Treatment of flat feet is required when
the foot is rigidly flat even when a
person is not standing or if it causes
lower leg pain, or if the condition
affects the knees or the back.
Treatment may include using arch supports,
orthotics, foot gymnastics or other
exercises as recommended by a podiatrist
or other physician. Surgery can provide
lasting relief, but should be considered a
last resort, as it is usually costly and
requires a lot of time.
You can try this exercising program:
1. Warm up with exercises to improve
flexibility and coordination of feet and
toes:
• moving and spreading toes,
• grabbing small objects,
• playing various skill games with the
feet.
2. Continue strengthening the muscles of
feet and legs:
• alternate walking on tiptoe and
heels,
• balancing -- normally and on tiptoe,
• jumping on one or both legs,
• partner exercises like drawing a cloth
or passing a stick with the toes;
• children may climb up their parents.
3. Relax at the end by walking around
barefoot:
• walk on different soil materials,
• try to find out where the materials
are with closed eyes!
It is important to exercise barefoot with
both feet in turn.
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