In the case of hallux valgus, a comprehensive approach is needed to eliminate the defect.In addition to massage and therapeutic exercises, it is necessary to regularly wear sandals, boots and boots of a special design.
The orthopedist will choose the best option for orthopedic shoes for your child.In the case of hallux valgus, parents should know which shoes and boots reliably fix the ankle joint and how to properly wear special shoes.Useful information: how to prevent the occurrence of flat valgus foot, when you should consult a pediatric orthopedist.
Hallux valgus: what is it?
Orthopedic disease is diagnosed in children of different ages, more often in the first years of life during the formation of the musculoskeletal system.Weak bones, insufficiently strong muscles and improperly selected footwear change the appearance of the feet.Often the causes of the disease are calcium deficiency and certain diseases (rickets).
Signs of pathology:
- with the knees tightly pressed to the inside of the ankles, the distance reaches 50 mm or more;
- the modification of the child's foot in the shape of the letter X is noticed, there is a visible bending of the leg joints;
- toes, heel facing up, axis significantly bent;
- the deformation negatively affects the general condition of the child: the legs hurt when walking, and they swell in the evening.
If you complain of foot pain or rapid shoe wear, carefully examine the feet and check if the child has symptoms of plano valgus deformity.Even the slightest suspicion of a joint or muscle problem is a reason to visit an orthopedist.The sooner corrective models replace ordinary boots and sandals, the easier it is to correct the deformity.Remember: the curvature of any part of the lower extremities is not only unsightly, but also harmful to health.
Characteristics of corrective shoes
Special sandals, boots, boots look like traditional models.Fashionable, beautiful shoes have long since replaced the unusual models that children had to wear decades ago.
Features:
- anti-valgus shoes reliably fix the ankle and talocalcaneal joints.The special design corrects the mobility of the joints of certain bones and stops deformations;
- corrective models are easily distinguished by the high top, which firmly fixes the lower and upper part of the ankle;
- all models have a removable insole that ensures proper alignment of the longitudinal arch of the child's foot;
- In the case of severe pathologies, the master will make a support for the insole in a special laboratory.Parts of orthopedic products are made to order.The climbing support is not a foam ledge;during its production, the master forms the convexity taking into account the anatomical characteristics of the lower limbs of the small patient;
- The Thomas orthopedic heel prevents the foot from turning inwards.The heel is longer on the inside.Traditional elements are not suitable for correcting orthopedic pathologies of the lower extremities.
Advantages of orthopedic shoes
Regular wearing 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 the 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 using 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 up recovery and eliminate the defect.The ratio of using ordinary and corrective footwear will be determined by the orthopedist, depending on the severity of the disease.
How to choose: useful tips for parents
Before buying special shoes or boots, be sure to 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 of high-quality genuine leather.Most models are tight around the leg and have a high top.Consequences of using low-quality substitutes: feet sweat, slipping, fungal diseases develop;
- check the quality of the sole.The ideal option is an elastic base with good shock absorption.Avoid stiff, hard soles: muscles, joints and joints do not work when walking and gradually relax.Always bend the soles of boots or shoes.In the front part, the base should be flexible, in the back part it should be firmer, but it should not bend in half.If you could not compress the base, look for another model.Most orthopedists believe that the ideal sole for corrective shoes is made of rubber;
- the toe of the orthopedic product should not create too much space for the toes, but neither should it create too much pressure.It is forbidden to buy corrective sandals/boots for growth: the product must fit tightly on all parts of the foot;
- A closed heel is an essential part of a proper orthopedic shoe.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 placement prevents your little feet from bending.Overweight children should only wear closed back sandals.
Pay attention to the photo of orthopedic shoes for flat valgus feet.All models are similar in many ways, there are slight differences in design and belt width.Even a non-specialist can easily determine: corrective sandals, boots, boots reliably fix the 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 support for climbing.There are various models of well-known manufacturers on the market.Pay attention to the products of companies that produce quality products in accordance with the standards for orthopedic products.
Disease prevention
Consider 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.
Risk group:
- weak, 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 condition of the musculoskeletal system of the newborn directly depends on the sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy.
The following measures will help minimize the risk of hallux valgus:
- proper nutrition during the period of childbirth, monitoring the course of pregnancy for the timely detection of neurological problems;
- prevention of rickets in newborns: breastfeeding, intake of food containing calcium and phosphorus from 8-9 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 for the prevention of orthopedic diseases.The toddler should walk barefoot more often: beach sand, gravel, uneven surfaces are excellent opportunities 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 lift.For children up to one year, a heel height of 5 to 7 mm is recommended, after two years - from 1 to 1.5 cm;
- cycling.For the prevention/treatment of flat feet and hallux valgus, the child should ride in socks or shoes with flexible soles;
- The massage pad for children 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 the round bars, the foot bends, strains, and all muscles are involved.Parents must demonstrate how to safely climb/descend the wall bars.During the lesson it is important to stay close to the child to prevent 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 their arms.You can't fight against nature, unbearably burdening weak muscles and joints: orthopedic problems in such cases are the parents' direct fault;
- Buy only high-quality shoes for your children.Genuine leather products with flexible rubber soles are more expensive, but cheap sandals or boots cause many problems with the musculoskeletal system.Treatment of orthopedic diseases often takes years;
- Take your child to specialist medical examinations regularly.Do not refuse a visit to a children's surgeon or orthopedist: timely detection of pathologies prevents severe joint deformations.
Do not refuse to buy corrective shoes, do not hope that special exercises and massage will completely eliminate flat valgus foot.The price of orthopedic shoes is quite high, but without special products it is impossible to cure orthopedic disease.
From an early age, buy shoes for your baby that take into account the anatomical characteristics of small 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.