How to insert orthopedic insoles into children's shoes. Children's shoes with orthopedic insoles. Correct placement of the orthopedic instep support

, (don't worry, for a little while), and let's talk about a topic that always arouses keen interest. And above all, not professional, but personal. After all, many of you have children, and many are planning to have them, and the question of choosing children's shoes has already been faced by someone, someone will be.

And the most fortunate are those who are just now asking questions:

• What should be the right children's shoes?
• Why do children develop flat feet, and how to avoid it?
• Is it true that the first footwear for a toddler should be "orthopedic"?
• Does the child have to wear shoes at home?
• What should be home shoes for a child?
• Is it necessary to have an instep support in children's shoes?

The topic is burning: very often absolutely crumbs are prescribed orthopedic shoes, and often orthopedic doctors contradict each other. One puts flat feet for a child at 2 years old and directs for orthopedic shoes, the other says that, they say, your baby is absolutely healthy, and advises his mother to drink motherwort, and the child to run, jump and enjoy a carefree childhood. One says that there must be an instep support in children's shoes, the other strongly disagrees with this.

As you remember, I am not an orthopedic doctor, so in order to understand this issue, I suggest you, as usual, turn on the logic.

Have you turned it on? Then let's figure it out together.

How is a child's foot formed?

Once we have already said what a foot is. If you forgot, read here. Let's see how it develops.

So the first thing to understand is that a baby is born with a flat foot. Remember, dear mothers, what the feet of your children looked like when they did not even walk under the table on foot.

As you can see, the place that will later become the longitudinal vault is now filled with fat. And it is right. After all, a vault is what? This is a spring that bounces when we walk in order to absorb shock loads and not "bomb" the joints of the legs and the spine. And why does such a cub need a spring? After all, he does not walk yet. Is it logical?

Let's remember another important point: the arched shape of the arches is supported by the muscles of the lower leg and foot. But the muscles are not yet developed, because our baby does not walk, run, or jump yet. And when he gets up on his feet and takes his first steps, the fat pad of his feet will even come in handy for him.

• Firstly, it increases the area of ​​support and increases the stability of our hero, so that he understands that it turns out to be fun to walk! And you will see more, and you will touch more, and you don’t need to call your mother, you can touch her. First along the wall, then in short dashes, and now "the bull is walking, swinging." 🙂
• Secondly, the plantar fat is needed for cushioning, while there is still no full-fledged spring.

Such a bulky fat pad remains in children up to 3 years of age, and then gradually begins to dissolve. By the age of 5, a longitudinal arch appears, and at the age of 7-10 we already see a foot, quite similar to an adult. And the complete formation of a person's foot ends at about 20-21 years old, in girls - 2-3 years earlier. This means that by this age all cartilaginous structures of the foot are ossified.

But while the baby begins to walk confidently, he will go through a difficult balancing act school. As soon as he stands on his feet, he rests more on the outer arches of the foot. This is called the "varus foot position." It occurs in children up to about 1.5 years old.

As the baby learns to walk, he tries to maintain balance by spreading his legs wide. In maintaining balance, it is precisely the same fat pad that we talked about above that helps him, and on which he begins to rely. It turns out some blockage of the feet inward. This is called hallux valgus. This is how it looks:

This condition is noted, as a rule, in 2-4 years. Further, as the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the feet strengthens, the shape of the legs is usually leveled: the lower leg, knees and thigh are aligned in one line. And if the normal angle of the valgus deviation of the calcaneus at 3 years is 5-10 °, then by 7 years it is 0-2 °.

So, we draw conclusions:

1. All children under 5 have flat feet

2. Hallux valgus up to 4-5 years of age is a variant of the norm

Therefore, if your two or three year old child has been diagnosed with flat feet, know that everything is going according to plan, and there is nothing to worry about. And there is absolutely no need to run for orthopedic shoes. Well, so what, what the doctor prescribed? Are you a mother or who? It is better to concentrate your attention on strengthening the muscles of the feet and legs of your blood, and you will all be happy: both parents, and the baby, and his feet. 🙂

Back to the past

In the 60s of the last century, employees of the Leningrad Institute of Prosthetics. Albrecht conducted a study in which about 5,000 children participated. They assessed the "maturation" of the arches of the foot.And look what happened: at 2 years old, flat feet were found in 97.6% of children, and at 9 years old, it remained in only 4% of those observed.Of course, if you do this research these days, the numbers will be more dire.

I sometimes think: if we remove all computers, gadgets, phones now, what will the children do? And the adults?I wonder if the ropes are on sale now, or is it already a rarity? Do modern children know the game of "bouncers"? Do they play badminton?

As a child, I remember myself exclusively with knees smeared with brilliant green. We didn't sit at home, especially on weekends. We were running and jumping all the time, so that the diagnosis of flat feet did not stick in my childhood memory.

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How do the muscles of the arches of the foot train?

Have you ever seen in pictures of Adam and Eve in shoes? Do you think God was sorry for them to bungle up any boots? Or did he not have enough imagination for this?

Nothing like this!

The foot simply has to work in order to be healthy and happy. And for this you need to walk more, moreover, barefoot and on an uneven surface, so that the muscles of the foot and lower leg contract, trying to maintain balance on it, train and fulfill their great mission: to keep the health of our spring. If you walk all the time on a flat hard surface, and besides, you put your foot in shoes, its muscles will weaken, they will no longer hold the arches, and they will begin to flatten.

Output:

It is necessary to create such conditions for the child so that the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the foot works as much as possible. If possible, let the child, at least at home, walk barefoot.

True, on this issue, orthopedic surgeons disagree. Some say that children should definitely wear shoes at home, others - so that they can run barefoot at home if possible.

I am inclined to the second opinion.

• First, based on my pediatric experience. Flat feet are much less common in children from large families. 🙂
• Secondly, a normal child, who has an awl in the priest, does not just walk around the apartment. He sits on his knees, collecting some kind of pyramid, crawls, playing with a typewriter, dances, squats and does a lot of other movements that help the foot to form. And the shoes only interfere with this.

If the floor is cold, wear warm socks for your baby. Now there are even non-slip "soles". For those children who are taking their first steps, ordinary thin booties are ideal (if for some reason they do not want to move barefoot).

• Thirdly, from my own experience. Previously, our parents had never heard of orthopedic shoes, and we went at home either in ordinary soft slippers or barefoot. And they were healthier.

What else is needed to train the muscular apparatus of the foot?

1. If funds and space permit, purchase a wall bar and a soft rug nearby in case of a fall. Let the child master it from 2-3 years old.
2. Buy a bike and let your baby pedal: barefoot or in socks at home, outdoors in soft-soled shoes.
3. Purchase a massage mat at the orthosalon or at your pharmacy and put it in the place where the child most often runs. Something like this:

1. There is also an economy. option: find a piece of fabric in your "bins", put it on the floor, scatter beads or buttons over it. You can instruct your kid to collect the beads in a box with their toes.
2. Or you can do this:

6. Find foot exercises on the Internet and do with your child. Remember how the teacher used to say in physical education: "We go on our toes, now on the heels, on the inside of the foot, on the outside." And this is a great muscle workout!

Write, comment, share your experience.

By the way, I posted the correct answers to the drug test from. See at the bottom of the page.

With love to you, Marina Kuznetsova

If the eyes are the mirror of the soul, then our legs can definitely be considered a mirror of the health of the body. The shins and feet experience the greatest loads, which means that it is here that various problems often arise. For the prevention and treatment of various diseases of the feet, orthopedic insoles are used. But how to choose them correctly, because manufacturers offer a huge number of models? How often can this orthopedic accessory be used? And what do customers say about specific products, who appreciated their quality?

What are orthopedic insoles for?

Healthy foot formation largely determines the functioning of the entire musculoskeletal system. A person makes an average of 3 to 7 thousand steps per day, while the feet must not only evenly distribute the load, but also ensure stability. In childhood, the most common diseases are flat feet and hallux valgus, in adults - osteoarthritis, arthritis, heel spur.

Deformation of the feet not only causes discomfort or pain in the legs, but also negatively affects the condition of the knee and hip joints, contributing to the development of chronic diseases in them. The spine also becomes more vulnerable, so its curvature often occurs, which entails a malfunction of all internal organs.

The correct footwear helps to prevent the development of diseases in adults and children, the parameters of which can be adjusted with the help of orthopedic insoles. Their anatomically correct shape follows the contours of the foot, supports the most vulnerable areas, and evenly distributes the load.

The insoles are excellent shock absorbers that reduce static and dynamic loads, improve blood flow, and get rid of corns and calluses.

Types of orthopedic insoles

By their design, orthopedic insoles can be longitudinal, transverse and combined. They are used to treat various types of flat feet. In addition, accessories can prevent or combat other diseases, therefore, a distinction is made between preventive and curative models.

Treatment orthopedic insoles

With the development of various diseases, the following types of medical insoles are used:

• for heel spurs - they are fixed under the heel and resemble a horseshoe in shape, raise the heel to the correct anatomical position and reduce the tension in the plantar fascia;
• for rheumatoid arthritis and flat feet developing in the course of the disease;
• with osteoarthritis - insoles evenly distribute the load and restore the shock-absorbing functions of the arch; are also ready to adjust for differences in leg length;
• during pregnancy - improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of puffiness and varicose veins, reduce the load on the feet.

Orthopedic insoles marking

We list the main markings that can be found on products and point out their features.

• VP1 - insert with recesses for the heel and longitudinal arch of the foot. Recommended for use during pregnancy and at the first sign of flat feet... For prevention, it is necessary for everyone whose professional activity is associated with great physical exertion and weight lifting.
• VP2 - has an instep support insert and a layout for the longitudinal arch of the foot and its correction.
• VP3 - under the anterior part of the foot there is a pronator, along the longitudinal foot there is a calculation, on the heel there is a tab. Recommended for the prevention of unwound foot syndrome.
• VP6 - inlays and underlays under both arches of the foot and under the heel are combined with elements to prevent calluses. Used to flatten the longitudinal arch and anatomically correct thumb abduction.
• VP7 with a pronator along the edge of the foot and a heel pad is prescribed for women who like to wear high-heeled shoes, as well as for patients to prevent clubfoot and shortened feet.
• VP9 is used for significant deformities of the foot. The design provides for a heel socket, laying along the longitudinal arch and a shock absorber under the heel.
• VP10 with indentations for the heel and longitudinal arch, their design prevents complications from corns and calluses in the form of scars.

Preventive gel, silicone and frame insoles

Prophylactic insoles perform similar functions, but differ in material.

Silicone insoles are effective in preventing flat feet, as well as for arthritis, salt deposits, edema, varicose veins and heel spurs. They relax the leg muscles well, so the feeling of fatigue occurs less often. They perfectly absorb moisture, therefore they are suitable for those who wear sports shoes a lot.

It is important to change the silicone insoles every 3 months.

An alternative to silicone is gel. Gel inserts on the instep support absorb shock loads, provide the best cushioning in the toe and heel area. Such inserts are often made transparent, so they are convenient to wear with summer shoes (you cannot use gel insoles in winter).

The average service life of the gel insoles is 6 months.

Finally, the frame insoles are rigidly constructed to provide maximum support for the foot. They are made from natural leather, foam latex or other resilient material and have additional layers for the best moisture absorption and hygiene.

Customized insoles

Some podiatrists are convinced that the mass-market insoles can only be used by retirees and patients with diabetes. In all other cases, liners should be made to order.

Individual insoles are made of genuine leather with perforation... They have antibacterial activated carbon substrates. The design provides support for the transverse and longitudinal arch of the foot, a rigid instep support and a shock absorber for the heel.

Orthopedic insoles to order:

• support the foot in the correct anatomical position;
• improve blood circulation in the legs;
• relieve stress from the spine and joints due to shock absorption;
• correct posture disorders;
• relieve discomfort and discomfort;
• have a beneficial effect on the work of the entire musculoskeletal system.

Modern technologies for the manufacture of custom-made insoles allow taking into account all the anatomical features of a particular person, areas of greatest pressure, bending of the foot. When developing a model, orthopedists even take into account the patient's lifestyle and the type of shoe that he prefers.

How much do orthopedic insoles cost

It is not difficult to buy inexpensive orthopedic insoles if you wish, because the cost of even custom liners is quite affordable.

So, the average prices for orthopedic insoles:

• individual insoles made in an orthopedic salon: children and teenagers - 2000 rubles, adults - 2500-3000 rubles;
• preventive mass production: for children - 600-800 rubles. (with a reinforced instep support - up to 1200 rubles), adults - up to 1500 rubles.

If you need to make adjustments to the base model during an individual order, the cost can increase up to 6,000 rubles.

What orthopedic insoles to choose

Would you like to know how to choose the right orthopedic insoles? Here are some general guidelines.

• If you have a heel spur, heel insoles will work.... Using the accessory will prevent chafing of soft tissues.
• Preventive insoles made of genuine leather, elastic foam or cork will relieve all lovers of high heels from discomfort and pain that occurs in the evening.
• Soft insoles made of a material with a porous structure will help to save yourself from calluses.
• In case of ankle instability or tucking foot, it is worth purchasing semi-rigid insoles, which are made of flexible plastic.
• For people weighing more than 100 kg, who have a deformation of the foot, the doctor probably recommends hard insoles made of metal, plastic or graphite.
• For longitudinal flat feet or heel spur, inserts are used under certain areas of the foot.
• For children, thermoplastic insoles, which, under the influence of pressure and temperature, take the shape of a foot, will become an ideal prevention option.

Prophylaxis insoles can be purchased independently. How to choose orthopedic insoles with therapeutic effects should be advised by the doctor.

How to wear orthopedic insoles

For winter and summer shoes, their own models are produced. Winter orthopedic insoles are usually thicker and may have fur... For summer shoes, on the other hand, lightweight materials are used that make the insoles barely visible in open sandals or sandals. Many commercially available insoles are secured with an adhesive layer.

You may experience discomfort for the first 3-5 days. It takes time to get used to orthopedic insoles, especially if they have a healing effect. In the first weeks, you should not wear insoles all the time: it is better to start with 10-15 minutes gradually increasing the time for the foot to adapt.

The mode of wearing medical insoles is determined by the doctor, but for prophylaxis, the product can be used almost all day or at moments of maximum stress.

Do not forget to remove the factory insoles before inserting orthopedic insteps into your shoes.

Insoles are removable inserts in shoes (orthosis). Everyone knows what it is. Walking without insoles in any shoe is uncomfortable. The insole serves as a shock absorber. and provides daily walking comfort. And if you already have problems with your legs? Good orthopedic insoles are indispensable.

Orthopedic insoles

Orthopedic insoles are essential for all healthy people. But they are especially needed by those who have already developed functional and biomechanical disorders. After all, it is the orthopedic insoles that are designed to support the correct formation of the arch of the feet. This is the anatomical shape the foot should have.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Due to certain reasons, which can be congenital or acquired, various deformities of the foot appear. For example - - turning the foot outward, or supination - turning the foot inward, flat feet.

Types of orthopedic insoles by appointment

Models for prevention

These are insole models for those. who have no diseases, but their legs get tired. For example. when walking or standing for a long time. The structure of the insoles should be soft and comfortable while walking. These models are usually made of leather, silicone, gel or foam.

Suitable:

• During pregnancy.
• For work where there are heavy loads on the legs (salesmen, hairdressers, dentists, loaders).
• With varicose veins.
• Athletes.
• With flat feet of the initial stage.
• Fashionistas in high heels.

Comfort insoles

Healing models

Models for those who already have changes in the foot. Violation of the blood supply to the lower extremities. When using such insoles, pain is possible. This happens because orthopedic treatment insoles try to return the foot to its true position. Ligaments and muscles tense, and this is what causes pain.

Application of treatment models:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Diabetes.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Clubfoot, varus deformity, or flat-valgus foot in children.

The Seitz roller, also known as the metatarsal roller, metatarsal pad, metatarsal pad, is a special elevation in the central part of the orthopedic insole. Sold as a separate item for the insole. Most often it is recommended for the prevention or correction of transverse flat feet. This pathology is a descent of the arch of the foot, in which the joint of the big toe and sometimes the little toe begin to bulge outward and form the so-called bone. The pad is positioned in such a way as to raise and support the transverse arch of the foot, remove unnecessary stress on the metatarsus.

Types of medical insoles

There are several types of insoles:

• Unloading.
• Corrective.
• Supportive vault.
• Forming the arch.

Unloading insoles are chosen when it is necessary to distribute the load from problem areas over the entire foot. For this, special grooves or bulges are made in the insole. They help to avoid contact of the affected area of ​​the foot with the shoes. Plus materials of different density and composition. which relieve the load when walking or standing for a long time.

Corrective insoles correct the position of the foot relative to the musculoskeletal system. To do this, they have additional elements: pronators, instep supports. pilots and high sides.

Chosen to reduce the load on the foot. The goal is to reduce foot pain and improve endurance.

Arch-forming products designed for smooth formation of the arch of the foot. They are mainly used in children's orthopedic insoles for flat feet in a child.

Selection of orthopedic insoles by marking

In order not to get confused in the choice of insoles, they are marked according to their purpose.

VP-1. and VP-6. Models for the prevention of foot diseases. The VP-1 insole has an insert for the inner longitudinal arch. Cushion with indentation under the heel. The model is recommended for pregnant women, for people with initial signs of flat feet. People with prolonged, heavy load on the heel.

In addition to the longitudinal arch, the VP-6 insole also has a transverse arch. It is used to maintain the anatomically correct shape of the foot, also when the arches of the foot are lowered.

VP-2. and VP-5. These are already healing insoles. The models are almost the same. Both are used to correct hallux valgus. The VP-2 model has an instep support for the heel and an insert for the longitudinal arch. VP-5 has an instep support for the heel and forefoot. These models are also recommended for heel spurs.

VP-3- this model has a tab for the longitudinal arch. Instep support under the heel. Pronator under the front. toe part of the foot.Application - hallux valgus, prevention of untwisted foot.

VP-4. The insole has the same liners. as VP-3. Added only a hard sticker to keep the thumb in a fixed position. The model is used for hallux valgus.

VP-7... The insole has a pronator along the entire outer edge of the foot and a heel pad. Designed for hallux valgus.

VP-8. The model has a pronator along the outer part of the foot, plus a rigid sticker for fixing the big toe in the correct position.

VP-10. This model has a recess under the heel and an inlay for the longitudinal arch of the foot. It is rarely used and is intended to remove corns from wearing the wrong shoes.

Basically, orthopedic insoles are used by those people who have flat feet. Therefore, only after consulting an orthopedic surgeon, you can choose and buy insoles. You can also make insoles for individual orders, both for adults and children, for example, in an orthopedic salon.

With longitudinal flat feet, choose insoles in which the inserts are located along the foot. With transverse flat feet, choose insoles with a pad. For persons with combined flat feet, insoles with a pelot and an instep support are needed.

Therefore, models of orthopedic insoles are: longitudinal. transverse, combined, half insoles for high heels, frame and for children.

At frame insoles the base is quite rigid, but it creates reliable support for the leg. This provides even support for the feet. For the manufacture of these insoles, foam latex is used, as well as genuine leather.

How to choose orthopedic insoles

Pediatrician, Therapist, Masseur

Good afternoon. This is more a question for manufacturers of winter footwear. But - you bought a shoe that needs to warm the foot, so the shoe copy must contain an insole that is inserted by the manufacturer to maintain functionality. But, if the insole is fur, you can replace it with an equivalent one, for example, felt. And the insole of the shoe must be fixed in the shoe with a very high quality - glued. After that, you can put an orthoredic one. Fit with two insoles. Health to you.

Neurologist, Psychologist

Good evening, Igor. In general, as a rule, insoles-instep support (full insoles) are used for winter, closed shoes, they are both dense and warm, the feet do not freeze, and half insoles are for half-open shoes, since the size of this product is smaller and is 3/4 of the length of the foot. Now, regarding whether it is worth pulling out a regular insole to insert an orthopedic insole - of course, yes, you cannot put an orthopedic insole on top of a regular insole. Shoes should be one size larger so that the insole can fit there, but not stray or fidget here and there, the size of the shoe and the insole is not recommended, since foot compression and chafing may occur. And another important point is the size of the instep support of the shoe. If the child's shoes have a low instep support, then you can insert an orthopedic insole and walk, and if the instep support is higher than the arch of the insole, then it must be removed, otherwise the child can be harmed instead of the supposed help and relief when walking. After installing the insole, the child should be comfortable, the feeling of discomfort in this case is not acceptable. Good health to you and your family, all the best.

Pediatrician, Allergologist-Immunologist, Therapist

Hello, of course you need an insole. Healing insoles for winter shoes have the following characteristics:

an instep support, the shape of which is determined by the type of disease (if we are talking about correcting flat feet, then the instep support can be transverse, longitudinal or combined);
high back (with a heel spur);
heel notch;
anatomically correct roll zone;
silicone metatarsal pad.
Shock absorption is becoming an important parameter - when walking, the earbuds should cushion shock loads. This is especially important for people with diseases of the joints and spine.
And half insoles do not have such parameters, and can even harm, not to mention freezing of the feet.

Dentist

I myself wear insoles in my shoes, although I have no flat feet.
Half insoles are mainly used for shoes with heels. It's comfortable.
If you have been diagnosed with such a diagnosis, then wearing insoles is not something that is necessary, but simply necessary. Otherwise, everything will get worse.
There is nothing wrong with wearing them.
If you are wearing half insoles, then you do not need to remove the insoles from your shoes.
But if you put full insoles, then you need to put them away.
You have chosen a good company. I know her and use their products for prevention.
You can choose any insoles for every taste and color.
I wear both faux leather and natural.
And then there are the so-called individual insoles.
They are expensive, but they can be made completely over the leg and are very warm.
And all the insoles must be measured. They are given in the salon to dress and wear.
They gave me the half insoles home, I wore them and then gave the money. I still wear everything.
The main thing is to choose the right one, but with fitting.

Orthopedist, Traumatologist

1. Any half insoles are "semi-compensation" of orthopedic deformities. The half insoles are designed to create the appearance of compensating for orthopedic deformities. They are preferred by ladies who are not ready to give up fashion shoes, but at the same time want to be sure that they are somehow treated. In general, half insoles are a profanation.
2. All insoles must be installed in the shoes instead of the insoles that are there. This immutable rule and other options are not discussed.
3. Regarding "freezing, not freezing" - this is a question of the quality of shoes. It doesn't have to be fur at all. Walking shoes (winter and summer) are ideal winter and summer shoes for patients with flat feet. They are sold, for example, in the Sportmaster network. Many firms produce them. They are called "walking". The winter version of such sneakers is made from porous modern materials that retain heat much better than fur.
4. Regarding the insoles "Elite Winter" Producer: Talus I will not say anything good or bad. But you must understand that purchased ready-made insoles are the last century and they do not always compensate for foot deformations, not all and not all. This is the last century. Ready-made orthopedic insoles are suitable for the prevention of orthopedic deformities, but not for their treatment. Unfortunately, the legislation of the Russian Federation allows the name "orthopedic" for prophylactic insoles. This is used by large firms, offering them not only for prevention, but also for the "treatment" of deformities.
5. Today, individually made insoles based on the principle of total contact are considered the gold quality standard for the treatment of orthopedic deformities of the foot. That is, during the manufacture, the pathology of a particular patient is taken into account. The result is insoles that ideally follow the shape of the patient's foot. For example, the right and left insoles are never completely identical, because there are differences in the severity of deformities between the feet. The insoles shouldn't fix anything. They should fix the foot and its parts in a physiological position, allowing the ligaments and joints to get used to and eventually take this position without insoles.
6. In Russia, there are several technologies and firms that manufacture ind. ort. insoles (they can be counted on the fingers of one hand). One of such technologies is FormTotics. She is somehow better, and in some ways it may be inferior to others, but I work with her and have good results. You can get acquainted with the technique on my website. Other articles on the tag "orthopedic insoles" will also be useful to you. In fact, the question of insoles is not very simple, and you still have to "enter the topic". Coax up!

http://travmatologpavlovskaya.blogspot.ru/p/blog-page_15.html
http://travmatologpavlovskaya.blogspot.ru/2017/10/blog-post.html

P.S. I know that there are manufacturers of FormTotics insoles in Kaluga. Google to the rescue.

Most parents are faced with a dilemma: "Buy orthopedic children's shoes or ordinary ones, buy an insole with an instep support, or is an insole without an instep support enough?" Let's figure it out.

Let's start with what a person needs shoes for. To protect feet and toes from injury and keep feet dry and warm. But not all shoes are equally useful, especially for children who have not yet formed legs. The main principle in choosing shoes is do no harm! It is more useful for a person to walk barefoot, but walk on the ground, sand, uneven surfaces. We are surrounded by a perfectly flat floor of the house and paved roads, so at every opportunity, encourage children (and adults as well) to walk barefoot on warm sand, not sharp stones and special rugs with pimples. It renders correct load on the muscles of the foot, thereby arranging prevention of flat feet.

Every person at a certain stage in his life has flat feet, or rather natural flat feet, and this period is infancy. Then, with the appearance of loads on the muscles and feet of the legs, the correct arch of the foot begins to form. And the formation of the arch of the foot ends only at the age of 12. Therefore, at the age of 2, 3, 4 ... years it is not correct to talk about such a disease as flat feet. Of course, if flat feet are not congenital. According to a study from Atlanta, 99% of newborns have correct feet. So, natural flat feet is typical for all children and goes away with age.

Some doctors argue that for the correct formation of the child's foot, you need to wear orthopedic preventive shoes, others - that it goes away regardless of whether the child wears orthopedic shoes and insoles with instep supports. The more natural the parents create conditions for the development of the child, the more it contributes to the normal development of children's feet. But they all agree that preventive measures are necessary for the development of the musculoskeletal system of children's legs and the correct formation of the arch of the foot.

Prevention of flat feet:

• walking barefoot: on sand, on uneven surfaces, on not sharp stones, on special rugs with pimples
• insole with instep support- if the child is surrounded in most cases by a perfectly flat surface and flat-soled shoes
• more run barefoot
• the child's shoes must necessarily match age requirements
• preventive exercises: collect beans or acorns scattered on the floor with your toes; walk with bare feet on chestnuts; pick up drinks tubes with your toes, climb a hanging rope, ladder, wall bars, etc.
• special physical exercises for the correct formation of the foot and gymnastics

1. It is better to measure the child's foot to determine the size and buy shoes in the afternoon, since during this period the legs are as large as possible.
2. Trying on the shoes on the child's feet, this will allow you to determine if the length and width of the shoe matches the child's foot and whether it fits under the arch of the child's foot. Let the child walk around in it and tell (if age permits) about the level of comfort of the foot inside the shoe. Therefore, if you purchase shoes from an online store, then make sure that it provides the possibility of returning the shoes, if they did not fit the child, with a replacement for shoes of a different size.
3. The distance from the inner edge of the shoe to the longest toe should be at least 5 mm, and preferably up to 10-12 mm (maximum 15 mm)
4. The child should be able to freely wiggle all the toes on the leg.

General requirements for children's shoes:

1. Flexible outsole
2. Natural materials
3. Small heel
4. Thick back
5. Soft, moisture-wicking insole

What are orthopedic shoes and why are they needed?

Children's orthopedic shoes- This is a shoe that has a healing effect on the musculoskeletal system of the legs or serves as the prevention of leg diseases. There are therapeutic and prophylactic orthopedic shoes. Are there any differences?

Prophylactic orthopedic shoes:

1. Features a molded heel counter that follows the curve of a baby's heel. Such a heel covers the heel, but does not rise up.
2. Instep support (springs when pressing the toe, forcing the foot to work when walking)
3. Flexible non-slip outsole.
4. Thomas heel (ensures correct positioning of the foot and prevents the foot from falling inward)

Therapeutic orthopedic shoes:

1. Has a rigid molded heel counter with a high top (with an elongated inner and hard outer rim) that covers the ankle joint.
2. Springy instep support. Sometimes it is necessary to insert individual insoles made under the foot of a particular child.
3. Thomas's heel.
4. Often, shoes are made to order (taking into account the needs of a particular child)

Some sellers encouraging buy orthopedic shoes, unconditionally state that orthopedic shoes are mandatory for children, as they prevent various violations in the process of forming the foot, but they do not say what it can lead to permanent the child's wearing exclusively specialized orthopedic shoes. Orthopedic shoes, when constantly worn, take on all the tasks of maintaining the children's foot in the correct position, firmly holding the foot, and do not load it at all, as a result of which the muscles do not strain, and therefore do not develop and weaken. This, in turn, makes it impossible for the correct development of muscles and the formation of the arch of the child's foot.

When insufficient formation of the muscles of the child's foot, doctors recommend purchasing insoles with instep supports for the correct development of muscles and so that the legs “do not fall over” inward. As a rule, this is facilitated by the child's improper lifestyle.

Orthopedic instep support is a bump on the insole under the midfoot that is designed to support the arch of the foot. The task of the instep support is to support the arch of the foot only with full support on the leg, and at other times to let the muscles of the foot work independently.

Shoes, which have an insole with an instep support, must be the size of the child! Otherwise, it will have an absolutely opposite effect: if the child's shoes are much larger than his legs, then the instep support on the insole will be located in the wrong place (shifted to the front of the foot), thereby contributing to the incorrect formation of the child's leg.

With the aim of prevention of flat feet, it is better to use insoles with a low and soft (springy) instep support. This will help the baby's foot develop properly and will not harm the baby's foot. A high and rigid instep support does not allow the muscles of the foot to work independently, running all the work in maintaining the arch of the foot towards themselves, which leads to the fact that the muscles of the foot weaken and do not develop.

Is an insole with an instep support obligatory for the healthy formation of a child's foot? No, nature is smart, so a human leg is able to form itself correctly, but our way of life and living environment often minimize the natural prerequisites for the development of healthy legs.

In short, insoles with an instep support and prophylactic orthopedic shoes are designed to prevent malformation of the foot and diseases of children's legs, and medical orthopedic shoes are designed to correct the resulting disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the legs.

Remember that the excess of tight fixing cords and fasteners on children's shoes with a hard, flat sole contributes to the development of flat feet, so be careful when choosing children's shoes.

Parents should not get hung up on orthopedic shoes and insoles with instep supports, but rather pay more attention to preventive measures and natural stress on the muscles of the foot for the healthy development of children's legs. And in addition to preventive procedures, it will not be superfluous to have insoles with instep supports, since often we are surrounded by a flat asphalt surface on the streets and a perfectly flat surface of the house.

Each parent independently decides what to wear for his child and what insoles to use, the main thing to remember is that the child's foot is formed before the age of 12 and preventive measures during this period are of great importance. For the health of children's feet, you need not shoes and special insoles with instep supports, but a lifestyle that is as close to natural as possible!

About, how to choose winter shoes for a child read.

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