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 choose the best option for orthopedic shoes for your child.In the case of hallux valgus, parents need to know which shoes and boots safely fix the ankle joint and how to wear special shoes correctly.Useful information: how to prevent the occurrence of flat foot valgus, 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 chosen shoes change the appearance of the foot.Often the causes of the disease are calcium deficiency and certain diseases (rickets).
Signs of pathology:
- with knees tightly pressed to the inside of the ankles, the distance reaches 50 mm or more;
- an X-shaped modification of the child's leg is observed, the obvious curvature of the leg joints occurs;
- toes, heel pointed up, shaft is sharply bent;
- the deformity negatively affects the general condition of the child: the legs hurt while walking and swell in the evening.
If you complain of foot pain or rapid wearing of shoes, carefully examine the feet and check if the child has symptoms of plano valgus deformity.The slightest suspicion of a joint or muscle problem 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: the 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 and beautiful shoes have long since replaced the nondescript models that children had to wear a few decades ago.
Features:
- Anti-valgus shoes reliably adjust the ankle and talocalcaneal joints.A special design corrects the mobility of certain bone joints and prevents deformation;
- corrective models are easily distinguished 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 a bed rest in a special laboratory.Parts of orthopedic products are manufactured to individual orders.The footrest is not an extension of the foam;during its production, the master forms a convexity taking into account the anatomical features of the lower limbs of a 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 the correction of orthopedic pathologies of the lower extremities.
The benefits of orthopedic shoes
Regular wearing of children's orthopedic shoes improves the condition of the foot:
- prevents joint deformation;
- after a certain period of time, the nodes take the correct position;
- during treatment, orthopedic shoes prevent pain and heaviness in the feet;
- the psychological state of the little patient improves, the nervousness decreases due to constant discomfort while 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 regular 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 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 fit tightly around the foot and have a high top.Consequences of using low-quality substitutes: sweating of the feet, slipping, development of fungal diseases;
- check the quality of the sole.The ideal option is an elastic base with good shock absorption.Avoid stiff and stiff heels: moving muscles, joints and joints do not work when you walk and gradually relax.Always buckle the bottom 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 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 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 forbidden to buy corrective sandals/boots for growth: the product must fit tightly in 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 open sandals are not suitable for children with orthopedic problems?The reason is clear: when you walk, the heel moves, "wobbles", there is no strong fixation, and the deformation of the joints increases.Proper heel placement prevents your little feet from bowing.Overweight children should only wear sandals with closed backs.
Pay attention to the photo of orthopedic shoes for valgus flat feet.All models are similar in many ways, there are minor differences in design and strap width.Even a non-specialist can easily determine: corrective sandals, boots, boots reliably fix a child's foot.
Manufacturer
Many doctors and parents speak positively about the effect of special corrective products with a tight fit, a rigid back, a special heel and a foot support.There are different models on the market from well-known manufacturers.Pay attention to the products of companies that produce quality products in accordance with the standards for orthopedic products.
Disease prevention
Think about preventing orthopedic problems before they appear: some diseases and conditions increase the risk of pathologies in children.Unfortunately, the tendency for hallux valgus is hereditary.
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 limbs if the expectant mother did not get enough calcium and phosphorus, spent little time outside, rarely took multivitamins and mineral complexes or had a poor diet.The condition 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 giving birth to a child, monitoring the course of pregnancy for timely detection of neurological problems;
- prevention of rickets in a newborn: breastfeeding, intake of 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;
- beneficial exercises for the feet, foot massage are effective measures for the prevention of orthopedic diseases.The little one should walk more often barefoot: 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, closed toe shoes.The nail must be non-slippery, with a mandatory rise of the heel.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.To prevent/treat flat feet and hallux valgus, the child should wear socks or shoes with flexible soles;
- A children's massage mat 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 on round bars, the leg bends, tenses and all muscles are involved.Parents must demonstrate how to safely climb/descend the wall rails.During lessons, it is important to stay close to the child to prevent falls;
- dosed load on fragile legs.Sometimes parents try to teach the child to walk as quickly as possible;at 7-8 months they "lead" the baby, supporting it under their arms.You cannot fight nature, exert unbearable stress on weak muscles and joints: orthopedic problems in such cases are the direct fault of parents;
- 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 examinations with specialists.Do not refuse a visit to a pediatric or orthopedic surgeon: 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 valgus flat feet.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 child 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 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.