In our orthopedic practice in Düsseldorf, we take on the challenge of promoting foot health from an early age. We are aware that ideally, our feet should carry us throughout our lives, and it is therefore crucial that they function healthily and without limitations. Unfortunately, many children and adolescents are affected by flatfoot and splayfoot, conditions that can be well managed with early treatment, thereby preventing disability in walking or running. Our team of specialized orthopedists in Düsseldorf is particularly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions and strives to lay the foundation for a life with healthy feet through preventive measures and appropriate therapies.
A flat-spread foot is a deformity that can be either congenital or acquired. A flat foot refers to a flattening of the longitudinal arch from the heel to the ball of the foot. As a result, the foot bends inward and the ankle on the inside protrudes. Such a foot is also called a pronated foot.
A spread foot is characterized by the metatarsal bones spreading apart and a lowering of the transverse arch of the foot. Such a finding is not always pathological, as the leg axis goes through several stages during the development of a young person, and the deformity can disappear again.
If it is not genetically rooted, flatfoot is usually caused by a weakness in the foot muscles, which arises from a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, immobilization by shoes that prevent natural exercise stimuli, such as those experienced when walking barefoot, contributes to this condition.
Splayfoot, on the other hand, has a slightly different cause. It results from prolonged unfavorable foot stress and wearing unsuitable shoes. Additionally, a weakness in connective tissue can contribute, which facilitates the spreading of the metatarsal bones.
While the findings of a flat-spread foot in early childhood usually regress on their own and should have disappeared by the age of about six, the same diagnosis in adolescence must be treated orthopedically. A range of complaints and impairments arise, often affecting neighboring joints, causing the adolescent to suffer from musculoskeletal problems early on. These can include:
These are just a few points, and there can also be long-term consequences, such as permanent wear and weakness of several joints due to incorrect force transmission. Therefore, it is crucial to intervene therapeutically early in the case of an adolescent flat-spread foot in Düsseldorf.
To redirect the still malleable foot at this age into a healthy position and anatomically correct function, your orthopedist in Düsseldorf only proceeds conservatively and refrains from invasive measures. This is also very well possible with the available range of orthopedic services. Shoe inserts, supportive bandages, and tapes achieve the best treatment results under the guidance and supervision of an experienced orthopedist. Additionally, physiotherapy and daily foot exercises are also conducted.
Orthopedic shoe insoles
Do not hesitate to seek certainty if you suspect that your child may have a foot deformity. In our practice, a specialist examination is conducted, and the correct diagnosis is made in conjunction with an individualized treatment plan.
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