Flat feet is a common diagnosis for children. With due attention from the parents, it can be easily corrected. It will take a lot of strength and perseverance from both adults and the baby. And the result will only please - strong beautiful legs and a healthy back. So the work is worth it.
Instructions
Step 1
Salt baths
It is useful to do salt baths for the baby's feet several times a week. You will have to stock up on sea salt, as it will take a lot: 1 tablespoon per liter of water. A basin is taken, salt is poured into it and water is poured. The bath temperature should not be higher than 37 degrees. It is better to put the child on a stool or high chair. If you put it in a basin, your feet will hurt from salt crystals, which almost never completely dissolve. For convenience, the basin is located on a small bench or stand. The bath lasts about 20 minutes. After that, the child's feet must be rinsed with running water, wiped off and put on socks.
Step 2
Warming up with paraffin or ozokerite
Many people carry out this procedure at home. But if in doubt, you should contact the clinic. The nurse will perfectly make paraffin applications at the right temperature. It is also better to go to the physiotherapy room when the orthopedist recommended to warm up several parts of the body with paraffin: legs, tailbone and neck, for example. In the conditions of the polyclinic, children behave more calmly, and it's easier for mom.
Step 3
Massage
Massage is recommended every 6 months even for completely healthy children over 1 year old. With flat feet, it is also required. It is quite possible to call a specialist home or go to your children's clinic. Now all of them have their own massage therapists who provide paid services. So you don't have to wait in line for a long time, as for a scheduled free one. And if the child is warmed up, then the massage immediately after it will give a greater effect than each procedure separately.
Those masseurs who come home often show gymnastics. Having seen the correct execution of the exercises, the parents then easily repeat them themselves with the child.
It is advisable for a kid with flat feet to also massage the feet using various balls and "hedgehogs". They are not very expensive and are sold now in any children's or sports department.
Step 4
Physiotherapy
Podiatrists often prescribe electrophoresis or amplipulse. The first of these procedures can be carried out at home. The electrophoresis apparatus is very small; many masseurs buy and rent it to their clients.
Each physiotherapy room always has both electrophoresis and amplipulse. In the clinic, such procedures are always free if there is a referral from a physiotherapist. Therefore, after an orthopedist, you need to visit such a specialist.
Step 5
Orthopedic shoes and insoles
Always with flat feet, the child should wear special shoes with insoles that set the arch of the foot in the correct position. The price of such shoes is slightly higher than simple ones. But wearing it constantly is a must.
Insoles are purchased ready-made or made to order according to the measurements of the baby. Sometimes in the second case, the master increases the size for free during the year if the leg has grown. Therefore, do not be afraid of the high price of such individual insoles, because they will last for a long time.
