As parents, we all want our children to grow up healthy, but in the process of growing up, children may have various problems, one of which is flat feet. Many parents are concerned about their child's flat feet and don't know what to do. In this article, we'll look at five simple movements to help your child improve flat feet and regain a healthy gait.
1. Learn about flat feet.
Flat feet refer to the loss of the normal medial arch of the foot, accompanied by deformities of other structures. Flat feet not only affect your child's gait, but can also cause a range of health problems. Therefore, parents should be vigilant and consider whether their child has flat feet when they notice that they are not walking in the correct position.
2. Causes of flat feet.
The appearance of flat feet is associated with a variety of factors, including congenital factors, genetic factors, as well as improper parenting and insufficient exercise. Of particular note is that children's arches are usually not fully developed until they are 7-10 years old. Prior to this, the muscles and bones of the foot were still in the process of continuous development, which is a critical period for the formation of the arch of the foot. If the child wears shoes that are too soft at this stage, it may lead to a lack of support on the soles of the feet, which in turn affects the development and exercise of the plantar muscles and bones, which may lead to a decrease in the medial longitudinal arch of the plantar and the formation of a stiff or fixed flat foot. Therefore, when choosing children's shoes, comfort is important, but the sole should not be too soft.
Five movements to improve flat feet.
Stand on tiptoe. Have your child stand on a solid surface, such as the ground or a mat. Then ask your child to stand on tiptoe as far up as possible and then slowly lower it. This movement works the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, and strengthens the strength and flexibility of the toes. Repeat 20-30 times a day.
Heel slide. Have your child sit on a chair or flat floor with one foot in front of the other. Then have your child slide his heels forward along the floor until he feels a stretch in his calf muscles. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly slide your heels back into place. Repeat 10-15 times a day, repeating the same movement with the other foot.
Cocked big toe. Have your child sit on a chair or flat floor with one foot in front of the other. Then ask your child to lift his big toe as best he can, and then slowly lower it. This movement builds the strength and flexibility of the calf muscles and toes. Repeat 20-30 times a day.
Stampede action. Have your child stand on a mat or solid surface and place one foot on the ground with the other lifted with the sole of the foot facing up. Ask your child to step on the ground as much as possible, then slowly lift the other foot and repeat. This movement builds strength and flexibility in the calf muscles and soles of the feet. Repeat 10-15 times a day, repeating the same movement for each foot.
Raise your legs sideways. Have your child lie on his or her side on a mat or bed with one foot in front of his body. Then ask your child to lift the top leg up as much as possible and then slowly lower it. This movement works the flexibility of the thigh muscles and hip joints. Repeat 10-15 times a day, repeating the same movement on each leg.
4. Precautions.
The number and intensity of each movement can be adjusted appropriately according to the actual situation of the child.
While performing these movements, keep your breathing smooth and don't hold your breath.
If your child feels discomfort or pain, stop the movement immediately.
These movements need to be performed consistently to achieve good results.
5. Summary. Although flat feet may have a certain impact on your child's health, through five simple movements, you can help your child improve flat feet and regain a healthy gait. These movements include standing on tiptoe, heel sliding, big toe cocking, pedaling movements, and lateral leg raises. When performing these movements, pay attention to the appropriate adjustment of the number and intensity, keep your breathing smooth, and do not hold your breath. If your child feels discomfort or pain, stop the movement immediately. By performing these movements consistently, good results can be achieved.