According to the latest big data on military recruitment physical examinations, an increasing number of young people fail the check-up due to foot and ankle problems, which have become major obstacles to their enlistment.
Article 8 of the Physical Examination Standards for Recruits released by the National Military Recruitment Network in 2023 clearly stipulates that toe deformities and severe flat feet are disqualifying conditions in physical screening.
Candidates who cannot fully squat with feet together or squat unsteadily may adjust their posture by spreading feet no wider than shoulder-width. Those who can squat fully or have slight incomplete squatting after adjustment are qualified for ground service positions, excluding cases caused by pathological conditions such as gluteal muscle contracture syndrome, short Achilles tendons and lower limb joint disorders.
Article 8Candidates with missing or deformed fingers and toes, flat feet with completely absent plantar arch, or severe rhagades shall be deemed unqualified.
Article 9Candidates with malignant tumors are unqualified. Those with benign tumors or cysts on the face and neck with a major diameter over 1 cm, or such lesions on other body parts with a major diameter over 3 cm, as well as those within the above size limits but impairing physical functions and training performance, shall be unqualified.
Article 10Candidates with scar diathesis are unqualified. Those with scars on the face and neck with a major diameter over 3 cm, or scars on any body part that affect physical functions, shall be unqualified.
Yet many people are unaware that quite a number of youngsters with dreams of joining the military get rejected due to foot and ankle problems.
Flatfoot is a foot deformity caused by congenital factors or poor posture, characterized by a low or collapsed plantar arch and valgus foot. When standing or walking, the arch flattens, often leading to fatigue or pain. Flatfoot tends to run in families, yet it is not a hereditary disease. It can be congenital or acquired later in life.
The plantar arch is a vital structure of the human foot. It absorbs impact from the ground and locks the midfoot joints to stiffen the foot, facilitating body movement. Without the cushioning of a normal arch, people with flatfoot tend to get tired more easily while walking.
Why are people with flatfoot disqualified from military recruitment?
During a normal gait cycle, people with flatfoot spend extra time on arch collapse and arch recovery, which consumes more energy. The difference is barely noticeable over short distances but becomes obvious during long marches.
An adult’s average gait cycle lasts 1 to 1.32 seconds. If each step takes an extra 0.03 seconds, a soldier covering 30 kilometers with roughly 40,000 steps in a day will lose 1,200 seconds in total, equivalent to 20 minutes. This will easily put them far behind the formation. Additionally, the excessive energy consumption greatly reduces stamina, resulting in an even larger gap in practice.
What are the symptoms of flatfoot?
What complications can flatfoot cause?
How to improve and correct flatfoot?
Wear arch support insoles
Arch support insoles are specially designed for foot problems. Their main function is to support the plantar arch and relieve foot discomfort.
How to customize arch support insoles？
The general procedures for customizing arch support insoles are as follows:
AssessmentA professional physician or podiatrist will examine your feet, including foot type, length, width and arch height.
CustomizationBased on the assessment results, technicians will tailor the insoles according to your personal needs and foot characteristics.
FabricationSpecial materials and techniques are adopted to make the insoles.
Fitting TrialAfter production, you need to try on the insoles to check fit and comfort, and adjustments will be made if necessary.
What are the advantages of custom arch support insoles?
Deliver personalized arch support
Adapt to individual foot structure and related conditions
Enhance foot stability and comfort, and relieve discomfort and pain
Improve foot function and boost walking and athletic performance
Offer superior protection for feet
Lower risks of overuse injuries
