Flat feet today is a fairly common pathology. She has to face not only children and adolescents, but even adults. At the very beginning, the disease is not accompanied by significant degenerative changes. As it progresses, many unpleasant symptoms appear. They become more pronounced even with longitudinal flat feet of the 2nd degree. Are they enlisted in this army? This is the question that most patients are concerned about. In today's article, we will try to give an answer to it, and also talk about the main methods of treating an ailment.
What is longitudinal flatfoot?
This is a degenerative disease characterized by pathological lowering of the longitudinal arch of the foot. As a result, its structure changes, depreciation properties deteriorate. Gradually, the redistribution of loads to other areas of the supporting apparatus, which are not adapted to them by nature, occurs.
The disease manifests itself in the form of an external displacement of the calcaneal tendon. Simultaneously located in this area of the bone is turned inward. The foot lengthens, and its middle part expands. The occurring disorders contribute to the occurrence of pathological changes in muscle tissue. Blood supply systems and venous outflow cease to function fully.
Degrees of longitudinal flat feet
Longitudinal flatfoot is a chronic disease of the supporting apparatus. It develops gradually, but always under the influence of certain factors. There are 3 degrees of pathology:
- I degree. Degenerative changes are weak. By evening, fatigue appears in the lower extremities due to prolonged motor loads. Sometimes there is swelling of the feet. Gradually, the smoothness of the gait deteriorates. The height of the arch is 25-35 mm, while its angle corresponds to 131-141 degrees.
- II degree. The pathological process is characterized by a moderate degree of severity. Pain sensations are becoming more frequent. They extend to the foot area, and also affect the lower legs. Muscles gradually lose their former elasticity. With longitudinal flat feet of 2 degrees, the height of the arch of the sole is 24-17 mm, and the angle varies between 141-155 degrees.
- III degree. Deformation of the foot is markedly enhanced. Discomfort extends to the lumbar region and becomes permanent. Severe headaches appear. Movement now even over short distances is accompanied by difficulties. The height of the arch of the foot is less than 17 mm, and its angle exceeds the mark of 155 degrees.
Determining the severity of the pathological process plays an important role. Without this parameter, effective treatment cannot be prescribed.
Longitudinal flatfoot 2 degrees
The army does not take employees with this diagnosis, but only in some cases. Why? We will talk about this below.
The initial stage of the pathological process for most patients goes unnoticed. The existing symptoms and its visual signs are not sufficiently pronounced. Therefore, many attribute the pain in the legs as a result of usual fatigue. At the next stage, the clinical picture is complicated, and the external deformation of the foot becomes more noticeable.
With flat feet of 2 degrees, the omission of the arch of the sole can be seen with the naked eye. The pain syndrome is increasing every day, and the gait is changing. The foot becomes more elongated. Shoes that were previously suitable in size had to be thrown out and purchased new ones.
How serious is this form of the disease? If you ignore its symptoms and do not engage in treatment, the pathological process will continue to progress. The third degree is extremely difficult to tolerate and can provoke the occurrence of concomitant ailments. It is advisable to stop at the second stage of the disease. Knowing its causes and main manifestations, further development can be prevented.
Main reasons
Flat feet can appear at any age. The causes of the occurrence are usually associated with a person’s lifestyle, his daily activities and shoes that he prefers to wear. The longitudinal arch of the foot is considered a fairly complex system. To harm this part of the support apparatus is easy.
Longitudinal flatfoot of the 2nd degree most often develops as a result of excessive load on the arch of the sole. It can grow under the influence of the following factors:
- weight gain;
- improperly selected or poor-quality shoes.
One of the indirect causes of flat feet is the lack of physical activity. For example, in people with sedentary work, the arch of the foot and muscles are gradually weakening. Therefore, the risk of developing the disease increases.
Clinical picture
Longitudinal flatfoot of the 2nd degree is characterized by the appearance of severe pain in the legs. First, discomfort occurs in the area of the arch of the sole, then moves to the heel or ankle. If at the initial stage of the disease the pain syndrome appears only after physical exertion, then during the subsequent stages it is constantly present.
Among the symptoms of the pathological process, doctors distinguish the following:
- feeling of heaviness in the legs and constant fatigue;
- cramps in the calf muscles;
- the appearance of clubfoot;
- gait change.
In adolescents and children, longitudinal flatfoot of the 2nd degree manifests itself much more strongly. They may complain of back and lumbar pain. Against the background of the disease, other pathologies sometimes develop. For example, arthrosis of the joints and osteochondrosis.
Diagnostic Methods
Most patients decide to seek the help of a doctor when the disease is already progressing. Suddenly suitable only a few months ago, shoes become uncomfortable.
Diagnosis of pathology always begins with the study of complaints and the overall clinical picture. Then proceed to instrumental examination methods. A classic option is radiography, which is performed in two projections with a load. Additionally, podometry and podography are assigned. In the first case, the arch of the foot and its length are measured, and a number of related indicators are also determined. A podography is necessary for evaluating parameters associated with biomechanics of the sole.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor confirms or refutes the preliminary diagnosis, as well as gives recommendations for eliminating the problem.
With longitudinal flat feet 2 degrees in the army take?
Pathological lowering of the arch of the foot is a serious problem that requires constant monitoring. Sometimes you even have to limit the load on sore legs. Do they take to the army with this ailment? It is not possible to unequivocally answer this question.
In the case of mild disorders, the man is subject to service. Even two-sided longitudinal flat feet of the 2nd degree and the army are compatible. On the other hand, in the presence of concomitant diseases, a young person may refuse to serve. Unsuitable is a conscript with flat feet of the 2nd degree and severe arthrosis. In this case, concomitant pathology should also progress.
Help at home
Completely return the foot to a healthy position is possible only in childhood, when the leg still continues to develop. In this case, the treatment of longitudinal flatfoot of the 2nd degree is limited to wearing special orthopedic shoes and a course of exercise therapy. Such measures do not allow the disease to progress, and the muscles of the foot support in tone.
In adulthood, it is not possible to completely get rid of the disease. However, with the help of therapy, it is possible to stop its development and minimize the activity of symptoms. In adult patients, treatment consists of the following measures:
- Use of orthopedic insoles. With longitudinal flat feet of the 2nd degree, special shoes are no longer required. When choosing insoles, it is necessary to pay attention to the arch support and the roller in the area of the front arch of the sole.
- If you are overweight or have other health problems, you need to deal with them.
After confirming flat feet, it is necessary to constantly be observed by an orthopedist, to correct the prescribed therapy. Physiotherapy and massage are not necessary with this diagnosis. Sometimes they are recommended for an early result.
Physiotherapy
At home, you can do gymnastics. It is recommended precisely for bilateral longitudinal flat feet of the 2nd degree. The treatment complex should be selected by a doctor. The first exercises are best performed under his control, and then you can move on to home practice.
For children, the standard course of exercise therapy includes jumps and bouncing, walking on toes. For adults, such exercises are ineffective. It is useful for them to grab objects from the floor surface with their toes, to roll balls of different diameters.
The basic rule is that such gymnastics should be regular. During the day, exercises should be repeated several times. Such treatment of longitudinal flatfoot of the 2nd degree will be even more effective if it is combined with other methods.
Is an operation necessary?
In case of deformity of the foot of the 2nd degree, surgery is not required. They resort to his help at the next stage of the development of the pathological process, when conservative treatment does not give a result. There are many varieties of operations. The choice of a specific procedure is up to the doctor.
Surgery is also recommended if the longitudinal flat feet of both feet of the 2nd degree entailed degenerative changes in the spine. However, such cases are extremely rare, especially if the patient promptly started therapy.
Prevention Methods
Flatfoot is a serious disease that must be treated in a timely manner. Sometimes it is not limited to conservative effects and requires surgical intervention. In order not to encounter such problems, you need to deal with the prevention of the disease.
Doctors offer the following recommendations:
- Take barefoot walks on sand or pebbles on a regular basis.
- Choose comfortable shoes with a steady heel made of quality materials.
- With a sedentary lifestyle, several hours a week should be devoted to sports.
When the initial symptoms of the pathology appear, you should immediately contact an orthopedic doctor. Timely diagnosis and quality therapy are the key to a favorable prognosis.