With hallux valgus, a comprehensive approach to eliminating the defect is required.In addition to massage and therapeutic exercises, regular wearing of sandals, boots, and boots of a special design is required.
An orthopedic doctor will select the best option for orthopedic shoes 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 you need to 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 shoes change the appearance of the foot.Often the causes of the disease are calcium deficiency and certain diseases (rickets).
Signs of pathology:
- with tightly clenched knees on the inside of the ankles, the distance reaches 50 mm or more;
- an X-shaped modification of the child’s foot is noted, visible bending of the leg joints occurs;
- toes, heel pointing upward, the axis is significantly bent;
- the deformation negatively affects the general condition of the child: the legs hurt when walking, and swell in the evening.
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 problem with joints or muscles is a reason to visit an orthopedist.The sooner corrective models replace regular boots and sandals, the easier it is 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, boots look like traditional models.Fashionable, beautiful shoes have long replaced the nondescript models that children had to wear several decades ago.
Features:
- anti-valgus shoes reliably fix the ankle and talocalcaneal 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 top, which firmly fixes the lower and upper 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 severe pathologies, a master will make an insole-support in a special laboratory.Parts of orthopedic products are produced to individual order.An instep support is not a foam protrusion; 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 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 wearing of children's orthopedic shoes improves foot condition:
- 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 while walking.
Information for parents!The maximum benefit to 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 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 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 tightly around the leg and have a high top.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, hard soles: muscles, joints, and moving joints do not work when walking and gradually relax.Always bend the sole of your boots or boots.In the front part the base should be pliable, in the back it should be more rigid, but should 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 made of rubber;
- the toe of an orthopedic product should not create too much space for the toes, but it should not put pressure either.It is prohibited to buy 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 shoes.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 your tiny feet from bending.Overweight children should only wear sandals with a closed back.
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 strap width.Even a non-specialist can easily determine: corrective sandals, boots, boots reliably fix a child’s foot.
Manufacturers
Many doctors and parents speak positively about the effect of special corrective products with tight fixation, a rigid back, a special heel and an instep support.There are various models from well-known manufacturers on the market.Pay attention to the products of companies that produce quality products in compliance with 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.
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 state of the musculoskeletal system of the newborn baby 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 bearing a child, monitoring the course of pregnancy for the timely detection of neurological problems;
- prevention of rickets in a newborn: breastfeeding, receiving foods 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 little one should walk barefoot more often: sand on the beach, 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 lift.For children up to one year old, 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 ride in socks or shoes with flexible soles;
- A massage mat for children 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, a wide range is presented on online trading platforms;
- The Swedish ladder is another simple way to prevent orthopedic problems.While climbing on round bars, the foot bends, tenses, and all muscles are involved.Parents must show how to safely climb/descend the wall bars.During classes, 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, supporting him under the arms.You cannot fight nature, put 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 kids.Products made from 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 often lasts for years;
- Take your child regularly for medical examinations with specialists.Do not refuse a visit to a pediatric surgeon or orthopedist: timely detection of pathologies prevents severe joint deformities.
Do not refuse to buy corrective shoes, do not hope that special exercises and massage will completely eliminate the flat valgus 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 features of tiny 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.