A diagnosis such as planovalgus foot deformity 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, the arch of the foot changes and the axes are changed.
Hallux valgus implies the following manifestations: the heel and toes look 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 and the child will begin to get tired very quickly and constant pain will appear.In this case, a curvature of the posture begins to be observed, the child cannot move normally and fully.He will always have to limit himself in outdoor games.And with age, the muscle structure will atrophy more and more, which will eventually lead to disability.The treatment of this pathology is carried out using an integrated approach, the important point of which is the use of special orthopedic shoes by the patient.
Product requirements
There are certain requirements for medical shoes, which must be worn for many foot pathologies.
Features of the instep support
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, specially shaped lasts with anatomical profile should be used, as well as an insole with built-in instep support.They are responsible for the correct formation of the arch of the leg.
Modeled backdrop
In the production of high-quality therapeutic shoes, a dense heel is used, made of thermoplastic material.Each dimension 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 and their fixation.This is achieved thanks to the height of the shoes and reliable and durable fasteners and Velcro.
Material
Since a high level of requirements is imposed on models with a therapeutic effect, the use of high-quality materials is allowed.Correct ventilation of the foot can only be guaranteed by models made with natural materials.
Sole
A special feature of the sole is its structure and density.Its rear part is reinforced by the presence of a support on the instep, but the front part must be elastic and flexible so that the foot does not feel restrictions in its movements.
In addition, such a sole is equipped with 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 some points 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 assume the right position to prevent further deformations.Due to the presence of a low heel, a rigid fixation is achieved, which ensures the correct position of the foot.
The use of such therapeutic shoes during treatment is simply mandatory, since they serve as a specific simulator and are responsible for the uniform distribution of loads during movement.This ensures the full functioning of the muscles that did not fulfill their role due to deformation.
Thanks to the use of orthopedic shoes in the treatment the following occurs:
- Training of correct gait and posture;
- Prevent further deformation;
- development of muscles and ligaments without the appearance of pathologies;
- Reduction of 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 in childhood.Therefore, it is very important to seek help from an orthopedist as soon as possible.The younger the age of the child, the greater the chance of success and complete recovery.
You should not choose shoe models yourself to treat deformities;this can be done by a professional after a thorough examination and some tests.Also, you should not convince yourself that wearing such shoes will be able to heal the child 100%;this may not happen.The pathology may still persist, but to a lesser extent.
Only the use of an integrated approach increases the chances of a complete recovery.
It is important to remember that therapeutic orthopedic shoes should not always be worn for planovalgus deformities.This can cause atrophy of completely different muscles.
Basic recommendations
When purchasing treatment models, you should pay attention to the following:
- To achieve the desired result, you need to choose the most correct size possible.Shoes should be neither large nor small – they simply need to fit your feet.The child's feelings are very important here.
- Under no circumstances purchase orthopedic models without the presence of a child.Every shoe should be tried on.The child not only has to wear each one, but also walk a little.
- Do not forget that children's feet grow very quickly, as do their own, 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 child's gait should remain firm and confident;for this reason it is advisable to favor models with closed toes.
- When choosing, you need to pay due attention 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 back part of the sole, the shoe should have a sufficiently elastic front part, which will easily bend when the child moves.
- The anatomical insole should have support on the instep, which will ensure correct fixation of the foot, allowing correct and uniform distribution of all loads.
- Orthopedic shoes must have reliable, high-quality Velcro and fasteners to ensure a snug fit.
- To prevent your feet from sweating and always remain dry, it is advisable to give preference to models made of ventilated leather.
It is worth noting that the purchase of orthopedic models is recommended even for children with healthy feet for preventive purposes.But such shoes will be slightly different from therapeutic ones.Preventive shoes are intended 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 hallux valgus is present, wearing preventive models will not give results;only therapeutic ones will be needed for changes in a positive direction to begin to be observed in the foot.Most often, mandatory use of therapeutic shoes is required when diagnosing a moderate or severe disease.Anti-valgus shoes are sold in specialist shops and must be marked accordingly.
Children diagnosed with deformities should also wear orthopedic orthotics at home, which are inserted into permanent indoor shoes.It is also worth wearing it when performing a special set of exercises to correct and strengthen the muscles of the lower leg and foot.But all therapeutic measures should 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 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 form the musculoskeletal system.
Children who have had rickets, pneumonia, or acute respiratory illness are at risk of developing the disease.Furthermore, this disease can, unfortunately, be inherited.
To prevent the development of hallux valgus, you need to follow simple recommendations.
- To minimize the chance of developing such neurological problems, you should visit doctors 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 attempt to teach their child to walk faster, themselves provoke the development of the disease.
- Do not ignore the required tests with a pediatrician.
- In the first months, implement all preventive measures to avoid the development of rickets in the child.
- 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 child from an early age.
- You should not save on your child's health, especially on the purchase of high-quality orthopedic shoes.After all, the purchase of 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 you organize, the greater the probability that a positive result will be achieved.