With hallux valgus, a comprehensive approach is required to eliminate the defect.In addition to massages and therapeutic exercises, it is necessary to regularly wear sandals, boots and boots of a special design.
An orthopedic doctor will select the best orthopedic shoe 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 flat valgus foot, 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 incorrectly 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 closed to the inside of the ankles, the distance reaches 50 mm or more;
- an X-shaped modification is observed in the child's foot, there is visible flexion of the leg joints;
- toes, heel pointing up, shaft is significantly bent;
- deformation negatively affects the general condition of the child: the legs hurt when walking and swell at night.
If you complain of pain in the legs or rapid wear of shoes, carefully examine the feet and check whether the child has symptoms of plano valgus deformity.The slightest suspicion of a joint or muscle problem is a reason to consult an orthopedist.The sooner corrective models replace normal 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
Special sandals, boots and boots look like traditional models.Beautiful and elegant shoes have long replaced the nondescript models that children wore several decades ago.
Features:
- Anti-valgus shoes securely fix the ankle and talocalcaneal joints.A special design corrects the mobility of the joints of certain bones and prevents deformation;
- corrective models are easy to distinguish by the high top, which firmly fixes the lower and upper parts of the ankle;
- all models have a removable insole that guarantees the correct alignment of the longitudinal arch of the child's foot;
- In case of serious pathologies, a master will make a supportive insole in a special laboratory.Parts of orthopedic products are produced to individual order.An instep support is not a foam ridge;during its manufacture, the master forms a convexity taking into account the anatomical features of the lower limbs of a small patient;
- Thomas' orthopedic heel prevents the foot from rotating inward.The heel is longer 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 feet:
- joint deformation 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 come from wearing anti-valgus shoes not only on the street, but also at home.Replace soft slippers with corrective sandals.Controlling the position of the foot will speed up recovery and eliminate the defect.The proportion of regular and corrective footwear use will be determined by the orthopedic surgeon, depending on the severity of the disease.
How to choose: useful tips for parents
Before purchasing special shoes or boots, consult an orthopedist.The range of corrective shoes includes dozens of models.Without a doctor's prescription, parents will not be able to choose the right treatment option.
When choosing, be guided by the following requirements:
- Buy models made from high-quality genuine leather.Most models fit well on the leg and have high tops.Consequences of using low-quality substitutes: foot sweat, slipping, development of fungal diseases;
- check the quality of the sole.The ideal option is an elastic base with good shock absorption.Avoid rigid and hard soles: muscles, joints and movable joints do not work when walking and gradually relax.Always fold the soles of your boots or boots.At the front the base must be flexible, at the back 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 tip of an orthopedic product should not create too much space for the fingers, but it should not exert pressure either.It is prohibited to purchase corrective sandals/boots for growth: the product must fit tightly to all parts of the foot;
- A closed heel counter 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, “wiggles”, there is no strong fixation and the deformation of the joints increases.Proper heel positioning prevents your tiny feet from bending.Overweight children should only wear closed-back sandals.
Pay attention to the photo of orthopedic shoes for valgus flat feet.All models are similar in many ways, there are small differences in the design and width of the bracelet.Even a non-specialist can easily determine: corrective sandals, boots and boots securely fix a child's foot.
Manufacturers
Many doctors and parents speak positively about the effect of special corrective products with firm fixation, rigid back, special heel and instep support.There are several models from renowned manufacturers on the market.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.
Group of risk:
- 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 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 pregnancy, monitoring the course of pregnancy for timely detection of neurological problems;
- prevention of rickets in newborns: breastfeeding, eating foods containing calcium and phosphorus from 8 to 9 months;
- regular consumption of fish oil, which improves the absorption of vitamin D, saturates the body with vitamins and minerals for strong bones, teeth and muscles;
- useful exercises for the legs, foot massage are effective measures in preventing orthopedic diseases.Your little one should go 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, shoes with closed toes.The sole must be non-slip, with a mandatory heel drop.For children up to one year old, heels with a height of 5 to 7 mm are recommended, after two years - from 1 to 1.5 cm;
- cycling.To prevent/treat flat feet and hallux valgus, the child should wear socks or shoes with flexible soles;
- The children's massage mat is an ideal device for preventing flat feet and the development of hallux valgus.The product is sold in pharmacies, children's stores, a wide range is presented on online trading platforms;
- The Swedish ladder is another simple way to prevent orthopedic problems.When climbing round bars, the foot bends, becomes tense and all muscles are involved.Parents must show how to safely climb up/down 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 their baby to walk as early as possible;at 7–8 months they “lead” the baby, supporting him under their arms.You cannot fight nature, put an unbearable load on weak muscles and joints: orthopedic problems in these 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 for years;
- Take your child regularly for medical checkups with specialists.Do not refuse a visit to a pediatric or orthopedic surgeon: timely detection of pathologies prevents serious joint deformities.
Do not refuse to buy corrective shoes, do not hope that special exercises and massages will completely eliminate valgus planus foot.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 characteristics of little feet and prevent the development of orthopedic defects.If hallux valgus is detected, on the advice of an orthopedist, buy 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 regular wearing of special shoes.