To eliminate the defect with hallux valgus, a comprehensive approach is required.In addition to massage and therapeutic exercises, specially designed sandals, boots and boots are required to be worn regularly.
The 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 to safely correct the ankle joint and how to properly wear special shoes.Useful information: how to prevent the appearance of flat valgus foot when it is necessary to consult a pediatric orthopedist.
Hallux valgus: what is it?
Orthopedic disease is diagnosed in children of different ages, mostly 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).
Pathological signs:
- the distance between the ankles and knees is 50 mm or more;
- an X-shaped modification of the child's leg is noted, visible bending of the leg joints occurs;
- toes, heel up, axis significantly bent;
- the deformity has a negative effect on the child's general condition: his legs hurt when walking, and they swell in the evening.
If you complain of pain in the feet or quick wearing of shoes, carefully examine the feet and check whether the child has signs of plano valgus deformity.The slightest suspicion of a problem in the joints or muscles is a reason to visit an orthopedist.The sooner corrective models replace conventional boots and sandals, the easier it will be to correct the deformity.Remember: the curvature of any part of the lower limbs is not only useless, but also harmful to health.
Features of corrective shoes
Special sandals, boots, boots are similar to traditional models.Fashionable, beautiful shoes have long replaced the unusual models that children had to wear a few decades ago.
Features:
- anti-valgus shoes reliably correct the ankle and talocalcaneal joints.The 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 corrects the lower and upper parts of the ankle;
- all models have a removable sole that ensures proper alignment of the longitudinal arch of the child's foot;
- In case of severe pathologies, the master will support the sole in a special laboratory.Parts of orthopedic products are produced by individual order.The sole support is not a foam protrusion;during its production, the master forms a convex, taking into account the anatomical features of the lower limbs of a small patient;
- Thomas's orthopedic heel prevents the foot from turning inward.The heel is longer than the inside.Traditional elements are not suitable for correcting orthopedic pathologies of the lower extremities.
Benefits of orthopedic shoes
Regular wearing of children's orthopedic shoes improves the condition of the foot:
- 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 feet;
- the psychological condition of the little patient improves, irritability due to constant anxiety during walking decreases.
Information for parents!The maximum benefit to deformed areas will be by using anti-valgus shoes not only on the street, but also at home.Replace soft closed slippers with corrective sandals.Controlling the position of the foot will speed up the recovery process 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
Be sure to consult an orthopedist before buying special shoes or boots.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.The consequences of using low-quality substitutes: feet sweat, slip, fungal diseases develop;
- check the quality of the sole.The ideal choice is a flexible base with good shock absorption.Avoid hard, stiff heels: muscles, joints and moving joints do not work during walking and gradually relax.Always wrap the bottoms of your boots or boots.In the front part, the base should be flexible, in the back it should be more rigid, but it should not bend in half.If you can't squeeze the base, look for another model.Most orthopedists believe that the ideal sole for corrective shoes is rubber;
- The toe of the 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 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 covering the heel.Why open sandals are not suitable for children with orthopedic problems?The reason is clear: when walking, the heel moves, gets "irritated", there is no strong fixation, and the deformation of the joints increases.Proper placement of heels prevents your little feet from bowing.Overweight children 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, with slight differences in design and belt width.Even a non-expert can easily determine: correcting sandals, boots, boots reliably correct a child's foot.
Manufacturers
Many doctors and parents speak positively about the effect of special corrective products with tight fixation, hard back, special heel and foot support.There are various models of well-known manufacturers on the market.Pay attention to the products of companies that produce quality products that meet the standards for orthopedic products.
Disease prevention
Think about prevention of orthopedic problems before they occur: some diseases and conditions increase the risk of pathologies in children.Unfortunately, the tendency to hallux valgus is hereditary.
Risk group:
- weak, premature babies;
- babies suffering from pneumonia or ARVI in the first year of life;
- children with manifestations of rickets.
If the expectant mother does not take enough calcium and phosphorus, spends little time outdoors, rarely takes multivitamins and mineral complexes, or has a poor diet, parents should closely monitor the condition of the baby's lower extremities.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, intake of foods containing calcium and phosphorus from 8-9 months;
- Regular use 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 feet, foot massage are effective measures for the prevention of orthopedic diseases.A little one should walk barefoot more often: sand, pebbles, uneven surfaces on the beach are an excellent choice for a natural effect on muscles and joints;
- buy sandals, sandals, shoes with closed feet for the first steps.The heel should be non-slip with forced heel lift.A heel with a height of 5 to 7 mm is recommended for children up to one year, after two years - from 1 to 1.5 cm;
- ride a bike.To prevent/treat flat feet and hallux valgus, the child should walk in socks or shoes with elastic soles;
- The massage mat 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, and is presented on a wide range of online trading platforms;
- The Swedish ladder is another simple way to prevent orthopedic problems.When climbing round bars, the leg bends, tenses, and all muscles are involved.Parents should show how to climb/descend the railings safely.It is important to be close to the child to avoid falling during lessons;
- dose load on fragile legs.Sometimes parents try to teach the baby to walk as early as possible;At 7-8 months, they "check" the baby by supporting it under their arms.You cannot fight nature, you can put unbearable stress on weak muscles and joints: in such cases, orthopedic problems are the direct fault of parents;
- Buy only high-quality shoes for your children.Products made of genuine leather with a flexible rubber sole 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 for regular check-ups.Do not refuse to visit a pediatric 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 it is impossible to treat orthopedic disease without special products.
Buy shoes for your baby that take into account the anatomical features of small feet and prevent the development of orthopedic defects from an early age.If hallux valgus is detected, buy high-quality sandals, shoes and boots with corrective functions on the advice of an orthopedist.Remember: an integrated approach to the treatment of orthopedic diseases necessarily includes such an element as regular wearing of special shoes.