With hallux valgus, a comprehensive approach to eliminate the deformity is required.In addition to massage and therapeutic exercises, regular wearing of sandals, boots, and specially designed boots is required.
The orthopedic doctor will choose the best option for orthopedic shoes for your child.In the case of hallux valgus, parents should know which shoes and boots can correct the ankle joint and how to wear special shoes correctly.Useful information: how to avoid the appearance of flat valgus feet, when you need to consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist.
Hallux valgus: what is it?
Orthopedic diseases are diagnosed in children of different ages, more often in the first years of life during the formation of the musculoskeletal system.Weak bones, muscles that are not strong enough, and improperly chosen shoes change the appearance of the feet.Often the cause of the disease is a lack of calcium and certain diseases (rickets).
Pathological signs:
- with the knees tightly clenched on the inside of the ankles, the distance reaches 50 mm or more;
- X-shaped changes in the child's legs are observed, visible bending of the leg joints occurs;
- toes, heel pointing up, axis bent significantly;
- 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 feet or wearing shoes that are fast, examine the feet carefully and check if the child has symptoms of plano valgus deformity.The slightest suspicion of problems with joints or muscles is a reason to visit an orthopedic specialist.The sooner corrective models replace ordinary boots and sandals, the easier it is to correct defects.Remember: the curvature of any part of the lower limb is not only unsightly, but also dangerous to health.
Features of corrective shoes
Special sandals, boots, boots look like traditional models.Stylish and beautiful shoes have long replaced the obscure models that children had to wear decades ago.
features:
- anti-valgus shoes reliably repair ankle and talocalcaneal joints.The special design corrects the mobility of certain bone joints and stops deformation;
- the correction model is easily distinguished by its high top, which firmly fixes the bottom and top 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 pathology, the master will make an insole support in a special laboratory.Parts of orthopedic products are manufactured according to individual orders.Buttock support isn't foam padding;during its manufacture, the master forms a convexity taking into account the anatomical features of the lower limb of a small patient;
- Thomas's orthopedic heel prevents the foot from turning inward.The heel is longer on the inside.Traditional elements are not suitable for correcting orthopedic pathologies in the lower part of the foot.
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 joint takes the correct position;
- during treatment, orthopedic shoes prevent pain and heaviness in the feet;
- the psychological state of the little patient improves, the irritation decreases due to constant discomfort while walking.
Information for parents!The maximum benefit for the deformed area 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 feet will speed up recovery and eliminate deformities.The ratio of using normal and corrective shoes will be determined by the orthopedic surgeon, 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 orthopedic specialist.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 a model made of high quality genuine leather.Most models fit snugly around the leg and have a high top.Consequences of using low-quality substitutes: foot sweat, slipping, fungal diseases develop;
- check the quality of the site.The ideal choice is an elastic sole with good shock absorption.Avoid stiff and hard soles: muscles, joints and joints that move do not work when walking and relax gradually.Always bend the soles of your boots or boots.In the front the base should be flexible, in the back it should be more rigid, but it should not be bent in half.If you can't compress the site, find another model.Most orthopedists believe that the ideal soles for corrective shoes are made of rubber;
- toe orthopedic products should not create too much space for the toes, but they should not be stressful either.It is forbidden to buy corrective sandals/boots for growth: the product must fit snugly 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 clear: when walking, the heel moves, "restless", there is no strong fixation, and joint deformation increases.Proper heel placement prevents your little feet from bending.Children who are overweight should only wear sandals with closed backs.
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 non-experts can easily determine: corrective sandals, boots, boots reliably correct children's feet.
Manufacturer
Many doctors and parents speak positively about the effect of special corrective products with tight fixation, rigid back, special heel and arch 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 happen: some diseases and conditions increase the risk of pathology in children.Unfortunately, the tendency to hallux valgus is inherited.
Risk groups:
- weak and premature babies;
- babies with pneumonia or ARVI in the first year of life;
- children with manifestations of rickets.
Parents should carefully monitor the condition of the baby's lower legs if the expectant mother does not receive enough calcium and phosphorus, spends little time outdoors, rarely takes multivitamins and mineral complexes, or has a poor diet.The condition of the musculoskeletal system of a newborn baby directly depends on the intake of sufficient vitamins and minerals during pregnancy.
The following measures will help minimize the risk of hallux valgus:
- proper nutrition during childbirth, monitoring the course of pregnancy for timely detection of neurological problems;
- prevention of rickets in newborns: breastfeeding, receiving food containing calcium and phosphorus from 8-9 months;
- regular use of fish oil, which increases the absorption of vitamin D, fills the body with vitamins and minerals for strong bones, teeth and muscles;
- useful exercise for the feet, foot massage is an effective measure for the prevention of orthopedic diseases.The little one should walk barefoot more often: sand on the beach, pebbles, uneven surfaces are excellent choices for a natural effect on muscles and joints;
- for the first step, buy sandals, sandals, shoes with closed toes.The floor must not be slippery, with a mandatory heel lift.For children up to one year, 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;
- Massage mats for children are an ideal tool for the prevention of flat feet and the development of hallux valgus.These products are sold in pharmacies, children's stores, various types are presented on online trading platforms;
- Swedish stairs are another easy way to prevent orthopedic problems.When climbing a round bar, the legs are bent, tensed, and all muscles are involved.Parents must demonstrate how to climb/descend the wall bars safely.During class, it is important to stay close to the child to avoid falling;
- dosed load on fragile legs.Sometimes parents try to teach babies to walk as early as possible;at 7-8 months they "lead" the baby, supporting it under the arm.You cannot fight nature, putting unbearable pressure on weak muscles and joints: orthopedic problems in such cases are the parents' direct fault;
- 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 many problems with the musculoskeletal system.Treatment of orthopedic diseases often lasts for years;
- Take your child regularly for medical check-ups with a specialist.Do not refuse a visit to a pediatric or orthopedic surgeon: timely detection of pathology prevents severe joint deformities.
Do not hesitate to buy corrective shoes, do not hope that special exercises and massages will completely eliminate flat valgus feet.The price of orthopedic shoes is quite high, but without special products it is impossible to cure orthopedic diseases.
From an early age, buy shoes for your baby that take into account the anatomical features of small feet, and prevent the development of orthopedic defects.If hallux valgus is detected, on the advice of an orthopedic specialist, buy high-quality sandals, shoes and boots with corrective functions.Remember: an integrated approach to the treatment of orthopedic diseases necessarily includes elements such as the regular use of special shoes.