Comparative analysis of traditional and comprehensive methods of flatfoot treatment in children

Аннотация

Relevance. Flatfoot is a common orthopedic pathology in children that disrupts foot biomechanics and gait. Its highest prevalence is observed at the age of 4–7 years, requiring early diagnosis and timely correction. Objective. To assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and effectiveness of treatment methods for pediatric flatfoot. Results. Among 1,427 examined children, 12.8% were diagnosed with flatfoot, with 62.8% of cases occurring between 4 and 7 years of age. Comprehensive treatment (physical therapy, massage, physiotherapy, orthopedic devices) proved more effective (54.5% improvement) compared to traditional methods (39%). In children over 8 years old, treatment effectiveness declined. Conclusion. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach yield better outcomes, slowing disease progression and reducing the risk of complications. Findings. Flatfoot is most frequently diagnosed at 4–7 years, highlighting the need for active prevention and early therapy. Comprehensive methods outperform traditional approaches, especially for moderate and severe cases. Keywords: Flatfoot, children, diagnosis, treatment, orthopedics, physiotherapy, prevention. Introduction: Flatfoot in children is one of the most Additionally, studying the age-related characteristics of common orthopedic pathologies, affecting the the disease is of great importance. It has been found musculoskeletal system and overall physical that the highest incidence of flatfoot occurs between development of the child. According to conducted the ages of 4 and 7, highlighting the need for special studies, among 1,427 examined children aged 1 to 14 attention to preventive and therapeutic measures years, flatfoot was identified in 12.8% of cases, during this period [3,7]. It is essential to consider that indicating a significant prevalence of this condition flatfoot correction is most effective at an early age, [1,7]. whereas treatment in older age groups becomes more challenging and requires prolonged rehabilitation [2]. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of flatfoot are crucial, as the lack of correction can lead to severe Thus, the study of flatfoot in children, its diagnosis, age- consequences, including persistent gait disorders, related progression, and the effectiveness of various deformation of the lower limb joints and spine, chronic treatment methods are pressing issues in modern pain development, and reduced quality of life for the pediatric orthopedics. These efforts aim to enhance child [2,3]. prevention, early detection, and correction of this pathology. This study is particularly relevant in the context of selecting the most effective diagnostic and treatment Research Objective methods [4]. A comparative analysis of traditional and The aim of this study is to examine the characteristics comprehensive treatment approaches allows for the of diagnosis, frequency, and severity of flatfoot in assessment of their effectiveness based on the child’s children, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of age and the severity of the pathology [5,6,8]. various treatment methods to optimize the correction International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research 72 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijmscr International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265) of this pathology. effectiveness was assessed in three age categories: 1– 3 years, 4–7 years, and 8–14 years. METHODS 1–3 years: Traditional therapy showed positive results The study was conducted between 2014 and 2024 in in 25% of cases, while 41.7% of patients improved from medical and educational institutions, including the Grade III to Grade II. However, 33.3% showed no clinic of the Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute. A significant improvement. The most effective methods total of 1,427 children (aged 1–14 years) who in this group were massage, physiotherapy, and underwent orthopedic examinations were included in vitamin therapy, which contributed to the proper the research. development of the foot arch. The diagnosis of flatfoot was based on a clinical- 4–7 years: Complete resolution of flatfoot was functional examination, which included visual foot observed in 39% of children, while 32.2% showed assessment, gait analysis, the use of plantography, improvement by progressing to a milder grade. In 6.8% podometry, and radiography. Patients with flatfoot of cases, patients with Grade III improved to Grade II. (n=182) were divided into two groups: 94 children However, 22% of children showed no significant received traditional treatment (massage, therapeutic improvement. The best results were achieved through exercises, orthopedic footwear), while 88 underwent a combination of therapeutic exercises, orthopedic comprehensive therapy with individualized correction insoles, and massage. methods. 8–14 years: Treatment effectiveness was the lowest in The effectiveness of treatment was assessed based on this age group. Complete correction was obs