Flat feet is a disorder in the development of the sole of the foot. It develops if the supporting bones and muscles get distorted, which causes the arch to sink and the ankles to turn toward the inside.

Flat feet is a serious disorder in the general population. Statistical data shows that 50% of motor problems can be traced back to the flattening of the feet’s arches. In the absence of frequent exercise while being barefoot, we can buy all the expensive sneakers in the world, our children will still be in danger of developing this disorder.

The arch of the foot usually develops by the age of 3. In a small percentage of the cases, flat foot disorder is congenital. However, flat feet can develop at any age when the foot is under an increased and demanding load. Ages 2 to 6: This is the age when children are already forced to wear shoes during the entire day and they also have to walk a lot at this age. Ages 6 to 10: Children sit in school all day and their feet get numb and leg muscles atrophy. Ages 10 to 14: They experience a sudden growth spurt. In fact, every age group can develop flat feet - even in adulthood - as a result of lengthy disability or simply a lack...

Yes. In the majority of cases, flat feet are linked to the development of incorrect posture. Children with this disorder tend to exercise infrequently and their bodies become weak and fragile. Over time, untreated flat feet that develop in childhood can cause serious pain in the ankles, lower legs, knees, hips, lower back and back.

Prevention can help and the FITFIVE system’s exercises can prevent the development of flat feet. The exercises are constructed to be easy and playful; thus anyone can easily learn them and use them frequently to strengthen the soles of the feet.

The main causes of flat feet are hard, rigid, flat pavements and artificial ground substances, such as blacktop and sidewalks. Nowadays everything is covered with smoothed asphalt. Because of these artificial substances only a handful of foot-muscles are working. Most of the muscles are forced to take a passive role in walking. Constantly carrying a child can also lead to poor development of the soles of the child’s feet and the child’s leg muscles because they do not receive the training needed for their proper development. It is documented that children whose feet do not touch the ground often enough will acquire their relative...

Although having flat feet is not among the more serious health problems, they still cause serious problems for children who suffer from them, as well as their parents, gym teachers and doctors involved with their health care. Careless posture When the arch does not develop correctly, the distribution of weight also changes. The normal balance of the body will shift because our entire system is trying to adapt to the change. This change will lead to a hunched back, a protruding abdomen and a concaved chest. Weak, fragile physical condition In a third of the cases, the lack of physical activity causes other bodily muscles of the child...

Straight posture Development of an optimal body balance - back and chest deformities will not develop. Physical balance helps to establish a solid mental balance. Developed muscles Normal weight gain and the growth and development of the body is in direct proportion with the development of the musculature; as a result, the child develops a strong and healthy body. Healthy spinal column Vertebrae and surrounding muscles work together in harmony. A strong spine is the foundation of a healthy body. Strong joints The strong joints of the ankles, knees, and hips will provide a solid support to every movement or sport activity. Joint wear...

Newborns’ soles are flat with thick fat pads. In the case of childhood flat feet development, the bones that compose the arch move and the ligaments connecting them start to deform over time. The result: flat feet, turned-in ankles, twisted feet. The healthy sole is in contact with the ground on three points: in front, at the middle phalanges of the big and little toes, and at the heel. These points form a transverse and lengthwise arch creating better distribution of weight on the arches. Children with flat feet do not develop muscles strong enough for achieving the normal arch.

People with flat feet wear out shoes faster than people with normal arches. The soles of shoes start wearing out from the centre, leading to their early demise. Flat footed people are often a target of mockery in school. They are called "duck feet" because they walk like a duck with toes pointing slightly inward. The sinking of the arch causes the flat foot to lengthen. 95% of the people with big feet are flat footed.

Water test Put a piece of paper on the ground and wet the child's feet. Then have him or her step on the paper to make a footprint. Compare the footprint with the images provided and see if you can identify a flat foot. The fuller the footprint, the more severe the disorder and the greater the child’s need for the FITFIVE program.   Ankle test Examine your child's leg from behind! If the ankle tilts inward, the Achilles is bent, and the foot twists inward then the child has flat feet and the deformity will continue to exist unless immediate exercise of the foot begins with the FITFIVE program.