Physical Activities And Flat Feet – Are They Compatible?

The fact that a person has such a problem as flat feet does not mean completely abandoning physical activity. In addition, there are specially designed sets of exercises for treating flat feet. Patients themselves often wonder about the benefits of sports for their bodies.

Sports activities can affect the health of a person suffering from flat feet differently. A specialist can give precise recommendations and point to specific sports. You should only listen to the doctor because they determine the severity of flat-footedness, and the likelihood of complications and prescribe foot pain treatment.

What Activities Are Beneficial for Flat Feet?

• Horseback riding

It strengthens the musculoskeletal system of the hips and back. In addition, equestrian enthusiasts rarely complain about such a problem as flattened arches of the feet;

• Martial arts

Aikido, wrestling, karate, wushu, and similar activities positively affect the posture. During the warm-up, the elasticity of muscles and tendons is formed. They do not cause injury to the tissues since the transition from one stage of training to another is relatively smooth;

• Moderate skiing

This activity allows you to strengthen your muscles well and, at the same time, spend time outdoors and have fun with friends;

• Swimming

Certain types of swimming are suitable for muscle development, especially for children. If parents initially pay attention to the prevention of flat feet in their child, choose high-quality children's shoes for them, and remember to walk barefoot, the child's legs grow and develop correctly.

Remember the exercises and valuable equipment that you can purchase for homework. Different types of massagers will promote blood circulation in the legs and maintain muscle tone.

What Sports Are Bad for Flat Feet?

• Figure skating

Professional athletes with flat feet of the 2nd and 3rd degree are recommended to stop exercising since this sport provokes a decrease in the depreciation functions of the feet;

• Ice skating and hockey

In fact, with the doctor's permission, this type of activity can be done, but only sometimes. Individual orthopedic insoles are put on during classes, but if the legs hurt afterward, you have to leave skating. Professional hockey players also feel pain after training, but the cause of such sensations is not in tired muscles but in ligament injuries or swelling;

• Football

The doctor will be able to allow or prohibit classes. With severe deformities of the legs after training, a person suffers from a headache and pain in the legs;

• Crawl swimming

This style of swimming enhances the ability to contract the ligamentous-muscular apparatus of the legs. Unlike other styles, it is not often on the doctor's list of recommendations;

• Jumping

During jumping, the feet experience intense pressure from above, and in the absence of depreciation properties, such exercises negatively affect not only the condition of the legs but also the work of the entire musculoskeletal system, in particular, the spine;

• Training with kettlebells

In general, it is forbidden to lift any weights with flat feet; they add additional load to the feet and spine. Weighted running is also harmful;

• Fitness

Classes often involve brisk walking and running, which negatively affects the condition of flat feet;

• Ballet

Even though ballet is admired from the side, ballerinas are forced to pay for the beauty with the health of their legs. It causes deformities such as varus, valgus deformity, arthritis, arthrosis, heel spurs, and dilated veins. During classes, the main strain goes to the front of the foot, so a person with flat feet can enjoy watching this type of art but not participate.