functions of the foot

Then we lift the toes and spread them apart (away from the big toe) as we would with our hands, creating a gap between the toes. We then lower all five toes so that they do not touch each other.

How can I correct my child's flat feet?

A change in the arch of the foot is only diagnosed late due to the developmental characteristics of children's feet. The attentive attitude of parents and the pediatrician makes it possible to identify flat feet in a child in a timely manner and plan ways to solve the problem. It is important to remember that flat feet at a young age are a serious pathology that can cause irreversible changes in the body.

The cushioning function of the foot is to protect the musculoskeletal system, brain, spinal cord and internal organs from shocks when walking. The coordinated work of the foot muscles, ligaments, tendons and bony structures allows the body weight to be distributed throughout all movements.

The cushioning function is determined by physiological characteristics of the foot, such as: B. the arch of the foot, successfully fulfilled. The arches of the feet are divided into two main arches:

The foot is held in the correct position by well-developed ligaments and muscles.

The foot is held in the correct position by a well-developed ligament and muscle system. This means the foot rests on the entire surface of the sole.

The normal support function is provided by the heel, the 1st and 5th metatarsal bones.

What are the risks of foot deformities?

Symptoms of flat feet in infants are often hidden by a layer of dermis, and infants and children under one year old do not have a foot curvature. The foot doesn't form until the age of 4 to 5, and by that time it's clear there's a problem.

The development of flat feet has the following consequences:

  • deformation of the foot;
  • degenerative processes in the ankle;
  • Curvature of the spine in the form of scoliosis with subsequent changes in the structure of the pelvis and the function of the organs located there;
  • osteochondrosis;
  • increased intracranial pressure;
  • Incompensation of the elasticity of the venous walls with the development of varicose veins of the lower limbs;
  • heel spur.

These changes occur as a result of disease progression with flat feet in adolescents.

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THE IMPACT OF FLATFEET ON HUMAN HEALTH. PREVENTION AND CORRECTION

Scientific and practical article by the speaker II International fitness congress 'TRIUMF' Valeria Baranova

Effects of the foot on the entire body

A healthy foot with an arched structure is an excellent supporting apparatus for human movement. The way the foot performs its cushioning function affects the health of the leg joints, the spine (including the spinal cord), the condition of all internal organs and the brain.

Frankly, many people are surprised: the spine and knees hurt. But what does that have to do with the foot?

The interruption of the axial load on the knee is inevitably caused by a flattening of the arch of the foot. And the flattening of the arches of the feet is due to weakened foot muscles.

When the arches of the feet are deformed, all the bones of the foot are heavy and the muscles of the foot are disconnected from the cushioning process, causing the knee joints to spring back. This leads to unnatural strain on the ligaments and muscles of the knee joint.

Other examples are the unequal arches of the feet on the right and left, the different lengths of the legs, the pelvis, which should be symmetrical in space due to the upright posture of the trunk, develops a compensatory curvature to the side in the lumbar spine, ie scoliosis gradually develops. This leads to chronic pain in the spine. Herniated discs often develop.

The spine is also involved in maintaining balance and upright gait. The deformation of the foot increases the load on the spine. The lumbar spine is particularly affected. The problems arise because the spine must constantly maintain its cushioning function.

This foot deformity also affects the health of the most important organ in the human body – the brain.

Podoscopy is a visual-optical method to diagnose the condition of the arch of the foot.

This optical diagnosis is a method of recording the condition of the lower limbs using a video camera or an image of the surface of the sole of the foot with further data processing.

Plantoscopy determines the degree of flat feet, the overload zones of the sole surface, detects corns and records the reaction of the arches of the feet to the tests carried out. The results are recorded in printed form or on optical media.

'DiaScan' – computer-aided foot diagnostics

DiaScan is a state-of-the-art computer system that allows 3D scanning of the patient's feet and subsequent analysis of the results.

It is a computerized plantographer equipped with a podometric function. Two scanners arranged at right angles to each other enable simultaneous scanning of the sole surface as well as the rear and side surfaces of the foot. This function provides an image of the foot in three projections, which is very important for determining the functional status of the foot. All computer-aided plantography data is stored in the computer's memory. The scanner has many advantages over paper and glass footprints. The machine detects musculoskeletal disorders at an early stage, even before the deformity develops. The use of the device in the manufacture of orthopedic insoles makes it possible to improve the quality of the orthopedic examination and achieve a positive result in a short time. The availability of an electronic patient database makes it possible to track the dynamics of the disease and the effectiveness of the foot treatment carried out when returning to the Posture Clinic. Computer diagnosis of the foot helps to achieve the following goals:

  • Evaluation of angular indices: angle of the Chopar joint, angle of deviation of the first toe.
  • Assessment of linear indicators: height of the arch of the foot.
  • Evaluation of the mathematical indices: forefoot index, forefoot extension index.
  • Evaluation of the podometric indices: podometric index, index of the internal longitudinal arch height, heel-toe angle.

How flat feet affect your health

Bad posture

Poor posture affects the formation of posture. Improperly distributed pressure on the feet twists the spine and prevents all muscles from functioning properly. The unnatural position of our body can lead to poor blood circulation and breathing, displacement of internal organs and serious problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Increased fatigue

If the body is in an unnatural position with the back strongly bent, less air reaches the lungs when inhaling. This means that less oxygen enters the body, which negatively affects the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system and even brain activity. Due to the lack of oxygen, fatigue, lethargy and sluggishness occur.

In addition, it is difficult to concentrate on anything important because the back hurts and causes discomfort due to the incorrect posture of the spine. In addition, heaviness and fatigue in the legs greatly disrupt the work process. All the muscles of the musculoskeletal system are too tense, so that the body tires more quickly and performance decreases during the day.

Headache

Flat feet affect the spine, putting unnatural pressure on the intervertebral discs and causing the head and neck to be positioned unnaturally. This often leads to headaches.

In addition, the cushioning of the foot does not work properly due to flat feet. With every step we take, the shock wave created when our foot hits the ground spreads from our heels to our cervical spine. Your strength is easy to calculate: it is 2/3 of our body weight multiplied by the number of steps we take per day. Normally 2-3 % of this load reaches the brain. If the foot does not fulfill its cushioning function properly, the brain is put under much greater strain with every step, which can of course also result in headaches.

How to avoid flat feet?

To prevent foot problems, you should avoid unhealthy footwear from the outset. Wear shoes with a heel height of 2 to 4 centimeters, a wide forefoot and the ability to adjust the heel with buckles or Velcro.

If you notice pain, heaviness or fatigue in your feet or swelling, you should immediately consult an orthopedist/traumatologist. In the orthopedist's office, the doctor will palpate the feet using a special ORTMANN PRO computer device (plantograph), detect their peculiarities and determine whether any pathologies are present. To prevent and treat flat feet, the doctor will prescribe appropriate orthotics that support the arch of the foot and reduce pressure on the foot, spine and joints.

If you have venous problems, especially varicose veins, the doctor will recommend smart compression stockings that stimulate the muscle-vein pump and improve blood circulation. The podiatrist will also help you develop a preventative exercise program for healthy feet and the entire musculoskeletal system.

Why do our knees hurt and what do bunions have to do with it?

For example, why do you think our knees hurt? Because they are held hostage between the hip joints and the feet. And why does the lower back hurt? For the same reason – mobility is impaired somewhere. Of course, it's not just the feet that are to blame, but in most cases it is the musculoskeletal system that needs to be put in order first.

The absence of this most important part of the body leads to problems that begin in the area of the big and little toes, the support of the thumb when stepping is lost, and this triggers a series of irreversible changes in the biomechanics of gait and movement, the muscles and Chains of fascia throughout the body begin to break down. I must say that the human body in the 21st century has two major problems: the foot and the neck. To what extent do you think these regions are connected?

What to do.

Learn a few simple exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine, and then you will not only keep your feet comfortable and healthy, but also improve the condition of your entire body, because the feet are the basis of our entire musculoskeletal system and must be done first be trained.

Exercise 1. The starting position is lying on your back or sitting on the floor. Rotate your feet, paying particular attention to your toes - make as large a circle as possible with your toes. Extend your toes as your foot moves down and pull them toward you as your foot moves up. The goal is for the toes to form a regular circle with a maximum radius.

Exercise 2. The starting position is lying on your back or sitting on the floor. Move your feet alternately forward and backward. The movement begins with bending and spreading the toes, only then does the foot start moving!

exercise 3 Sit on your knees. Stand on your knees, then sit on your heels, with the bones of the big toe and the heels of both feet 'gluing' together. Stay in this position for a minute.

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prevention

To prevent leg paralysis, timely treatment of infectious diseases, neuroses, etc. is necessary, since their advanced stages can lead to serious complications. At the first suspicion of paresis, a doctor should be consulted. It is important to know that this pathology is not life-threatening if treated quickly.

Avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol can alleviate many health problems. Regular walks, exercise, swimming and massages are recommended.

Sitting cross-legged for long periods of time and standing on your knees for long periods of time are not advisable as the oculomotor nerve, which elevates the foot, can be severed.

It is important to follow a daily routine and diet and get at least 8 hours of sleep. The daily diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as foods rich in vitamins and minerals. It is important to monitor blood pressure and seek medical attention if there are any abnormalities. Treatment for hemiparesis is most effective when diagnosed early. It's important to avoid strenuous exercise, cool down, and wear comfortable shoes.

Muscle weakness is often attributed to sprains and damage to ligaments and muscles. Paralysis is a progressive condition, so any symptoms of foot paralysis should be evaluated by a neurologist as soon as possible. Diagnosis is extremely important because the decision to treat the patient is made based on the pathology.

Qualified medical care can be obtained at the YES Medical Center in St. Petersburg. A timely visit to the doctor guarantees a positive result.

Massage for flat feet

The treatment begins with kneading the muscles of the lower back, where the nerve fibers connected to the legs are formed. Then gradually go down to the foot, massaging the calf muscle, Achilles tendon, shinbone and then the foot. The sequence of manipulation of the massaged areas largely depends on the severity of the disease and the patient's physiology. The professional massage therapist must select the appropriate massage technique. However, their general principle is the same.

The massage begins with gentle stroking movements in the direction of the lymph flow, gradually increasing in intensity and speed. Then the massaged area is rubbed until the skin becomes hyperemic (slightly red). This is followed by thorough and deep kneading of the muscles using the usual massage techniques, followed by vibration or tapping. The foot is massaged from toes to heel, paying attention to each individual toe and area of the foot.

Complete elimination of flat feet is possible only at a young age, before the musculoskeletal system is fully developed. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease in a child, you should immediately seek qualified help from a doctor.

Massage for valgus deformity

Valgus deformity, or flat foot, most commonly develops in children during the period when the child begins to walk and the weight of the body acts on the underdeveloped ligaments of the foot. It can be caused by heredity, prematurity or rickets. The foot is tilted inwards, which visually resembles the letter X. This pathology is characterized by poor muscle tone, so the main goal of massage with this diagnosis is to strengthen the child's ligaments and muscles. Since in this case not only the foot, but also the ankle and even the knee joints are affected, the massage should be carried out on the entire foot.

Such a diagnosis requires long-term treatment and careful adherence to all doctor's recommendations, since valgus deformity can lead to poor posture, curvature of the legs and spine, arthritis and osteochondrosis.

The treatment is comprehensive. It involves a long series of 15 to 20 massages per day, 2 to 4 weeks apart. The pressure on the massaged area should be intense enough, but without causing discomfort or pain to the child. The intensity of the movements should increase towards the end of the course:

  1. The massage should begin with stroking movements over the entire back surface towards the buttocks and head.
  2. This is followed by vigorous rubbing and kneading of the back muscles with the fingertips, paying particular attention to the lumbosacral region. The movements should be directed upwards and to the sides from the spine.
  3. When massaging the child's buttocks with deep, circular movements, the back of the first phalanx can be used with patting and stroking.
  4. The foot massage begins with the thigh muscles, kneading from the tendons to the buttocks, from the inside to the outside.
  5. Then it continues to the Achilles tendon and up.
  6. Particular attention is paid to the foot. Using your fingers, vigorously rub the outer and inner surfaces of the foot from heel to toe. Using tongs, knead the edges of the foot and massage each toe.
  7. After massaging the forefoot, the treatment ends with passive foot exercises with the masseur's hands and stroking.

Types and stages of renal failure

  • Pre-renal insufficiency. Caused by poor blood circulation, dehydration, blockage of pulmonary arteries, heart failure, acute blood loss, cardiac arrhythmia.
  • Kidneys (parenchyma). The triggering factor is toxic and inflammatory damage to the parenchyma (the tissue in which the nephrons are located). Causes can be fungi, viruses, bacteria, cancer drugs, some antibiotics, contrast media for radiological examinations.
  • Extra-renal (obstructive). Result of abnormal urine flow. It is observed in kidney stones, ureter stones, prostate tumors and urethritis.

There are four phases of acute kidney failure:

  • Initial. Runs without obvious symptoms. Non-specific symptoms – lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite.
  • Oligoanuric. The daily amount of urine is less than 500 ml. Increased proteins in the urine up to 150 mg per day or more. Nausea, vomiting, wet wheezing and shortness of breath present. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders may occur. The duration of the oligoanuric phase is 10 to 14 days.
  • Diuretic effect. The daily amount of urine gradually increases to 2-5 liters. Restoration of water-electrolyte balance occurs within 5-10 days.
  • recovery phase. Normalization of kidney function takes 6 months to a year.

There are also four stages of chronic kidney failure:

Types of kidney failure

  • Latent. Not clinically manifest. The disease is diagnosed through blood and urine tests. The glomerular filtration rate is reduced to 50-60 ml/min.
  • Compensated. Harbingers of the disease include dry mouth, weakness and malaise. Creatine and urea concentrations in urine and blood are increased. The glomerular filtration rate is determined to be 49-30 ml/min.
  • Intermittently. It is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations that increase as kidney function declines. Complications occur in various organs and systems. The glomerular filtration rate is 29-15 ml/min. The creatinine levels are constantly high and the acid-base balance in the body is disturbed (acidosis).
  • final stage. Characterized by rough acid-base and water-salt balance and edema. The kidneys stop excreting urine. The general condition is aggravated by the development of heart failure, lung and liver congestion.

Causes of kidney failure

All causes of kidney failure are divided into prerenal, renal, pontine and congenital kidney diseases.

Prerenal kidney failure is caused by abnormal blood flow, reduced circulating blood volume, or reduced cardiac output. It is caused by pulmonary artery occlusion, bleeding, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypoxia. A healthy kidney no longer produces enough urine when the amount of intracellular fluid decreases in dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, cirrhosis, and burns.

Renal or parenchymal failure is caused by ischemic and toxic damage to the renal parenchyma, less often by inflammation and vascular disease. Renal status and function are affected by radiological contrast agents, uncontrolled administration of anticancer drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and some antibiotics. Pathologic risks arise from incompatible blood transfusions, drug- and alcohol-induced coma, and prolonged posttraumatic pressure.

Postpartum or obstructive renal failure is caused by obstruction (narrowing) of the urinary tract. Obstruction of urinary outflow can affect any part of the urinary tract: urethra, ureters, bladder neck.

The most common cause of kidney failure in infants and young children is congenital kidney disease: hereditary urinary tract obstruction, renal tubular dysfunction. The predominant malformations are megaureters (enlargement and elongation of the ureter), polyposis and absence or underdevelopment of this organ.

Obesity, smoking, unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse create a favorable background for the development of kidney failure in adults. Older people, diabetics and people with prostate diseases are at risk.

contraindications

General contraindications to pressotherapy:

  • Oncology;
  • acute inflammatory skin diseases;
  • any form of tuberculosis;
  • benign tumors;
  • Unhealed fractures, sprains or skin injuries in the area where the cuff was applied;
  • Diabetes (damage to blood vessels caused by diabetes);
  • cardiac arrhythmia;
  • cardiovascular failure;
  • liver failure;
  • kidney failure;
  • pacemaker;
  • blood clotting disorders;
  • high blood viscosity;
  • thrombophlebitis; Thrombosis;
  • psychiatric disorders;
  • metal prostheses in the area of intended exposure;
  • Epilepsy;
  • thyroid disease;
  • nerve injuries;
  • High blood pressure;
  • acute pain in the body;
  • Increased body temperature;
  • Atherosclerosis.

Contraindications to abdominal pressotherapy:

  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • Menstruation;
  • uterine fibroid;
  • constipation of the intestines;
  • Acute bowel disease and exacerbation of chronic disease;
  • previous peritonitis.

How often can pressotherapy be used?

The course is calculated by the beautician depending on the problem. The average is 10-15 sessions with a break of 2-4 days. It is not advisable to carry out the treatment every day. This overloads the body without having any significant effect. The above-mentioned breaks between sessions are necessary to allow the body to adapt to the changes.

The treatment can only be repeated after six months. To strengthen the immune system, a prophylactic treatment is recommended twice a year.

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