A diagnosis such as flat valgus foot deformity is not uncommon in young children, so it is very important to take timely measures to avoid future complications.
This diagnosis is established when the shape of the foot begins to resemble the letter X, the arch of the foot changes and the axes are modified.
Hallux valgus implies the following manifestations: the heel and toes look outwards, while the foot part is lowered.
Lack of treatment can cause the tendons to begin to perform their natural function very poorly, and the baby will begin to get tired very quickly and experience constant pain.In this case, a curvature of posture begins to be observed, the child is unable to move normally and fully.He will always have to limit himself when playing outdoors.And with age, the muscular structure will atrophy more and more, which will eventually lead to disability.The treatment of this pathology is carried out in an integrated manner, the 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 in many foot pathologies.
Features of instep support
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, special lasts with a special shape and anatomical profile must be used, as well as an insole with built-in instep support.They are responsible for the correct formation of the arch of the leg.
Shaped scenario
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, a dense heel made of thermoplastic is used.Each size has its own scenario-specific parameters.
Shoe height
In the production of these models, much attention is paid to the formation of children's legs, as well as their fastening.This is achieved due to the height of the shoes and the reliable and strong fasteners and velcro.
Materials
Given that a high level of requirements is imposed on models with a therapeutic effect, the use of high quality materials is permitted.Adequate aeration of the feet can only be guaranteed by models made from natural materials.
Sole
A special feature of the sole is its structure and density.The rear part is reinforced with the presence of an instep support, but the front part must be elastic and flexible so that the foot does not feel restricted in movement.
Furthermore, this sole is equipped with special rolling capabilities in the toe area, so that the foot is positioned in the most correct way possible during movement.
Useful properties
During the treatment of a pathology such as hallux valgus, one should opt not for a preventive model, but for 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 a high top and high back are considered therapeutic.They will help the foot to make the correct movements and assume the correct position to avoid further deformation.Due to the presence of a low heel, a rigid fixation is achieved, which guarantees the correct positioning of the foot.
The use of these therapeutic shoes in treatment is simply mandatory, as they act as a specific simulator and are responsible for the uniform distribution of loads during movement.This ensures the full functioning of muscles that were not performing their function due to deformation.
Thanks to the use of orthopedic shoes in treatment, the following occurs:
- Training correct gait and posture;
- Avoid further deformation;
- development of muscles and ligaments without the appearance of pathologies;
- Reducing the load on the entire spine.
Can I choose the model by myself?
Everyone should know that it is only possible to successfully correct any type of leg deformity in childhood.Therefore, it is very important to seek help from an orthopedist as soon as possible.The younger the child's age, the greater the likelihood of success and full recovery.
You should not choose shoe models to treat deformities;This can be done by a professional after a thorough examination and some tests.Furthermore, you should not convince yourself that wearing these shoes will be able to cure the child 100%;this may not happen.The pathology may still remain, but to a lesser extent.
Only using an integrated approach increases the chances of full recovery.
It is important to remember that therapeutic orthopedic shoes should not be worn all the time for planovalgus deformities.This can cause 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 - just fit your feet.The child's feelings are very important here.
- Under no circumstances should you purchase orthopedic models without the presence of a child.Every shoe must be tried on.The baby not only has to wear each of them, but also walk a little.
- Do not forget that children's feet grow very quickly, just like 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 toe box wide enough to not cause compression of the toes when walking.The baby's gait must remain steady and confident;For this reason, preference should be given to models with a closed toe.
- When choosing, you should pay due attention to the sole.A very hard sole will reliably protect the foot from sprains, but there is a risk of developing flat feet.Therefore, in addition to the dense back part of the sole, the shoe must have a sufficiently elastic front part, which easily bends when the child moves.
- The anatomical insole must have instep support, which will ensure proper fixation of the foot, which will allow all loads to be distributed correctly and evenly.
- Orthopedic shoes must have high-quality and reliable Velcro and cleats to ensure a tight fit.
- To prevent your feet from sweating and always remain dry, you should give preference to models made from ventilated leather.
It is worth noting that the purchase of orthopedic models is also recommended for children with healthy feet, for preventive purposes.But these shoes will be a little different from the therapeutic ones.Preventative shoes are intended only for the correct distribution of the load and the prevention of many problems in 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 positive changes to begin to be observed in the foot.Most often, the mandatory use of therapeutic footwear is necessary when diagnosing a moderate or severe disease.Anti-valgus shoes are sold in specialized stores and must be properly marked.
Children diagnosed with deformity should also wear orthopedic insoles at home, which are inserted into permanent indoor shoes.It is also worth using when performing a special set of exercises to correct and strengthen the muscles of the leg and foot.But all treatment measures must be carried out with the permission and supervision of the treating specialist.
Preventive measures
As it became clear, therapeutic orthopedic footwear for hallux valgus is only necessary if the diagnosis has already been established, but the use of preventive footwear is recommended for all children, as it 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.Furthermore, this disease can, unfortunately, be inherited.
To prevent the development of hallux valgus, you need to follow simple recommendations.
- To minimize the possibility of developing such neurological problems, you should be examined by doctors when planning pregnancy.
- Until 7-8 months, you should try to minimize the load on the baby's fragile legs.Often, parents themselves, in their efforts to teach their baby to walk faster, themselves provoke the development of the disease.
- Do not ignore mandatory pediatrician examinations.
- In the first few months, take all preventive measures to prevent the development of rickets in your baby.
- If possible, special exercises should be performed in your free time to prevent the development of deformities.
- Get used to buying only high-quality shoes for your baby from a very early age.
- You should not save on your child's health, especially when purchasing high-quality orthopedic shoes.After all, purchasing low-quality models can cause serious problems in children during the formation of the musculoskeletal system.
Treating this pathology is a very complex process that will require time and patience.But the sooner it is organized, the greater the likelihood of achieving a positive result.