches, unreasonable moodiness. In other words, a violation of the structure of the foot can affect the functionality of the whole organism.
Natural prevention flatfoot
One of the most effective methods of preventing flat feet in children is walking barefoot. Orthopedists advise walking in the summer barefoot on loose soil, mowed grass, pebbles, and sandy beaches.
But what to do in the cold season or in the absence of the opportunity to change the urban setting to a suburban? In this case, doctors recommend using orthopedic massage mats, which have a natural effect that is characteristic of the natural environment. It is important to combine different massage structures. You can buy several rugs with different coatings, or you can assemble one of Ortho's special puzzles to create the effect of a walk along a pebble beach and mowed grass.
In the process of walking on such a covering, the foot is set in different positions, stimulating various muscle groups. In addition, the small elements of the mat create the effect of acupressure, acting on segments that are associated with other organs. Thus, a complex effect is exerted on the whole organism.
Daily classes with a child on orthopedic coverings for several minutes have a powerful preventive effect, strengthening muscles, ligaments, and relieving muscle fatigue. Such procedures not only contribute to the correct formation of the arch of the foot, but also strengthen the immune system, so children are less likely to get sick.In addition to treatment and prevention, massage mats can be used for educational purposes, using different combinations of colors and relief for teaching the baby, and organizing classes in the form of a game.
