A diagnosis such as flat valgus deformity of the foot 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 change.
Hallux valgus implies the following manifestations: the heel and toes look outward, while the part of the foot itself is lowered down.
The 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 tire very quickly and constant pain will appear.In this case, distortion of the posture begins to be observed, the child cannot move normally and fully.It will always have to be limited in outdoor games.And with age, the muscle structure will atrophy more and more, eventually leading to disability.The 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 that are required to be worn in many foot pathologies.
Features of the foot support
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, special ends with a special shape with an anatomical profile should be used, as well as an insole with a built-in pad.They are responsible for the proper formation of the arch of the foot.
Molded background
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, a solid heel is used, which is made of thermoplastic.Each size has its own specific background 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 thanks to the height of the shoes and reliable and strong fasteners and Velcro.
Material
Since high requirements are imposed on models with a therapeutic effect, the use of high-quality materials is allowed.Proper aeration of the feet can only be provided by models made of natural materials.
Sole
A peculiarity of the sole is its structure and density.Its rear part is made strong with a support for the foot, but the front part must be elastic and flexible so that the foot does not feel restricted in its movement.
Also, such a sole is endowed with special rolling capabilities in the area of the toes, so that the foot is positioned as correctly as possible during movement.
Useful properties
In the treatment of a pathology such as hallux valgus, one should not choose a preventive model, but an exclusively therapeutic option.Children's orthopedic shoes for hallux valgus must fully meet certain points in order to fully justify their purpose.High toe and back orthopedic shoes are considered therapeutic.They will help the leg to make the right movements and take the right position to prevent further deformation.Due to the presence of a low heel, a firm fixation is achieved, which ensures the correct position of the foot.
The use of exactly such therapeutic shoes in the 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 have not performed their role due to deformation.
Thanks to the use of orthopedic shoes in treatment, the following occurs:
- Formation of correct gait and posture;
- Prevention of 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 kind of foot deformity only in childhood.That is why 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 the treatment of deformities yourself;this can be done by a professional after a thorough examination and certain research.In addition, you should not convince yourself that wearing such shoes will be able to cure 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 a full recovery.
It is important to remember that you should not constantly wear therapeutic orthopedic shoes for flat valgus deformities.This can cause atrophy of completely different muscles.
Basic recommendations
When buying treatment models, you should pay attention to the following:
- To get the desired result, you need to choose the most correct size possible.Shoes should not be too big or too small - just fit your feet.The child's feelings are very important here.
- In no case should you buy orthopedic models without the presence of a child.Every shoe should be tried on.The baby not only has to wear each of them, but also to walk a little.
- Remember that children's feet grow very quickly, as well as themselves, so it is very important to monitor the size and change them 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 does not cause compression of the toes when walking.The baby's gait should remain firm and confident;for this reason, closed toe models should be preferred.
- When choosing, due attention should be paid to the sole.A too hard sole will reliably protect the foot from sprains, but there is a risk of developing flat feet.Therefore, in addition to the solid rear part of the sole, the shoe should also have a sufficiently elastic front part that can easily bend when the child moves.
- The anatomical insole must have support for the foot, which will ensure proper fixation of the foot, which will allow the correct and even distribution of all loads.
- Orthopedic shoes should have reliable and high-quality velcro and buckles to ensure a tight fit.
- To prevent your feet from sweating and always stay dry, prefer ventilated leather models.
It is worth noting that the purchase of orthopedic models is also recommended for children with healthy legs for preventive purposes.But such shoes will be slightly different from therapeutic ones.Preventive shoes are designed 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 there is hallux valgus, wearing preventive models will not give results;it will only take therapeutic to begin to see changes in a positive direction in the foot.Most often, mandatory wearing of therapeutic shoes is required when diagnosing a moderate or severe disease.Anti-valgus shoes are sold in specialized stores and must be labeled accordingly.
Children with a diagnosis of deformity must also wear orthopedic insoles at home, which are inserted into permanent home 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 must 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 only necessary if a diagnosis has already been established, but the use of preventive shoes is recommended for all children, as this will help the proper formation of the musculoskeletal system.
Children who have had rickets, pneumonia or acute respiratory diseases are at risk of developing the disease.Also, this disease, unfortunately, can be inherited.
To prevent the development of hallux valgus, you should follow simple recommendations.
- To minimize the possibility of developing such neurological problems, you should be examined by doctors when planning a pregnancy.
- Until 7-8 months, you should try to minimize the load on the baby's fragile legs.Very often, parents, in an attempt to teach their baby to walk faster, provoke the development of the disease themselves.
- Don't neglect mandatory check-ups with a pediatrician.
- During 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 free time to prevent the development of deformity.
- Get used to buying only high-quality shoes for your baby from an early age.
- You should not skimp on the health of your child, especially on the purchase of high-quality orthopedic shoes.After all, buying 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 earlier it is organized, the greater the probability of achieving a positive result.