A diagnosis such as planovalgus 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 is lowered down.
Lack of treatment can lead to the fact that the tendons begin to perform their natural role 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 fully.He will always have to limit himself in outdoor games.And with age, the muscle structure will atrophy more and more, which will ultimately lead to disability.Treatment of this pathology is carried out using an integrated approach, an important point of which is the wearing of special orthopedic shoes by the patient.
Product requirements
There are certain requirements for medical shoes, which are required to be worn for many foot pathologies.
Features of the instep support
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, special lasts of a special shape with an anatomical profile, as well as an insole with a built-in instep support, must be used.They are responsible for the correct formation of the arch of the leg.
Molded backdrop
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, a dense heel is used, which is made of thermoplastic.Each size has its own specific backdrop parameters.
Shoe height
In the production of such models, great attention is paid to the formation of children’s legs, as well as their fixation.This is achieved due to the height of the shoes and reliable and strong fasteners and Velcro.
Material
Since a high level of requirements is imposed on models with a therapeutic effect, the use of high quality materials is allowed.Proper foot aeration can only be ensured by models made from natural materials.
Sole
A special feature of the sole is its structure and density.Its back part is made strong with the presence of an instep support, but the front part must be elastic and flexible so that the foot does not feel restrictions in movement.
Also, such a sole is endowed with special rolling capabilities in the toe area, so that the foot is positioned as correctly as possible when moving.
Useful properties
During the treatment of a pathology such as hallux valgus, one should choose not a preventive model, but an exclusively therapeutic option.Children's orthopedic shoes for hallux valgus must fully comply with certain points in order to fully justify their purpose.Orthopedic shoes with a high top and back are considered therapeutic.They will help the foot make the correct movements and take the right position to prevent further deformation.Due to the presence of a low heel, rigid fixation is achieved, which ensures the correct position of the foot.
The use of just such therapeutic shoes in treatment is simply mandatory, since 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 role due to deformation.
Thanks to the use of orthopedic shoes in treatment, the following occurs:
- Formation of correct gait and posture;
- Prevent further deformation;
- development of muscles and ligaments without the appearance of pathologies;
- Reducing the load on the entire spine.
Can I choose the model myself?
Everyone should know that it is possible to successfully correct any type of leg deformity only in childhood.Therefore, it is very important to seek help from an orthopedist as early as possible.The younger the child’s age, the greater the likelihood 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 examinations.Also, you should not convince yourself that wearing such shoes will be able to heal the child 100%; this may not happen.The pathology may still remain, but to a lesser extent.
Only the use of an integrated approach increases the chances of full recovery.
It is important to remember that you should not wear therapeutic orthopedic shoes for planovalgus deformities all the time.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 should choose the correct size as possible.Shoes should be neither big nor 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.Each shoe should be tried on.The baby not only has to put on each of them, but also walk a little.
- Don't 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 that will not cause compression of the toes when walking.The baby's gait should remain firm and confident; for this reason, preference should be given to models with closed toes.
- When choosing, due attention should be paid to the sole.A sole that is too hard 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 should have a sufficiently elastic front part, which will easily bend when the child moves.
- The anatomical insole should have an 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 reliable and high-quality Velcro and latches to ensure a tight 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 the purchase of orthopedic models is also recommended 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 hallux valgus is present, wearing preventive models will not give results; only therapeutic ones will be required so that changes in a positive direction begin to be observed in the foot.Most often, mandatory wearing of therapeutic shoes is required when diagnosing 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 wearing when performing a special set of exercises to correct and strengthen the muscles of the lower leg and foot.But all treatment measures should 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 needed 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 diseases are at risk of developing the disease.Also, 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.Very often, parents, in an effort to teach their baby to walk faster, themselves provoke the development of the disease.
- Do not ignore the required examinations with a pediatrician.
- In the first months, carry out all preventive measures 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 deformity.
- Accustom yourself to buy only high-quality shoes for your baby from a very early age.
- You should not save on your child’s health, especially on purchasing high-quality orthopedic shoes.After all, purchasing low-quality models can lead to serious problems in children during the formation of the musculoskeletal system.
Treatment of such a pathology is a rather complex process that will require time and patience.But the sooner it is organized, the higher the likelihood that a positive result will be achieved.