Foot arches - what are they? Arches of the foot What is an arched foot

Leg and back pain are such common symptoms that many people don't pay attention to them. There is nothing surprising in this, because in the last 20 years people have begun to lead a passive lifestyle, children and adults sit a lot at school and in offices, and in the evenings in front of the computer and television, which necessarily disrupts the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

The foot is one of the most important parts of the body; it is constantly under heavy pressure, because a person spends most of his life on his feet. Unpleasant sensations can occur due to fatigue after a working day or be a sign of a serious pathology, such as a broken arch of the foot. In this case, the patient needs to see a doctor, undergo examination and begin treatment; such measures will help avoid serious complications in the future.

The human foot is designed in a special way; it not only allows you to move comfortably and painlessly on two legs, but also plays the role of a shock absorber, protecting the spine, knee and hip joints from various injuries. The arches of the feet have this effect. There are two of them: longitudinal and transverse.

The longitudinal arch creates a lift that can be felt when you run your hand along the inside of the sole from toe to heel. It is difficult to notice the transverse arch of the foot without special knowledge, but if you take the foot in your hand and squeeze it, a bulge will form on top, which is the transverse arch.

The arches of the foot are formed by the heels, bones, muscles, joints and tendons, which can move and move apart, making the foot elastic, which allows it to play the role of a shock absorber when moving. Usually the load is distributed evenly between the heel, first and fifth metatarsal bones, but if there are problems in the arches of the feet, the fulcrum points shift and the legs begin to hurt.

Diseases

When the arches of the foot are damaged, a well-known disease occurs - flat feet, scientifically called flattening of the arch of the foot. With such a disease, the foot does not become completely flat, so it is impossible for an unknowing person to immediately detect the problem; only an orthopedic doctor can make a correct diagnosis.

Reverse flatfoot is a disease in which the arches of the feet do not flatten, but rather rise. This disease is immediately noticeable and easy to diagnose; it causes a lot of inconvenience to the patient, just like flat feet, and requires proper treatment.

Symptoms

With flat feet, the following symptoms occur:

• Shoes quickly wear out inside, the insole wears out;
• Legs get tired quickly;
• Pain appears after walking and running; it bothers not only the feet, but also the legs.
• and burning in the legs;
• It is difficult to wear shoes with heels;
• The shoe size increases, narrow shoes become uncomfortable to wear, as the foot gradually expands.

The following symptoms appear with arched feet:

• Pain when walking and running, which can appear periodically and go away, over time the pain becomes permanent;
• Mobility disorders;
• Increases the rise of the foot, which makes it difficult to select shoes;
• Calluses appear on the little fingers and around the thumbs.

It is important to note that when arches are deformed, pain in the feet does not always occur; in some cases, the problem may not show itself for a long time, but the knee and hip joints suffer, cramps in the calf muscles and nagging pain in them may appear. Over time, the situation usually worsens and pain manifests itself during exercise.

Flat feet

A doctor can determine flat feet through a routine examination at an appointment. A qualified orthopedist only needs to examine the arches of the feet to see their flattening and prescribe the necessary treatment. In some cases, the patient is sent for radiography to clarify the diagnosis.

It is important to note that all children under two years of age experience flat feet, but it is physiological. With age, the baby's feet change, and the formation of the arch of the foot ends at the age of 5 years. At this time, it is imperative to show the child to an orthopedist, and if even the slightest disturbances are present, treatment must begin.

There are many reasons for flat feet in children and adults, here are some of them:

• genetic predisposition;
• excess weight;
• improperly selected shoes in children, wearing heels in adults;
• increased stress on the legs, for example, during pregnancy or when standing;
• improper teaching of walking to infants, use of walkers;
• injuries;
• after polio.

The disease can occur at any age if negative factors begin to affect the legs. So, if a person changes jobs and has to stand on his feet a lot, or gains excess weight, then the likelihood of developing flat feet increases greatly, even if his feet were completely healthy before.

It is important to note that flat feet in adults is a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured. It is possible to get rid of the problem if you detect it at the initial stage, since the body of a small child is still developing and it is quite flexible.

Usually, conservative treatment is prescribed both in childhood and in adulthood; surgery is resorted to in very severe cases in adults. The therapy is complex, it involves the use of special shoes and shoes, physical therapy, massage, physiotherapy and various health procedures.

Such conservative treatment helps to form the correct arch of the foot in children and relieve them of the problem for life. But if the disease has become an adult, then it will not be possible to recover completely; in this case, the doctor prescribes measures that will help improve the patient’s condition and relieve pain.

Arched foot

The exact cause of the disease is not known, but it may be a consequence of the following diseases:

• Cerebral palsy;
• Hereditary diseases of the nervous system, brain and spinal cord;
• Polio;
• Spinal disorders;

In some cases, the cause of the disease remains unclear.

An experienced orthopedist can diagnose the disease, as with flat feet, during examination, since the changes are usually very pronounced. X-rays help confirm the diagnosis. The doctor also asks the patient whether he has a history of diseases that provoke arched feet, and if there is any suspicion, the doctor may send the person to see a neurologist, and may also prescribe a CT scan, MRI or other studies to identify the true cause of the pathology .

The initial stages of the disease are treated with a conservative method, the doctor prescribes physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, etc. If a person is experiencing severe pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other pain medications may be recommended.

If the foot is severely deformed, the patient is indicated for surgical treatment, after which rehabilitation is carried out with physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, antibiotics and painkillers. The disease can only be completely cured through surgery; conservative methods help stop the destruction of the foot and reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Exercise therapy

Exercise therapy plays an important role in the treatment of foot arches, especially in children. Therapeutic exercise, which is carried out every day, improves blood circulation in the tissues of the legs and strengthens the muscles; special exercises help form the correct arch and cure the disease.

In adults, physical therapy cannot correct the arch, but it will help reduce the symptoms of the disease, since the muscles and ligaments will become stronger, shock absorption will improve and pain will disappear, in addition, the foot will no longer deform and the disease will not worsen.

It is best to carry out the first training sessions under the supervision of a doctor, who will select a set of necessary exercises depending on the patient’s condition. When treating flat feet in children and adults, it is very important not to overdo it, so as not to further injure the sore legs.

Folk remedies

Flat feet or arched feet can be treated using folk remedies, but it is best to use them in complex therapy, after consultation with a doctor. It is important to understand that folk remedies are not a panacea for all diseases; they can help relieve pain and improve blood circulation in the legs, but it is not possible to cure a child completely with their help.

Recipes

• Salt bath. It is necessary to fill the basin with warm water; its temperature should not exceed 38 degrees. Dissolve 3-4 tablespoons of natural sea salt in it and place your feet in the bath for 15-20 minutes. This procedure should end with a light massage with a nourishing cream, and it should be repeated no more than 3-4 times a week.
• Bath with . For this procedure, you need to brew 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers in boiling water and leave to steep under the lid for an hour. Then you need to strain the broth and pour it into a bowl of warm water. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. When using this method in a child, you need to make sure that there is no allergy to herbs.
• For severe pain in adults, a compress with aspirin and lemon juice will help relieve the condition. You need to mix a tablespoon of lemon juice and the same amount of iodine and add a crushed aspirin tablet to the liquid. Apply the resulting mass to the sore foot, secure the top with cling film and put on woolen socks. You need to keep the compress all night, and in the morning, wash off the remaining product and wipe your foot dry. Repeat the procedure no more than 6 times a month.

An evening massage will help you get rid of pain at home. To do this, after a hard day at work, you need to wash your feet in warm water or take a medicinal bath, then conduct a self-massage session with nourishing. The procedure begins with stroking from toe to heel, after which you need to start kneading the foot around the entire perimeter, you can do circular movements and light pinching and pressing. It is important to note that such a procedure should not be painful, otherwise you should reduce the pressure. You can also use a rolling pin to alleviate the condition; to do this, place your feet on it and roll it from toe to heel and back.

Prevention

Timely prevention in children and adults helps to properly form the legs and prevent the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms. First of all, you need to pay attention to your lifestyle, you need to eat right, food should be tasty, healthy and contain a sufficient amount of essential vitamins and microelements.

To do this, from childhood, you need to teach your child to eat small portions, at least 5 times a day, since rare meals most often lead to digestive disorders, excess weight gain, or, conversely, exhaustion. It is best to prepare food yourself, from fresh and natural products without dyes, preservatives and other harmful additives.

It is important to note that only a qualified nutritionist can prescribe a diet for a child, in case of urgent need; in all other cases, children cannot be restricted in their diet, since an incorrect diet can lead to irreparable disturbances in the development of a growing organism. But it is very important to limit the amount of junk food, such as sweets, smoked meats, fast food and other less healthy foods. This means that you can and should spoil your child, but there must be moderation in everything.

Another preventative measure for flat feet and other health problems is moderate physical activity. To do this, children and adults need to do gymnastics every morning; it is recommended to enroll the child in a sports section, where it will be interesting, fun and useful for him to exercise.

Correctly selected shoes will help prevent deformation of the arch of the foot. Children need to buy shoes and boots made from natural materials; the shoes should be thick enough, but soft and comfortable, and matched to size. You cannot buy shoes for children as they grow, the maximum margin is 1 cm, otherwise you can provoke deformation of the arches. On the recommendation of a doctor, you may be prescribed to wear orthopedic shoes or insoles; such recommendations should not be neglected.

Adults should also buy natural and comfortable shoes; for prevention when working on their feet, they should use orthopedic insoles. Women are not recommended to spend the whole day in heels; they must change their shoes during the day so that their feet can rest.

Complications

With timely diagnosis and treatment, complications with flat feet rarely occur in children, since it is possible to prevent leg deformation in time and form a physiologically correct foot. In adults, the disease is always complicated by pain, and if flat feet are not treated, it will become chronic, in which case the following complications may occur:

• Constant pain, especially during active exercise;
• Spinal disorders, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, tumors, etc. may occur.
• Other foot conditions such as heel spurs, arthritis, chronic calluses, etc.
• Arthritis and arthrosis of the hip and knee joints;
• Constant lameness;
• Clubfoot;
• Dystrophy of the muscles of the legs and back.

In the absence of timely treatment, the patient’s legs quickly tire, and it becomes impossible to wear dress shoes and high heels. Timely treatment helps to get rid of not only external defects, but also to cure chronic fatigue and pain in the legs.

The feet are the foundation of our body and perform such an important function as walking. The human foot consists of 26 bones, it also contains ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Due to a fairly active life, structural changes in the legs may occur. This can lead to deformities or various types of diseases. Additionally, feet are susceptible to bacterial, fungal and viral infections. The presence of systemic diseases can also leave their mark on changes in the legs, which can lead to limitations in daily activities and quality of life.

High arches (or cauda feet).

With a normal arch, the arch is flattened when walking, allowing the foot to swing freely without restricting the foot during stride. When the foot is perpendicular to the ground, the arch begins to rise to lock the foot to support the body weight as it moves forward. In people with a flat arch of the foot, the foot at this moment remains free and is not fixed.

The problem for people with very high arches is that their arch cannot flatten enough and their foot does not have enough flexibility when moving. Very high arches occur in neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (hereditary neural amyotrophy).

Many people with poor arches are prone to developing calluses and heel and toe pain.

Treatment The aim is to ensure that the increased pressure created by body weight on the leg is distributed evenly, therefore, for the purpose of correction, the use of orthopedic insoles is recommended for such patients.

Flat arch (or flat feet).

Due to the fact that the arch of the foot is flat, the leg is in a “free” state and is not fixed during walking to support body weight. This is the most common structural deformation of the foot, in which the arch of the foot does not form or the already formed arch begins to deform at some point in time. This deformity can be either congenital or acquired, in cases where the ligaments are no longer able to support the structure of the foot, due to their damage (tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction) or when they are weakened.

People with congenital foot deformities have increased tension in the ligaments and tendons, which results in pain in the arch of the foot and frequent injuries (for example, a fracture of the tibia).

Treatment aimed at supporting the foot so that the leg functions normally during movement. Special shoes, inserts, or orthopedic devices available from pharmacies with a prescription can be used as supports. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Hammer and claw finger deformities.

In healthy toes, with the exception of the big toe, there are three phalanges connected by two joints. When the proximal joint (the joint closest to the leg) begins to compress, the deformity is called a hammertoe. If the distal joint (the farthest joint in the finger) is compressed, the deformity is called claw. In addition, the toes may be bent at the toe, usually the fourth and fifth toes; this deformity is called varus.

In the early stages of foot deformity, redness and soreness may occur due to the discomfort of ill-fitting shoes. Over time, calluses form in these areas, causing additional discomfort.

Initial treatment consists in choosing the right shoes (comfortable, with orthopedic insoles). If these methods do not help and the pain persists, surgery may be required.

For hammertoe and claw finger deformities, there are 2 options: first when the fingers are flexible and can be straightened manually in the area of ​​the joints, and second a worse option is when there is severe deformation of the fingers in the joint area, while the joints do not function. With a flexible deformity, only soft tissue correction may be required, while with a rigid deformity, bone reconstruction may be required to straighten the toe and reduce pain.

Valgus deformity of 1 toe.

A condition in which the tendons and ligaments are unable to stabilize the big toe, causing it to deviate (or rotate), causing it to deform outward at the metatarsophalangeal joint.

With early identification and stabilization of the foot with supportive boots, insoles, or prescription orthotics, symptoms may be relieved. In cases where bone proliferation has already occurred, a classic protrusion appears in the thumb area. This can lead to swelling and pain, especially if you wear shoes that are narrow or hard.

Treatment. In order for these symptoms to go away, you need to give your feet a rest, apply something cool and choose the right shoes. If symptoms and pain are persistent, surgery may be required, which includes reconstruction and stabilization of the big toe.

The diagnosis is confirmed using radiography.

Stiff first toe.

In this condition, a change occurs at the top of the big toe (at the metatarsophalangeal junction), resulting in limited flexion function and decreased range of motion of the big toe during normal walking. Subsequently, the bone changes that occur further worsen the functionality of the thumb, up to the complete absence of movement in it.

Initial symptoms include joint pain associated with increased activity. Due to the limited function of the big toe, pressure increases on the inside of the foot, which can lead to the formation of a callus.

Conservative treatment This includes using anti-inflammatory medications, wearing shoes with stiffer soles, and/or using special insoles to artificially increase movement in the big toe. If pain persists, surgery may be necessary, ranging from bone reduction to big toe decompression. These treatments help restore range of motion in the thumb and stop symptoms.

Ingrown nail.

Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) are more common in children, young people and the elderly. In young people, ingrown toenails are usually caused by inconsistent growth of the structures of the feet, which leads to the nail growing into the skin; in older people, it is associated with changes in the structure of the bones themselves, which leads to deformed nails. Another important reason is cutting your nails very short, and the bend of the nail irritates or penetrates the skin. External compression of the toes from outside, for example when wearing very narrow shoes, also leads to ingrown toenails.

Early symptoms include pain and discomfort along the edge of the nail plate. Because the nail irritates the skin, a skin tag may develop, causing ongoing discomfort. Without treatment, the nail can penetrate the skin and lead to infection.

Treatment. In the early stages, conservative treatment is used; if the process is advanced, they resort to surgical removal of the ingrown nail and the prescription of antibiotics in the presence of infection.

Athlete's foot or sole.

Athlete's foot is a common skin condition. In which the fungus infects the skin of the foot. There are acute and chronic forms. In the acute form, blisters form in the arch of the foot; the blisters are usually filled with a transparent yellow liquid. However, the process can also affect the skin between the toes, causing redness and peeling of the skin. Patients feel itching and burning. In the chronic form, the bottom of the foot is red and scaly, patients may experience itching and burning, although sometimes the process is asymptomatic. This condition is often associated with fungal changes in the nails.

Treatment involves the use of topical antifungals; in severe cases, tablet antifungals or corticosteroids may be required.

Onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails in which the nail plate and nail bed are interrupted, allowing the fungus to grow.

This is usually seen with trauma to the nail or as a result of repetitive trauma during sports or exposure to some direct trauma, such as falling something heavy on the foot. With onychomycosis, discoloration (yellow-brown), thickening of the nail, separation of the nail from the nail bed with the remains of some fragments under the nail are observed.

Confirmation of the diagnosis includes direct microscopy, staining with periodic acid and Schiff's reagent, and histological examination of the culture.

Treatment includes the use of antifungal drugs.

Plantar wart.

Raised skin growths on the plantar surface are caused by human papillomavirus and have several common characteristics:

• the presence of black dots in the wart, called capillary buds.
• broken lines on the skin, caused by the skin separating from the wart as it grows.
• more painful when squeezed than when pressed directly.

Calluses are often misdiagnosed as warts, but calluses typically appear in the joint area and are more painful when applied to direct pressure. Plantar warts are usually self-limiting and may resolve without treatment.

However, there are many methods treatment: adhesive tape, freezing, laser treatment, topical application of acids.

All these methods are mainly aimed at irritating the wart, allowing the body to respond to the irritant and recognize the viral infection. In children, treatment for warts has a high success rate. Once children reach adulthood and beyond adolescence, warts become more difficult to treat and may require medical and/or surgical intervention.

Publication date: 03-12-2019

What does arched foot mean?

An arched foot is observed in cases where the height of a person’s longitudinal arch increases noticeably. This deformity is also called cavus foot. This is the opposite of flat feet, where the bone that forms the arch becomes denser and lowers.

Types of pathology

There are several types of arches. Depending on the various deformations, the treatment method is selected. The following varieties are distinguished:

1. A foot that has a high arch. This pathology is clearly expressed, so it can be determined even visually. If you place your foot on a flat surface, you will see an increased instep, and the elevation is most pronounced in the middle zone of the foot. A person with this foot shape experiences the greatest difficulties when walking or running, since it turns strongly towards the outer part. This is called underpronation.
2. Flat vault. This is the opposite of the previous variety, since almost the entire foot fits tightly to the floor. With such a defect, pronation will be excessive. When a person runs, his leg turns strongly towards the inside.
3. Normal arch. This option is considered the most common. When running, there are no significant biomechanical distortions when the foot rests on the floor.

These characteristics are key when it comes to choosing the right shoes, especially when choosing running shoes. They must clearly correspond to pronation so that running and other sports are safe for humans.

If a person has hypopronation, that is, the foot is arched, then it is best to choose shoes that have an increased shock absorption rate and have an impact-resistant sole. For overpronation, when a person develops flat feet, it is best to choose a sole that is very rigid and has good stability. If the arch is in normal shape, no corrective devices will be needed. By the way, in this case it is better not to choose shoes with increased shock absorption and stabilization, as this can cause great harm.

To determine the shape of the foot, a visual examination is needed. First you need to stand up straight, and then stick your index finger between your foot and the floor. In this case, the foot itself cannot be lifted off the floor. You can't bend your knees either. If you manage to advance the toe by about 12-25 mm, then the foot is considered normal. If this distance is more than 25 mm, then the person has a high arch, and if the distance is less than 12 mm, then, on the contrary, he has flat feet.

There is another method. You need to fill the basin with water, and then lay paper on the floor. It is best if it is dark. First, lower your foot into the water and then place it on a sheet. All that remains is to study the print. If there is a lot of space between the toes and the heel, then the foot is arched.

General definition

The arched foot is the longitudinal arch of the foot. Also, such a pathology is also called cavus foot. This defect is considered completely opposite to flat feet, in which the arch drops and noticeably thickens.

With an arched foot, the height of the longitudinal arch increases greatly in a person.

In people with this deformity, the heel rotates slightly toward the inside of the leg. In this case, the first metatarsal bone structure, which is located near the base of the big toe, begins to descend slightly. As a result, it seems that the foot is twisting around its longitudinal axis. Then the fingers begin to deform. They take the shape of claws or a hammer: the phalanges near the nail plate are strongly bent, and the rest of the fingers themselves are strongly raised.

There are many reasons that can provoke such changes in the arch. Firstly, this concerns diseases of the nervous system and muscles. Secondly, the cause may be burns. But the most common is considered to be improper fusion of bone tissue after fractures of the talus or calcaneus.

If a person already has such a pronounced foot deformity, then during strong physical exertion he will rely only on the head in the metatarsal bone structure and on the heel tubercle itself. Because of this, the middle zone on the foot has no points of contact with the surface of the ground or floor. This is clearly visible if you make imprints of the sole. The curvature of the longitudinal region of the arch of the leg may increase in the anterior region due to the fact that the head of the metatarsal bone begins to descend. As a rule, this applies specifically to the first metatarsal bone unit in the foot. In other situations, the longitudinal foot often has a curvature that gradually increases in the posterior zone in the area where the tubercle of the calcaneal bone structure, its body and tarsal bones descend.

When a person has arched feet, the person gets tired quickly during long or fast walking. Painful sensations appear in the area of ​​the ankle joint. A callus forms on the foot, which is also very painful, especially in the area of ​​the big toe. To avoid severe pain or at least reduce it, a person tries to step so that the load falls on the outer sides of the foot. Because of this, he gets tired even faster.

Some people also experience the following symptoms:

1. Sprains often occur in the area where the foot is affected.
2. The foot, which has a similar deformation, is characterized by stiffness, so that gradually movements will be constrained.
3. The arch of the foot can sometimes hurt, and not just the parts where a person rests on the foot.
4. Shoes become uncomfortable due to the fact that the toes become claw-shaped and the feet are very high. As a result, finding a comfortable pair of shoes is becoming increasingly difficult.
5. Calluses appear near the thumb, at its base. The same applies to the place near the little finger.

If a person’s foot is higher than necessary, even with a visual check, then a diagnosis is required. For this purpose, the plantography technique is used. In this case, special paper is used, on which the imprint of the foot remains. X-rays of the feet may also be performed. This is another effective method. In addition, to determine the cause that provoked such defects in the fornix, magnetic resonance imaging is performed, with the help of which the spinal cord is studied. It is imperative to undergo a full examination by a neurologist to identify possible disorders in the nervous system.

Conservative therapy

As for the treatment of arched foot, or, as it is also called, longitudinal arch of the foot, in the early stages of the development of the disease, conservative therapy is usually prescribed. It is imperative to perform special therapeutic physical exercises. The doctor may also prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures. To reduce pain and prevent further development of deformities, special orthopedic shoes are selected.

You can replace it with a simplified version - insoles, which also have orthopedic properties. However, each patient will need separate shoes or insoles, since everyone's feet are deformed differently. In addition, massage of the affected feet is recommended. All these measures for hollow foot are aimed at strengthening individual parts of the arch of the foot.

Surgery

In more severe cases, surgical treatment of the longitudinal arch is used. The intervention is carried out only on the bone structures of the foot and on the soft tissues that are located in this area. Surgery can be performed using the following methods:

1. Osteotomy. This is a special operation during which the bone structure is dissected, and then the foot is given the correct shape.
2. Tendon transfer surgery.
3. Arthrodesis is a special type of surgical intervention in which all actions are aimed at creating ankylosis. In other words, the joint is made immobile.
4. An operation during which the plantar fascia is cut. When a person has a hollow foot, the plantar fascia is reduced in size. To eliminate discomfort, the patient’s skin is cut. As a rule, this procedure is performed in parallel with tendon transfer, as well as along with osteotomy of the bone structure of the foot.

High arches of the foot cause a lot of trouble. This pathology is the opposite of flat feet. With this deformation, the height of the bone that forms the arch increases noticeably. There are several methods that will help eliminate this pathology, but you should immediately go to the hospital at the first suspicion. Physiotherapeutic procedures, therapeutic exercises, and special insoles also help in the early stages. But if you delay going to the doctor and ignore the discomfort, then only surgical intervention followed by a long recovery period will help in the future.

Over many years of evolution, the human musculoskeletal system has been formed in such a way as to support his body in an upright position. When moving, many joints, muscles and ligaments work. And the main role is given to the feet. They perform the main supporting function, since it is on them that a person leans when standing or walking. And their surface area is only 1% of the area of ​​the entire body. Therefore, the feet can withstand enormous loads.

But their special structure allows them not only to support the body and maintain balance, but also to protect the joints and spine from shocks. This shock-absorbing function is ensured by the presence of two arches of the foot: longitudinal and transverse. Only if they are formed correctly during movement, no problems arise. But modern man is affected by many negative factors. They disrupt the normal anatomical structure of the foot, which causes the development of various pathologies.

Functions of the foot

Most people don't pay much attention to their feet. They have no idea that this part of the body performs the most important functions, participating in any human movement. First of all, the foot is the support of the body. This small surface bears all its weight. In addition, the feet help maintain balance, run, jump, and turn. Not a single movement is complete without their participation. The pushing function of the foot is also very important. Due to the presence of a transverse arch at the base of the fingers, it can spring, imparting acceleration to the body when pushing off.

But the most important function of the feet is springing or shock-absorbing. It reduces the load on the knee, hip joints and spine.

Here we can draw an analogy with a car, in which the role of a shock absorber is performed by arched springs. With a sharp increase in load, for example, when shaking from hitting a bump, the springs straighten, softening the blow. In the foot, the role of such a shock absorber is performed by the arches. They also soften any shaking, impacts when running and jumping, and also make the gait elastic and springy.

The complex structure of the feet helps them maintain balance, distribute the load and act as a shock absorber

Foot structure

The special anatomy of the feet ensures that they perform their functions correctly. This part of the skeleton is a complex formation of many small bones connected by joints, ligaments and muscles. When under load, the ligaments stretch and the bones move, softening shocks and blows. The arched structure of the foot is unique to humans. This is necessary to ensure proper distribution of the increased load over a small support area.

The structure of the foot is divided into two sections: anterior and posterior. The anterior one is represented by the tarsal, metatarsal bones and phalanges of the fingers. There are many joints, small muscles and ligaments. The posterior section includes larger bones: calcaneus, navicular, talus, cuboid and others. They are connected more rigidly, since they take on the first load with each step.

All the bones of the foot are united into a complex structure that has a vaulted shape. Therefore, a person does not rest on the entire surface of the sole, but on several points. Thanks to this, the foot plays the role of a shock absorber during any movement. This condition is ensured by the presence of two arches: longitudinal and transverse. They are formed by a special arrangement of bones. But such a structure does not form immediately; young children do not yet have arches. They appear after the child begins to actively walk.

Both arches are involved in the process of movement. First, the foot is placed on the heel, then a roll occurs along the outer edge of the foot. At this moment, the longitudinal arch works, softening impacts and distributing the load. Then the transverse arch is connected - in the last phase of the step, the entire load falls on the fingers, with which the person pushes off the surface. It turns out that both arches are important for depreciation. They complement each other, working as a single mechanism.

To maintain the arches in the correct position, a well-developed muscular-ligamentous apparatus is needed. The ligaments are called passive ties of the foot, since their tension provides elasticity to the arches. To maintain the longitudinal arch, the plantar ligament, which runs across the entire foot, is important. The transverse arch is held in place by the interdigital ligament. But muscles also play an important role in maintaining the arches. They are called active foot flexors because they constantly contract and relax as you move, providing shock absorption.

The longitudinal arch of the foot is clearly visible externally: there is an arched depression along the inner edge

Longitudinal arch

The most famous arch of the foot is the longitudinal one. It is easy to notice externally or by touch by running your hand along the sole from the inner edge. This way you can determine the presence of an arc-shaped depression. It is in this place that depreciation occurs - the foot springs under load. If this arch flattens, the entire inertia of the shocks is transmitted along the leg to the joints and spine.

The longitudinal arch starts from the heel bone and goes through the entire foot to the toes. Moreover, its height on the inside is greater than on the outside. Experts distinguish five such arches based on the number of metatarsal bones. They diverge from the heel tubercle to the knuckles. It is their arched shape that ensures the elasticity of gait and shock absorption of all shocks. The highest is the arch of the second metatarsal, and the lowest is the fifth. A person rests on this area, the outer edge of the foot, when walking.

With normal development of the longitudinal arch, its height should not be less than 35 mm along the inner edge. The angle of the arch is also determined from the x-ray. It is formed by lines drawn from the calcaneal tubercle and the joint of the first toe to the lower edge of the scaphoid-sphenoid joint. Normally, this angle should be no more than 130 degrees.

The transverse arch is located at the base of the toes and ensures proper distribution of the load on the forefoot

Transverse arch

The transverse arch of the foot is almost invisible in appearance, but it also performs important functions. It is located in the anterior section at the base of the fingers. The transverse arch is located perpendicular to the longitudinal one, and it is formed by the heads of the metatarsal bones. It ensures uniform load distribution and the ability of the foot to push off the surface when running and jumping. In this case, a person rests on only two points: the heads of the 1st and 5th metatarsal bones. All the rest form a vault and perform the functions of a spring.

But sometimes, with increased loads or weakening of the ligaments that hold the metatarsal bones in the correct position, a flattening of the transverse arch occurs. In this case, with each step, not only the 1st and 5th fingers touch the surface, but all the others. The center of gravity moves forward. This disrupts the shock-absorbing functions; the forefoot no longer springs so well.

Condition of the vaults

Each person's feet are unique. The height of the arches may differ among representatives of different races, but this is not a sign of pathology. For example, people of the yellow race tend to have fairly high arches, while black people tend to have low arches. And for them this is normal, the main thing is that the foot fulfills its shock-absorbing functions.

In total, there are three types of arches of the human foot:

• A normal foot has clearly defined longitudinal and transverse arches. When loaded, the leg rests on three points: the heel, the heads of the 1st and 5th metatarsals. The remaining structures of the foot provide shock absorption.
• A flat arch of the foot is observed in flat feet. During loading, the foot rests on the surface with almost the entire surface; it springs very poorly. Sometimes severe pronation is noticeable, that is, the foot rolls inward. And with transverse flatfoot, the anterior section becomes flattened.
• The opposite situation occurs when the arch is very high. This is the so-called hollow or arched foot. This pathology is easy to identify, since a tubercle in the middle of the dorsum of the foot is clearly visible. And when walking and running, the leg turns strongly outward.

In addition to the normal state of the arches, there are two opposite situations: hollow and flat feet

There are several tests to determine the characteristics of vaults. With their help, you can independently identify the presence of pathology. The easiest way to do this is with a sheet of paper. The sole needs to be smeared with oil, iodine or paint, you can simply wet it, but then it is better to take dark paper. You need to step on the leaf with both feet. Then you should study the footprints.

Normally, heel marks, forefoot pads, toe marks and a stripe along the outer edge should be visible. The notch on the inner surface of the foot should occupy slightly more than half the width of the foot. If it is smaller or absent at all, it means the person has flat feet. If the imprint of the midfoot is very narrow or absent, we can talk about a high arch.

The presence of flat feet can be easily determined independently by the imprint of the foot

Flat feet

Most often, foot deformation and dysfunction are observed with flat feet. Externally, the symptoms of this pathology are difficult to determine, since the vaults flatten only under load. The leg begins to rest on the inner edge of the foot. Because of this, its shock-absorbing functions are impaired.

There are longitudinal, transverse and combined types of flat feet. In children, flattening of the longitudinal arch most often occurs, and adults mainly suffer from deformation of the anterior section or from longitudinal-transverse flatfoot. The cause of the pathology may be the wrong choice of shoes, increased loads on the legs, excess weight, weakness of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the feet or injuries.

The development of pathology can be suspected based on the following symptoms:

• severe fatigue of the legs when walking;
• shoes wear out quickly, the heel wears down on the inside, the insole wears out;
• after physical activity, pain, burning, cramps or numbness appear;
• I have to change my shoes because the old ones become narrow due to the flattening of my feet.

Flat feet can develop at any age. But the pathology can only be cured in children until the final formation of the arches of the feet has occurred. For adults, treatment consists only of relieving symptoms and stopping the progression of the deformity.

A hollow or arched foot is a condition in which the arch is higher than normal

Arched foot

Too high an arch of the foot is a fairly rare pathology. Most often, such deformity occurs due to improperly healed fractures or other foot injuries, such as severe burns. An increase in the height of the arches can also occur with neurological diseases that cause muscle hypertonicity. The cause of the pathology may be poliomyelitis, spinal dysraphism, polyneuropathy, syringomyelia, cerebral palsy, meningitis, spinal cord tumors.

An arched foot is characterized by an increase in the longitudinal arch above normal. Because of this, when under load, a person relies mainly on the heel and first toe. The middle part of the foot has no contact points with the surface. Therefore, the walking process is disrupted, rapid leg fatigue occurs, and the load on the ankle joints increases. It is difficult for a person with such a pathology to choose shoes, since the high instep does not fit into any shoes. Pain occurs, frequent cramps occur, calluses form on the soles, and the gait changes. The fingers gradually become deformed, acquiring a claw-like shape.

Formation of vaults

Small children always have flat feet. The bones are still soft, the foot mainly consists of cartilage connected by ligaments. And the function of shock absorption is taken over by the fat pad on the sole. This structure persists until approximately two years of age. And when the child begins to actively move, the arches of the feet gradually form. Due to the softness of the bones and the weakness of the ligamentous apparatus, the child’s legs are very susceptible to deformation. Therefore, parents need to monitor the normal formation of the baby’s feet.

The final development of the correct shape of the foot usually ends by 10-12 years. But the presence of flat feet can be detected as early as 5-6 years. It is at this age that it is easiest to cure. The structures of the foot are still plastic, and with the right approach to adolescence, the legs acquire the correct structure.

Prevention of pathologies

Correct formation of the arches of the feet in early childhood is the key to the health of the musculoskeletal system. Parents need to monitor the baby’s gait and the development of his feet. Pathology detected in time is easier to cure. Therefore, it is better to prevent the development of flat feet. After all, basically such a deformation is acquired as a result of an incorrect lifestyle and choice of shoes.

To maintain foot health and ensure proper arch formation, you need to take care of this from the child’s first steps.

• It is important to watch your diet. It is necessary that the body is provided with all the necessary nutrients. In addition, you need to prevent weight gain.
• Moderate physical activity is required. In order for the muscles and ligaments to properly hold the arches of the feet, they need to be strengthened. To do this, you regularly need to do gymnastics for your legs, walk barefoot on uneven surfaces. Children need to move actively and play outdoor games.
• It is very important to choose the right shoes. Children should not buy it to grow; it must be exactly the right size. The peculiarity of shoes for children is a hard heel that prevents the heel from falling in, a soft upper and sole that ensure the correct roll of the foot, and a secure fit on the leg using fasteners or Velcro. Adults are not recommended to wear high heels for long periods of time. Shoes should not be narrow, hard or uncomfortable.

Many people are unaware of the importance of the arches of the feet until they feel discomfort. Only those who suffer from pain when walking and cannot find comfortable shoes understand how important it is to maintain healthy feet.

The configuration of the foot skeleton is in the form of an arch resting on the calcaneal tubercle, as well as the heads of the I and V metatarsal bones and strengthened by ligaments and muscles. The transverse arch of the foot is a set of arches that form the arch of the foot, running in the transverse direction. Vault... ... Medical encyclopedia

The configuration of the foot skeleton in the form of an arch resting on the calcaneal tubercle, as well as the heads of the I and V metatarsal bones and strengthened by ligaments and muscles... Large medical dictionary

A set of arches forming the S. of the village, running in the transverse direction... Large medical dictionary

A set of arches forming the S. of the village, running in the longitudinal direction... Large medical dictionary

CVD, ah, husband. 1. see reduce. 2. Information, materials, texts brought together and arranged in a certain order. C. laws. Letopisny village 3. An arched ceiling connecting walls, supports of which kind. structures, as well as internal... ... Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

vault- A; m. see also. vault, vault, vault 1) to reduce to reduce 7), 9), 16) Vault of the forest. Formation of regiments into a division... Dictionary of many expressions

A; m. 1. to Reduce reduce (7 9, 16 digits). S. forests. S. regiments per division. S. schools in herds. 2. Information, materials, texts, documents brought together and arranged in a certain order. C. laws. International s. marine signals. WITH … encyclopedic Dictionary

External images The pad of the human foot The location of the pad on the sole ... Wikipedia