With hallux valgus, a comprehensive approach is required to eliminate the defect.In addition to massage and therapeutic exercises, regular use of specially designed sandals, boots and boots is required.
An orthopedic doctor will select the best orthopedic footwear option for your child.In case of hallux valgus, parents should know which shoes and boots reliably fix the ankle joint and how to wear special shoes correctly.Useful information: how to prevent the appearance of flatfoot valgus, when it is necessary to consult a pediatric orthopedist.
Hallux valgus: what is it?
Orthopedic disease is diagnosed in children of different ages, most often in the first years of life during the formation of the musculoskeletal system.Weak bones, insufficiently strong muscles and poorly selected shoes change the appearance of the foot.Often the causes of the disease are calcium deficiency and certain diseases (rickets).
Signs of pathology:
- with the knees tightly pressed inside the ankles, the distance reaches 50 mm or more;
- an X-shaped modification of the child's foot is noted, a visible bending of the leg joints occurs;
- toes, heel pointing up, shaft is significantly bent;
- The deformation negatively affects the general condition of the child: the legs hurt when walking and swell at night.
If the child complains of pain in the legs or rapid wear of shoes, carefully examine the feet and check for symptoms of plane valgus deformity.The slightest suspicion of a joint or muscle problem is a reason to visit an orthopedist.The sooner corrective models replace regular boots and sandals, the easier it will be to correct the deformity.Remember: curvature of any part of the lower extremities is not only unsightly, but also harmful to health.
Features of corrective shoes.
Sandals, boots and special boots look like traditional models.Beautiful and fashionable shoes have long replaced the nondescript models that children had to wear several decades ago.
Characteristics:
- Anti-valgus shoes reliably fix the ankle and talolocalcaneal joints.A special design corrects the mobility of the joints of certain bones and stops deformation;
- corrective models are easy to distinguish by their high shaft, which firmly fixes the upper and lower parts of the ankle;
- All models have a removable insole that ensures the correct alignment of the longitudinal arch of the child's foot;
- In case of serious pathologies, the master will make the support template in a special laboratory.Parts of orthopedic products are manufactured to individual order.An instep support is not a foam bump;during its manufacture, the master forms a convexity taking into account the anatomical features of the lower extremities of a small patient;
- Thomas's orthotic heel prevents the foot from turning inward.The heel is longer on the inside.Traditional elements are not suitable for correcting orthopedic pathologies of the lower extremities.
The benefits of orthopedic shoes
Regular use of children's orthopedic shoes improves the condition of the foot:
- deformation of the joints stops;
- after a certain period of time, the joints take the correct position;
- during treatment, orthopedic shoes prevent pain and heaviness in the legs;
- The psychological state of the little patient improves, irritability decreases due to constant discomfort when walking.
Information for parents!The maximum benefit for deformed areas will be obtained by wearing anti-valgus shoes not only on the street, but also at home.Replace soft indoor slippers with corrective sandals.Controlling the position of the foot will speed recovery and eliminate the defect.The ratio between the use of regular and corrective shoes will be determined by an orthopedic surgeon, depending on the severity of the disease.
How to choose: useful tips for parents
Before purchasing special shoes or boots, be sure to consult with an orthopedist.The range of corrective footwear includes dozens of models.Without a doctor's prescription, parents will not be able to choose the appropriate treatment option.
When choosing, be guided by the following requirements:
- Buy models made of high-quality genuine leather.Most models fit well on the leg and have a high shaft.Consequences of using low-quality substitutes: feet sweat, slip, fungal diseases develop;
- check the quality of the sole.The ideal option is an elastic base with good shock absorption.Avoid stiff and hard soles - moving muscles, joints and joints do not function when walking and gradually relax.Always fold the sole of your boots or boots.In the front part the base must be flexible, in the back part it must be more rigid, but it must not bend in half.If you were unable to compress the base, look for another model.Most orthopedists believe that the ideal sole for corrective shoes is rubber;
- The toe of an orthotic product should not create too much space for the toes, but it should not exert pressure either.It is prohibited to buy corrective sandals/boots for growth: the product must fit well to all parts of the foot;
- A closed heel is an essential part of proper orthopedic footwear.Even summer options always have a small heel that covers the heel.Why are open sandals not suitable for children with orthopedic problems?The reason is obvious: when walking, the heel moves, “fidgets”, there is no strong fixation and the deformation of the joints increases.Proper heel placement prevents little feet from bending.Overweight children should only wear closed-back sandals.
Pay attention to the photo of orthopedic shoes for flat feet in valgus.All models are similar in many ways, there are slight differences in the design and width of the strap.Even a non-specialist can easily determine: corrective sandals, boots and boots reliably repair a child's foot.
Manufacturers
Many doctors and parents speak positively about the effect of special corrective products with firm fixation, a rigid back, a special heel and instep support.There are several models on the market from well-known manufacturers.Pay attention to products from companies that produce quality products that meet the standards for orthopedic products.
Disease prevention
Think about preventing orthopedic problems before they occur: some diseases and conditions increase the risk of pathologies in children.Unfortunately, the tendency to hallux valgus is inherited.
At-risk group:
- weak and premature babies;
- babies who suffered from pneumonia or ARVI in the first year of life;
- children with manifestations of rickets.
Parents should closely monitor the condition of the baby's lower extremities if the expectant mother did not receive enough calcium and phosphorus, spent little time outdoors, rarely took multivitamins and mineral complexes, or had a poor diet.The state of the newborn's musculoskeletal system directly depends on the sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy.
The following measures will help minimize the risk of hallux valgus:
- adequate nutrition during the period of gestation, monitoring of the course of pregnancy for the timely detection of neurological problems;
- prevention of rickets in a newborn: breastfeeding, receiving foods containing calcium and phosphorus at 8-9 months;
- regular consumption of fish oil, which improves the absorption of vitamin D, saturates the body with vitamins and minerals to strengthen bones, teeth and muscles;
- Useful leg exercises and foot massage are effective measures for the prevention of orthopedic diseases.The little one should walk barefoot more often: beach sand, pebbles, uneven surfaces are excellent options for a natural effect on muscles and joints;
- For the first steps, buy sandals, sandals, closed-toe shoes.The sole must be non-slip, and heel elevation is mandatory.For children up to one year, a heel with a height of 5 to 7 mm is recommended, after two years - from 1 to 1.5 cm;
- cycling.To prevent/treat flat feet and hallux valgus, the child should walk in socks or shoes with flexible soles;
- A children's massage mat is an ideal device for the prevention of flat feet and the development of hallux valgus.The product is sold in pharmacies, children's stores, and a wide range is presented on online trading platforms;
- The Swedish ladder is another simple way to prevent orthopedic problems.When climbing on round bars, the foot bends, tenses and all muscles are involved.Parents should show how to safely raise/lower the wall bars.During classes it is important to stay close to the child to avoid falls;
- Dosed load on fragile legs.Sometimes parents try to teach the baby to walk as early as possible;At 7-8 months they “lead” the baby, holding it under the arms.You cannot fight nature, impose unbearable stress on weak muscles and joints: orthopedic problems in such cases are the direct fault of the parents;
- Buy only high quality shoes for your children.Products made of genuine leather with flexible rubber soles are more expensive, but cheap sandals or boots cause a lot of problems with the musculoskeletal system.Treatment of orthopedic diseases usually lasts years;
- Take your child periodically for medical exams with specialists.Do not refuse a visit to a pediatric surgeon or orthopedist: timely detection of pathologies prevents serious joint deformities.
Do not refuse to buy corrective shoes, do not expect that special exercises and massages will completely eliminate flat valgus feet.The price of orthopedic shoes is quite high, but without special products it is impossible to cure an orthopedic disease.
From an early age, buy shoes for your baby that take into account the anatomical features of small feet and prevent the development of orthopedic defects.If hallux valgus is detected, on the advice of an orthopedist, purchase high-quality sandals, shoes and boots with corrective functions.Remember: an integrated approach to the treatment of orthopedic diseases necessarily includes such an element as the regular use of special shoes.