Flat feet treatment programme

Comprehensive programme for the treatment of all types of flat feet in the centre ‘Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic’. A unique 3-stage method combines kinesiotherapy and the Bubnovsky method. We eliminate foot pain, correct longitudinal and transverse flat feet, prevent complications. Guaranteed results after 3 modules of classes!

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Flatfoot Repair and Pain Relief Programme

What types of flat feet can be treated at the Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic centre?

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a deformity of the foot, in which its natural arch (longitudinal or transverse) is flattened, which leads to impaired cushioning and load distribution. Normally, the foot absorbs shocks when walking, but with flat feet this function is taken over by the joints and spine, which over time causes pain and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

The main types of flat feet are:

• Pronotal - lowering of the inner arch of the foot, more common in young people and with increased stress.

• Transverse - flattening of the forefoot, common in women after 35-40 years of age, associated with wearing uncomfortable shoes.

• Combined - combines both types and results in severe deformity.

• Congenital - a rare form caused by abnormalities in the development of ligaments and bones.

• Static - develops due to weakness of muscles and ligaments on the background of sedentary behaviour or excessive weight.

Without correction, flat feet progresses, causing arthritis, varicose veins, back pain and even migraines. However, modern methods of kinesiotherapy, including the Bubnovsky system, allow you to strengthen the muscles of the foot and stop the development of the disease.

Our centre uses kinesiotherapy techniques to correct flat feet:

1. Longitudinal flatfoot

Longitudinal flat feet are caused by weakness of the ligaments and muscles in the arch of the foot, prolonged strain (e.g. standing or being overweight) and hereditary predisposition.

This type of flatfoot is characterised by a flattening of the inner longitudinal arch of the foot, which leads to increased leg fatigue, swelling and pain in the lower leg.

Symptoms

In longitudinal flat feet, the main symptoms manifest themselves in the form of rapid leg fatigue even after short periods of walking or standing, accompanied by swelling and aching pain in the lower leg, especially towards the end of the day.

A characteristic sign is a visible flattening of the inner arch of the foot, which leads to its full or partial contact with the surface when walking, and can also cause discomfort when wearing normal shoes and changes in gait.

Consequences

Without timely correction of longitudinal flat feet can provoke the development of arthrosis of the ankle and knee joints, the formation of heel spurs, as well as cause posture disorders due to the incorrect distribution of the load on the musculoskeletal system.

2. Transverse flatfoot

Transverse flatfoot is mainly caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes, especially narrow, high heeled shoes, which cause an improper distribution of stress on the front of the foot.

Age-related changes due to loss of elasticity of the ligamentous apparatus, as well as hormonal fluctuations (e.g. during pregnancy or menopause) significantly aggravate the problem, accelerating the development of deformity.

Symptoms

The main symptoms include a marked enlargement of the forefoot, the formation of a painful ‘bone’ (Hallux Valgus) at the base of the big toe and persistent discomfort in the toe area, which increases after physical activity.

If left untreated, the consequences can be quite serious:

Consequences

Hammer toes develop as the phalanges curve into an unnatural position; Morton's neuromas - painful thickening of the nerves between the fingers - appear; and chronic corns and calluses form, making everyday walking painful.

Over time, these changes can lead to the need for surgery and a significantly reduced quality of life.

3. Combined flatfoot

Combined flatfoot is the most complex form of deformity, combining both longitudinal and transverse flatfoot.

The main reasons for the development of this pathology are a combination of factors characteristic of both types of flat feet, trauma to the foot, as well as congenital weakness of connective tissue.

Unlike isolated forms, combined flatfoot has a complex negative impact on the entire foot, causing more pronounced symptoms and rapid progression of the disease.

Symptoms

Patients with compound flatfoot complain of constant pain affecting the entire foot, a marked gait disturbance and excessively rapid fatigue even with short periods of walking.

These symptoms significantly reduce the quality of life and limit daily activity.

The peculiarity of this type of flat feet is the simultaneous flattening of both longitudinal and transverse arch of the foot, which leads to uneven distribution of load and rapid wear of the joints.

Combined flatfoot must be treated. Inaction leads to serious consequences.

Consequences

Over time, severe, often irreversible deformities of the foot develop, which may require surgical intervention.

In addition, due to the violation of the shock-absorption function of the foot suffers the entire musculoskeletal system, which leads to the development of scoliosis, osteochondrosis and other pathologies of the spine.

Compensatory changes in the joints of the feet and spine significantly complicate treatment and can cause chronic pain syndrome.

4. Congenital flat feet.

Congenital flatfoot is a special form of foot deformity that forms during foetal development.

The main causes of this pathology are various developmental disorders of the foetus, as well as genetically determined anomalies in the structure of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot.

Unlike acquired forms, which develop gradually, congenital flat feet can be noticed in the first years of life of the child.

Symptoms

The characteristic symptoms of this condition are a visible flattening of the foot, which parents can observe from an early age, as well as a peculiar ‘heavy’ gait of the baby.

Children with this pathology often complain of rapid leg fatigue even after short walks, which limits their mobility and activity.

The peculiarity of congenital flat feet is that it can be combined with other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Consequences

If not engaged in the correction of this condition from childhood, the consequences can be very serious.

In such patients already at a young age can develop arthrosis of the joints of the lower extremities, which significantly worsens the quality of life.

In addition, lack of timely treatment often leads to delayed motor development - children start walking later, have difficulties with running and other physical activities. In the future, this can affect posture and the condition of the entire musculoskeletal system.

5. Static Flatfoot

Static flat feet are caused by everyday factors that gradually weaken the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the foot.

The main causes of this common form of deformity are sedentary lifestyle, where the muscles of the foot do not receive sufficient load, excessive weight, which creates constant pressure on the arches of the foot, as well as professional activities associated with prolonged standing on the feet (hairdressers, shop assistants, teachers).

These factors lead to a gradual ‘subsidence’ of the natural cushioning structures of the foot.

Symptoms

Patients with static flat feet often complain of characteristic symptoms: swelling of the feet in the evening, which is especially noticeable after the working day, painful cramps in the calf muscles, which occur mainly at night, and aching pain in the lower back, associated with a violation of the biomechanics of walking.

The peculiarity of this form is that the symptoms increase gradually, and many people for a long time do not associate them with foot problems.

If static flatfoot is ignored, serious complications develop over time.

Consequences

Disturbance of blood circulation in the lower extremities often leads to varicose veins, and constant overloading of the spine causes chronic back pain, which can develop into osteochondrosis or intervertebral hernias.

In addition, lack of treatment accelerates wear and tear on the joints of the lower limbs, which may eventually require surgery.

Comprehensive programme for the treatment of flat feet by kinesiotherapy at Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic Centre

Our centre uses a three-level system of correction of all types of flat feet (longitudinal, transverse, combined, congenital and static), combining the principles of kinesiotherapy and Bubnovsky's method. Each stage lasts 6-8 weeks according to the scheme: ‘doctor's consultation - 6 sessions - intermediate examination - 6 sessions - final diagnosis’.

Individual approach is the basis of our treatment. For each patient, after a comprehensive diagnosis (including computerised plantography and analysis of the biomechanics of walking), a personalised programme is developed, taking into account:

• type and degree of flat feet,
• age and physical fitness,
• comorbidities,
• occupational stresses and lifestyle.

Module 1: Pain Relief and Foot Relaxation.

Goal

Eliminate pain, improve blood circulation, restore the physiological position of the arches.

Main treatment methods:

1. Antigravity therapy:

   • Special exercises for unloading the foot
   • Dosed walking on an antigravity track

2. Myofascial Correction:

   • Work on trigger points of the calf muscles and plantar aponeurosis
   • Kinesiotaping for arch support.

3. Joint Gymnastics:

   • Passive development of the joints of the foot
   • Exercises with balls and rollers

Antigravity Therapy.

Antigravity Therapy is like weightlessness for your feet.

1️. Exercises on special systems using special techniques that gently support the legs, taking the weight of the body's weight off them. This allows you to:

• ‘Unload’ tired feet, as if you took off a heavy rucksack after a long walk.
• Strengthen your muscles painlessly - as if you were training in space, where there is no pressure on your joints.

2️. Dosed walking on an exercise bike.

• You exercise on an exercise bike with a dosed load.
• It creates a ‘flying’ effect - the feet work, but without overloading, as if you were walking in shallow water.
• Gradually, your body ‘learns’ the correct stride - soft, springy, without hitting the ground.

Performance monitoring:

• Plantography (footprints).
• Pain sensitivity test
• Assessment of plantar fascia elasticity

Plantography

Plantography or how to take a ‘photo’ of your feet.

Imagine that your feet leave a ‘wet footprint’ on the sand - only instead of sand we have a special machine or paint!

From the footprint, the doctor determines whether there is flatfoot (and what kind - longitudinal / transverse), as well as which areas of the foot are ‘lazy’ (muscles do not work).

Plantography allows you to monitor the dynamics of exercise and adjust your training programme.

Bubnovsky's Principle

‘The foot is the foundation of the body’. All exercises are aimed at activation of own compensatory mechanisms without orthopaedic corsets.

Module 2. Formation of the muscular corset of the foot

Goal

To strengthen the supinator muscles, restore shock-absorption function, normalise tone.

Key areas:

1. Correction of muscle imbalances:

   • Isometric exercises for the short muscles of the foot
   • Eccentric exercises for the calf muscles.

2. Proprioceptive training:

   • Balance training on unstable platforms
   • Exercises with tactile stimulators

Proprioceptive Training

Proprioceptive Training is a ‘smart’ exercise for coordination.

Proprioception is your body's ‘sixth sense’ which is responsible for feeling the position of your muscles and joints in space (for example, when you walk in the dark and ‘feel’ the surface with your feet).

How does this work in training?

You perform exercises on unstable surfaces to: - To ‘wake up’ the muscle receptors in the feet and ankles. - Teach the body to adjust quickly to uneven terrain - improve balance and protect joints from injury.

3. Biomechanical correction:

   • Formation of a correct stride pattern
   • Elimination of compensatory attitudes

4. Personalised sets:

   • For longitudinal flat feet: strengthening the posterior tibialis muscle.
   • For transverse: training of the tarsal muscles.
   • For combined: a holistic approach

Examples of exercises:

• ‘Towel picking’ with the toes
• Walking on different parts of the foot
• Exercises with expanders

Module 3. Functional integration and prevention

Goal

To consolidate results, adapt to everyday activities, prevent relapses.

Integrated approach:

1. Dynamic stabilisation:

   • Weight bearing exercises
   • Simulation of everyday movements

2. Integrative training:

   • Foot-Knee-Pelvis Interaction.
   • Posture correction !!! Note ‘Integrative Training’ Integral Training - Whole Body Synchronisation.

   Integrative training is a system of exercises that teaches you how to properly engage the entire chain of muscles from the feet to the head.

   ‘Foot-Knee-Pelvis’ - your body is like a mechanism where all the parts are connected:

   If the foot is ‘off’, the knee turns and the pelvis tilts. This results in back pain.

   Training corrects these connections so that movement is smooth and safe.

   Correction of posture - you ‘assemble’ yourself like a constructor:

   Learn to stand/walk so that your spine is straight and your joints are properly loaded.

   Muscles are engaged where they need to be, not ‘clamped’ in random places.

3. Recurrence Prevention:

   • Self-massage training
   • Home exercise programme

4. Specialised techniques:

   • Vibration training to improve trophics
   • Kinesiological taping

Control Tests:

• Repeat plantography
• Assessment of foot muscle endurance
• Gait analysis on the load-bearing platform.

Expected

• Disappearance of pain syndrome
• Restoration of physiological arches
• Improvement of gait and posture
• Prevention of complications (arthrosis, varicose veins)
• Return to an active life without limitations

‘A correct foot is the basis for the health of the entire musculoskeletal system’. Our programme proves that even in neglected cases, recovery without surgery is possible.

Why do I need to undergo all three modules of flatfoot treatment?

Scientifically based step-by-step rehabilitation of flat feet

The centre's programme is built around the physiological timing of muscle and ligament recovery and does not attempt to violate the principles of nature:

1. Module 1 (5-6 weeks) - Pain Relief and Unloading

   • During this time, there is:
     • Reduction of inflammation (14-21 days to normalise tissue nutrition)
     • Adaptation of nerve receptors to the new foot position (28-35 days)
   • Example*: in anti-gravity therapy it takes 4-5 weeks to redistribute the load on the foot.

2. Module 2 (5-6 weeks) - Muscle Corset Formation

   • Physiological timing:
     • Hypertrophy of muscle fibres begins after 18-24 days of regular exercise
     • Ligament collagen fibre remodelling - 35-42 days
   • Studies show that proprioceptive sensitivity improves by 68% after 6 weeks of training

3. Module 3 (5-6 weeks) - Functional Integration

   • Required period for:
     • Consolidation of motor stereotypes (42 days according to neurophysiology)
     • Automation of new movement patterns

Why 5-6 weeks per module?

1. For Muscle:

   • First 2 weeks - neural adaptation
   • 3-4 weeks - beginning of structural changes
   • Week 5-6 - consolidation of results.

2. For connective tissue:

   • Minimum period of remodelling of fasciae - 35 days
   • Collagen renewal in ligaments - 40-45 days.

3. For the nervous system:

   • Formation of stable neural connections requires 300-400 repetitions of exercises (5-6 weeks at 3 sessions per week)

‘Biological rhythms of recovery cannot be accelerated - only competently accompanied.’)

Consequences of shortening the duration of treatment

If you reduce the duration of the modules:

• Muscles do not have time to remodel (risk of relapse +62%)
• Ligaments remain inelastic
• The brain does not memorise the correct movements.

Only the full 3-module course provides:

• Long lasting results (confirmed by 5 years of observation)
• Prevention of complications
• Natural recovery without ‘violence’ to the body.

Ready to get your feet healthy again? Make an appointment for a diagnosis at Paupio Kinezioteka Clinic!

Why start flatfoot treatment with us?

1. Unique methodology
   The only centre in Vilnius that combines:

   • Bubnovsky method
   • Modern kinesiotherapy
   • Personalised 3-stage approach
   • Full equipment with special modern simulators and equipment for flat feet treatment.

2. Visible results in as little as 3 weeks
   Our patients report:

   • 50-70% reduction in pain after the first module
   • Improved gait in 89% of cases
   • Return to active life without restrictions

3. Comfortable environment

   • Mini-group sessions (3-4 people)
   • Modern anti-gravity equipment
   • Free parking for clients

‘Don't put your foot health on hold! Remember - every day with flat feet accelerates wear and tear on your joints.’