From headaches to varicose veins: 5 unexpected consequences of flat feet

We are talking not only about problems with the musculoskeletal system, but also about the deterioration of the general well-being of the body, which negatively affects the quality of life. In addition, the condition of the feet can affect performance and career.

Normally, with each step, we do not rely on the entire sole of the foot, but only on three points: the heel, the base of the little finger and the thumb. The arched shape of the foot provides a spring function: the foot absorbs impacts on the surface, protecting the musculoskeletal system.

With flat feet, the shape of the foot changes as the arches sag and the sole of the foot becomes flatter. Due to this, when walking or running, we rely on the entire sole, and the load on the feet received from impacts on the surface is not distributed correctly.

Flat feet can be congenital or acquired. Most often, the appearance of this disease is associated with our way of life. Among the factors provoking the development of flat feet are a heavy load on the feet, work associated with constant stay on the legs, injuries, overweight, lack of physical activity and the use of unhealthy shoes for feet.

It’s the wrong shoes – one of the most common causes of flat feet.

Flat feet directly affect posture formation. A poorly distributed load on the feet leads to a curvature of the spine and prevents all muscles from functioning properly. The unnatural position of our body can lead to disruption of blood circulation and breathing processes, displacement of internal organs and serious problems with the musculoskeletal system.

If the body is in an unnatural position and the back is excessively bent, less air enters the lungs when inhaling. As a result, less oxygen enters the body, which negatively affects the functioning of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and even affects brain activity. Due to lack of oxygen, fatigue, lethargy and drowsiness appear.

Moreover, you must admit that it is difficult to concentrate on anything important due to the accompanying pain and discomfort in the back caused by the incorrect position of the spine. In addition, heaviness, fatigue in the legs greatly distracts from the process of work. All the muscles of the musculoskeletal system are too tight, so the body gets tired faster, productivity decreases during the day.

Flat feet negatively affect the spine, which causes inappropriate pressure on the intervertebral discs and contributes to the formation of an unnatural position of the head and neck. This often leads to headaches.

Also, due to flat feet, foot cushioning does not work properly. With each step we take, the shock wave from the collision of the foot with the surface spreads from the heels to the cervical spine. Her strength is easy to calculate: it corresponds to 2/3 of her weight multiplied by the number of steps she takes during the day. Usually 2-3% of this load reaches the brain. If the foot does not perform the shock absorption function properly, the brain receives a much greater blow with each step, which, of course, can also manifest itself in a headache.

Due to a violation of the biomechanics of walking, corns (corns) form on the soles of the feet. Often they talk about the presence of pathologies, including flat feet. Thus, the feet try to protect themselves from a strong shock load. The more the legs experience inappropriate pressure, the thicker and rougher the skin becomes. Calluses are usually removed with a cosmetic procedure, eliminating the external manifestations of the problem, and not the cause.

Calluses are a signal that the feet need support. This symptom is usually ignored and very rarely associated with orthopedic disease. Even despite the fact that in such cases the legs are often tired, the knees and the spine hurt.

Few people realize that flat feet often cause the development of varicose veins. A unique feature of the venous system is the presence of valves that direct blood directly to the heart. Most venous valves are concentrated in the lower leg. When we move, the muscles in it contract, forcing blood out of the veins and stimulating its flow to the heart. This mechanism is called the musculo-venous pump of the lower leg – it is she who returns about 75% of the blood to the heart.

Violation of the spring function of the foot, caused by flat feet, negatively affects the work of the musculo-venous pump. Due to flat feet, the muscles and ligaments of the lower leg are overloaded and tense, which disrupts the functioning of the musculo-venous pump. The outflow of blood is disturbed, the pressure in the veins increases and they expand.

To avoid problems with the feet, first of all, it is worth abandoning unhealthy shoes. It is necessary to wear shoes with a heel 2-4 centimeters high, a wide front part, the ability to adjust with the help of fasteners or Velcro that fix the heel.

If you feel pain, heaviness and fatigue in the legs, swelling, immediately consult a doctor – an orthopedic traumatologist. In the orthopedic salon, the doctor, using special computer equipment (plantograph), will scan the feet, determine their features and find out whether there are any pathologies. In order to prevent and treat flat feet, the doctor will select suitable orthopedic insoles that support the arch of the foot and reduce shock loads on the feet, spine and joints.

To solve vein problems, especially varicose veins, the doctor will recommend “smart” compression stockings that stimulate the musculo-venous pump and improve blood circulation. In addition, the orthopedist will help develop a preventive exercise program for the health of the feet and the entire musculoskeletal system.

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