A diagnosis such as planovalgus 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 made when the shape of the foot begins to resemble the letter X, the arch changes and the axes are altered.
Hallux valgus involves the following manifestations: the heel and toes are turned outward, while the part of the foot itself is lowered.
Lack of treatment can lead to the fact that the tendons begin to perform their natural role very poorly, the baby begins to get tired very quickly and constant pain appears.In this case, a posture curvature begins to be observed, the child cannot move normally and fully.It should always be limited to outdoor games.And with age, the muscular structure will atrophy more and more, which will eventually lead 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, which must be worn for many foot pathologies.
Instep Support Features
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, special lasts of a special shape with an anatomical profile, as well as an insole with integrated instep support, must be used.They are responsible for the correct formation of the arch of the foot.
Molded backdrop
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, a dense heel made of thermoplastic is used.Each size has its own specific backdrop settings.
Shoe height
During the production of such models, much 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 the reliable and strong fasteners and Velcro.
Material
As a high level of requirements is imposed on models with a therapeutic effect, the use of high quality materials is permitted.Good ventilation of the feet can only be ensured by models made from natural materials.
Sole
A special feature of the sole is its structure and density.Its rear part is reinforced by 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.
In addition, such a sole has special rolling capabilities in the toe area, so that the foot is positioned as correctly as possible during movement.
Useful properties
When treating 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 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 to make the correct movements and take the correct position to avoid further deformation.Thanks to the presence of a low heel, rigid fixation is achieved, which guarantees the correct position of the foot.
The use of such therapeutic shoes in treatment is simply obligatory, 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 fulfilling their role due to deformation.
Thanks to the use of orthopedic shoes in treatment, the following events occur:
- Formation of correct gait and posture;
- Prevent further deformation;
- development of muscles and ligaments without the appearance of pathologies;
- Reduce 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 during childhood.It is therefore very important to seek help from an orthopedist as soon as possible.The younger the child, the greater their chances of success and full recovery.
You should not choose shoe models to treat deformities yourself;this can be done by a professional after a thorough examination and certain examinations.In addition, you should not convince yourself that wearing such shoes will be able to cure the child 100%;it might not happen.The pathology may persist, 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 deformity all the time.This can cause completely different muscles to atrophy.
Basic recommendations
When purchasing processing models, you should pay attention to the following points:
- To achieve the desired result, you need to choose the correct size possible.Shoes don't have to be big or small, they just have to fit your feet.The child’s feelings are very important here.
- In no case should you purchase orthopedic models without the presence of a child.Every shoe must be tried on.The baby not only has to put on each of them, but also walk a little.
- Remember that children's feet grow very quickly, just like 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 so as not to 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, special attention should be paid to the sole.Too hard a sole will reliably protect the foot from sprains, but there is a risk of developing flat feet.Therefore, in addition to the dense rear part of the sole, the shoe must have a sufficiently elastic front part, which will easily bend when the child moves.
- The anatomical insole must have instep support, which will provide good fixation of the foot, which will allow all loads to be distributed correctly and evenly.
- Orthopedic shoes should have high-quality, reliable Velcro and latches to ensure a tight fit.
- To prevent your feet from sweating and always stay dry, choose airy leather models.
It should be noted that the purchase of orthopedic models is also recommended for children with healthy feet for preventive purposes.But these shoes will be slightly different from therapeutic shoes.Preventive shoes are intended only for the correct distribution of the load and the prevention of many problems related to the formation of the spine and the entire musculoskeletal system.
If hallux valgus is present, wearing preventive models will not give results;only therapeutic measures will be necessary so that changes in a positive direction begin to be observed in the foot.Most often, compulsory wearing of therapeutic shoes is required when diagnosing a moderate or severe illness.Anti-valgus shoes are sold in specialist stores and must be marked accordingly.
Children diagnosed with a deformity should also wear orthopedic insoles at home, which are inserted into permanent indoor shoes.It is also worth wearing it when performing a set of special exercises to correct and strengthen the muscles of the lower leg and foot.But all therapeutic measures must be carried out with the permission and under the supervision of the attending specialist.
Preventive measures
As it became clear, therapeutic orthopedic shoes for hallux valgus are necessary only if a diagnosis has already been established, but the use of preventive shoes is recommended for all children, as this will help to properly train the musculoskeletal system.
Children who have suffered from rickets, pneumonia or acute respiratory illnesses are at risk of developing the disease.In addition, this disease can unfortunately be hereditary.
To prevent the development of hallux valgus, you should follow simple recommendations.
- To minimize the risk of developing such neurological problems, you should be examined by a doctor when planning a pregnancy.
- Up to 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 neglect mandatory examinations by a pediatrician.
- In the first months, take all preventive measures to prevent the development of rickets in the baby.
- If possible, special exercises should be performed in your free time to prevent the development of deformities.
- Get used to buying only high-quality shoes for your baby from a young age.
- You should not save on your child's health, including 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 pathology is a rather complex process that will require time and patience.But the sooner it is organized, the greater the probability that a positive result will be obtained.