A diagnosis such as planavalgus foot deformity is not uncommon in young children, so it is very important to take timely measures to prevent further complications.
This diagnosis is established when the shape of the foot begins to resemble the letter X, and the arch of the foot changes and the axes are modified.
Hallux valgus implies the following manifestations: the heel and toes look outward, while the part of the foot itself descends.
Lack of treatment can lead to the tendons beginning to perform their natural function very poorly, and the baby will begin to get tired very quickly and constant pain will appear.In this case, a curvature of posture begins to be observed, the child cannot move normally and completely.You will always have to limit yourself in outdoor games.And with age, the muscle structure becomes more and more atrophied, which will eventually lead to disability.The treatment of this pathology is carried out using an integrated approach, an important point of which is the use of special orthopedic shoes by the patient.
Product requirements
There are certain requirements for medical shoes, which must be used for many foot pathologies.
Features of the instep support.
In the production of high-quality therapeutic footwear, special lasts of a special shape and anatomical profile, as well as an insole with built-in support for the instep, must be used.They are responsible for the correct formation of the arch of the leg.
Molded bottom
In the production of high-quality therapeutic footwear, a dense heel made of thermoplastic is used.Each size has its own specific background parameters.
shoe height
In the production of these models, great attention is paid to the formation of children's legs, as well as their fixation.This is achieved thanks to the height of the shoes and the reliable and resistant closures and Velcro.
Materials
Since models with a therapeutic effect impose a high level of requirements, the use of high-quality materials is allowed.Only models made from natural materials can guarantee adequate aeration of the feet.
sole
A special feature of the sole is its structure and density.Its back part is strengthened by the presence of a support on the instep, but the front part must be elastic and flexible so that the foot does not feel restricted in movement.
In addition, this sole is equipped with special rolling capabilities in the toe area, so that the foot is positioned as correctly as possible during movement.
Useful properties
During the treatment of a pathology such as hallux valgus, a preventive model should not be chosen, but rather an exclusively therapeutic option.Children's orthopedic shoes for hallux valgus must fully comply with certain points to fully justify their purpose.Orthopedic shoes with high tops and back support are considered therapeutic.They will help the foot to make the correct movements and adopt the correct position to avoid further deformation.Thanks to the presence of a low heel, a rigid fixation is achieved, which ensures the correct position of the foot.
The use of this type of therapeutic footwear in treatment is simply mandatory, since they act as a specific simulator and are responsible for the uniform distribution of the load during movement.This ensures the full functioning of the muscles that did not perform their function due to deformation.
Thanks to the use of orthopedic footwear in the treatment, the following occurs:
- Formation of correct gait and posture;
- Prevent further deformation;
- development of muscles and ligaments without the appearance of pathologies;
- Reduce the load on the entire column.
Can I choose the model myself?
Everyone should know that successfully correcting any type of leg deformity is possible only in childhood.Therefore, it is very important to seek help from an orthopedist as soon as possible.The younger the child, the greater the chance of success and full recovery.
You should not choose shoe models for treating deformities yourself;This can be done by a professional after a thorough examination and certain tests.Also, you should not convince yourself that wearing such shoes will be able to cure the child 100%;This may not happen.It is possible that the pathology still persists, but to a lesser extent.
Only using an integrated approach increases the chances of a full recovery.
It is important to remember that it is not necessary to wear therapeutic orthotic shoes for planavalgus deformities all the time.This can lead to atrophy of completely different muscles.
Basic recommendations
When purchasing treatment models, you should pay attention to the following:
- To obtain the desired result, you must choose the most correct size possible.Shoes should not be big or small, they should just fit your feet.The child's feelings are very important here.
- Under no circumstances should orthopedic models be purchased without the presence of a child.Each shoe must be tried on.The baby not only has to put on each of them, but also walk a little.
- Do not forget that children's feet grow very quickly, as do they themselves, so it is very important to monitor the size and change shoes at least once every 6-8 months, and sometimes more often.
- Orthopedic shoes for children with hallux valgus deformity should have a wide enough toe box so as not to compress the toes when walking.The baby's gait should remain firm and secure;For this reason, preference should be given to models with a closed toe.
- When choosing, due attention should be paid to the sole.Too hard a sole will reliably protect the foot from sprains, but there is a risk of developing flat feet.Therefore, in addition to the dense rear part of the sole, the shoe should have a sufficiently elastic front part that bends easily when the child moves.
- The anatomical insole must have support on the instep, which will ensure correct fixation of the foot, allowing all loads to be distributed correctly and uniformly.
- Orthopedic shoes should have high-quality, reliable closures and Velcro to ensure a perfect fit.
- To prevent your feet from sweating and always remain dry, preference should be given to models made of ventilated leather.
It is worth noting that orthopedic models are also recommended for purchase for children with healthy feet for preventive purposes.But such shoes will be slightly different from therapeutic ones.Preventive shoes are intended only for the correct distribution of the load and the prevention of many problems with the formation of the spine and the entire musculoskeletal system.
If there is hallux valgus, the use of preventive models will not give results;Only therapeutic ones will be necessary for changes to begin to be observed in a positive direction in the foot.In most cases, the mandatory use of therapeutic footwear is required when diagnosing a moderate or severe disease.Anti-valgus shoes are sold in specialized stores and must be marked accordingly.
Children diagnosed with deformity should also wear orthopedic insoles at home, which are inserted into permanent indoor shoes.It is also worth using it when performing a special series of exercises to correct and strengthen the muscles of the lower leg and foot.But all treatment measures must be carried out with the permission and under the supervision of the treating specialist.
Preventive measures
As it became clear, therapeutic orthopedic shoes for hallux valgus are necessary only if a diagnosis has already been established, but the use of preventive shoes is recommended for all children, as this will help to correctly form the musculoskeletal system.
Children who have had rickets, pneumonia, or acute respiratory illnesses are at risk of developing the disease.Unfortunately, this disease can also be inherited.
To prevent the development of hallux valgus, it is necessary to follow simple recommendations.
- To minimize the possibility of developing such neurological problems, you should be examined by a doctor when planning pregnancy.
- Until 7-8 months, it is worth trying to minimize the load on the baby's fragile legs.Very often, parents, in an effort to teach their baby to walk faster, themselves provoke the development of the disease.
- Do not ignore required examinations with a pediatrician.
- In the first months, all preventive measures should be carried out to avoid the development of rickets in the baby.
- If possible, special exercises should be performed in your free time to prevent the development of deformities.
- Get into the habit of buying only high-quality shoes for your baby from a very early age.
- It is not necessary to save on your child's health, especially when purchasing high-quality orthopedic shoes.After all, the purchase of low-quality models can cause serious problems in children during the formation of the musculoskeletal system.
The treatment of this pathology is a quite complex process that will require time and patience.But the sooner you organize, the greater the chance of achieving a positive result.