Flattening is the deformation of the arch of the foot, expressed in its lowering. The result of this disease is increased fatigue in walking, pain in the legs, improper development of the musculoskeletal system of the child. If you notice that the child's shoes are worn unevenly, with a skewing in any direction, this may be a sign of developing flat feet. In this article, we will talk about one of the ways to treat and prevent flat feet - foot massage with flat feet, and also tell you how to do massage with valgus, transverse and longitudinal flat feet.
General measures of flatfoot prevention
In order to prevent the development of the disease, several simple rules should be observed:
- To buy a toddler is quality shoes with a hard back, which will reliably fix the foot, will not slide or hang out. It is better if the shoes are made of natural materials, although many modern synthetic materials also pass air well, allow the legs to "breathe" and still keep the heat. A great advantage for shoes is the presence of an orthopedic sole. You can also go with the baby to see an orthopedist, check the baby's feet and order special individual orthopedic insoles.
- Regularly do preventive gymnastics for the feet. To do this, it is enough to walk with the baby one by one, then on the toes, then on the heels, then on the inside or outside of the foot. It is also useful to walk on pebbles or other textured surfaces. A well developed foot is a game in which the toddler should try to lift a small ball, pencil or other small object from the floor with the help of his feet.
- From time to time do the baby massage (not only the feet, but also the back, legs, hands).
Technique of massage with flat feet
Children's massage with flat feet and physical training are the most effective and at the same time simple methods of treatment and prevention of the disease.
To achieve the result, massage the child should be done daily. The main purpose of the massage is to relax and stretch the tight muscles of the back and legs, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the child and serves as the prevention of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, clubfoot, scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, etc.). Valgus flatfoot is a type of deformation of the foot, when the heel bone is directed "outward". Such a deformation is known as "clubfoot". With transverse or longitudinal flatfoot, the transverse or longitudinal arch of the foot is compacted and deformed, respectively. Depending on the type of deformation, the emphasis in massage movements is slightly mixed in the direction of the most problematic zones.
General massage technique
- Starting position: the baby lies on the tummy. Start the massage with a slight stroking of the back. After a few minutes, the movements should become stronger, rubbing. Rub the skin along the spine with the ribs of the palms. Slightly pressing, stroke the back in the direction from the sacrum to the axillary hollows. Lightly pinch the skin along the entire back, then additionally along the spine, on the shoulders and shoulder blades. After the skin warms up well, it will turn pink, protect the wrinkle of the skin with all your fingers (both) and draw a "wave" along the entire back from the bottom up, quickly fingering. End the back massage should be the same as starting - gently stroking the palms over the entire area of the back.
- We pass to the massage of the legs. The starting position does not change. We consistently stroking, rubbing, kneading, patting and tingling on the entire surface of the thigh. Finish the thigh massage by stroking.
- Next, we turn to the shin and ankle massage. The starting position does not change. The general order of massage actions does not change (stroking-rubbing-kneading-vibration-patting-tingling-rubbing-stroking). Muscles of the shin should be kneaded especially carefully. After the shin massage, go to the surface of the foot. Stop alternately rubbing, pressing on them with pads of fingers, properly knead every finger and joint. The general order of the shin and foot massage is as follows: massage the calves, then the Achilles tendon, the outer side of the shin, then the back of the foot, then knead the sole, then return to the calf muscle and again to the sole of the foot.
After this, you should change the starting position: turn the baby from the tummy to the back and repeat the whole complex of massage movements on the front of the toe and the upper surface of the feet. But remember that on the front of the shin should not be very much mash the muscles, and also it is necessary to limit the vibrational movements.
With the help of therapeutic massage, blood circulation and lymph flow improve, muscle tone and ligaments are restored.
Remember that the earlier you notice the flatfoot and begin to heal it, the easier and faster it can be done. At the same time, regular massage and therapeutic exercises can effectively treat even the most neglected cases of flatfoot.