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 made 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.
A lack of treatment can result in the tendons performing their natural role very poorly and the baby becoming tired very quickly and experiencing constant pain.In this case, a curvature of posture begins to be observed, the child cannot move normally and fully.He will always have to limit himself when playing outside.And as we age, the muscle structure atrophies, ultimately leading to disability.The treatment of this pathology occurs according to an integrated approach, the important point of which is the patient's wearing of special orthopedic shoes.
Product requirements
There are certain requirements for medical shoes that must be worn for many foot diseases.
Features of instep support
When producing high-quality therapeutic shoes, special lasts with a special shape and anatomical profile as well as an insole with integrated instep support must be used.They are responsible for the correct formation of the leg arch.
Shaped background
When producing high-quality therapeutic shoes, a dense heel made of thermoplastic is used.Each size has its own specific background parameters.
Shoe height
When making such models, great importance is placed on the development of children's legs and their fixation.This is achieved by the height of the shoes and reliable and strong fasteners and Velcro.
material
Since high demands are placed on models with a therapeutic effect, the use of high-quality materials is permitted.Good foot ventilation can only be guaranteed by models made from natural materials.
sole
A special feature of the sole is its structure and density.The back part is stable thanks to the instep support, but the front part must be elastic and flexible so that the foot does not experience any restrictions in movement.
Such a sole also has special rolling capabilities in the toe area so that the foot is positioned as correctly as possible when moving.
Useful properties
When treating a pathology such as hallux valgus, one should not choose a preventive model, but rather an exclusively therapeutic option.Children's orthopedic shoes for hallux valgus must fully meet certain points in order to fully justify their purpose.Orthopedic shoes with a high shaft and shaft are considered therapeutic.They help the foot make the correct movements and assume the correct position to prevent further deformation.Due to the presence of a low heel, a rigid fixation is achieved, ensuring the correct position of the foot.
The use of such therapeutic shoes in treatment is simply essential, as they act as a targeted simulator and are responsible for evenly distributing the load during movement.This ensures the full functionality of the muscles that could not fulfill their function due to deformation.
The use of orthopedic shoes during treatment results in the following:
- Formation of correct gait and posture;
- Prevent 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 any type of leg deformity can only be successfully corrected in childhood.Therefore, it is very important to seek the help of an orthopedist as early as possible.The younger the child, the greater the chance 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 investigations.You should also not convince yourself that wearing such shoes can cure the child 100%;that can't happen.The pathology may still persist, but to a lesser extent.
Only using an integrated approach increases the chances of a full recovery.
It is important to remember that if you have planovalgus deformities, you should not constantly wear therapeutic orthopedic shoes.This can lead to atrophy of completely different muscles.
Basic recommendations
When purchasing treatment models, you should pay attention to the following:
- To get the desired result, you should choose the right size if possible.Shoes shouldn't be big or small - they should just fit your feet.The child’s feelings are very important.
- In no case should you purchase orthopedic models without the presence of a child.Every shoe should be tried on.The baby not only has to put each of them on, but also walk a little.
- Don't forget that children's feet, like themselves, grow very quickly.Therefore, it is very important to monitor the size and change shoes at least every 6-8 months, sometimes more often.
- Orthopedic shoes for children with hallux valgus deformity should have a sufficiently wide toe box that does not cause compression of the toes when walking.The baby's gait should remain firm and safe;For this reason, models with closed toes should be preferred.
- When choosing, you should pay attention to the sole.A sole that is too hard reliably protects the foot from sprains, but there is a risk of flat feet developing.Therefore, in addition to the dense rear part of the sole, the shoe should have a sufficiently elastic front part that can easily give in when the child moves.
- The anatomical insole should have an instep support that ensures proper fixation of the foot and allows correct and even distribution of all loads.
- Orthopedic shoes must have reliable and high-quality Velcro fasteners and latches to ensure a snug fit.
- So that your feet don't sweat and always stay dry, you should give preference to models made of ventilated leather.
It is worth mentioning that purchasing orthopedic models is also recommended for children with healthy feet for prevention.However, such shoes are slightly different from therapeutic shoes.Preventive shoes serve exclusively to correctly distribute the load and prevent many problems in the formation of the spine and the entire musculoskeletal system.
If hallux valgus is present, wearing preventative models will not bring any results;Only therapeutic measures are required so that changes in a positive direction can be observed in the foot.Most often, when diagnosing a moderate or severe illness, wearing therapeutic shoes is prescribed.Anti-Valgus shoes are sold in specialist retailers and must be labeled accordingly.
Children with a diagnosed deformity should also wear orthopedic insoles at home, which are inserted into durable indoor shoes.It is also worth wearing for special exercises to correct and strengthen the lower leg and foot muscles.However, all treatment measures should be carried out with the approval and under the supervision of the treating specialist.
Preventive measures
As it turned out, therapeutic orthopedic shoes for hallux valgus are necessary only if a diagnosis has already been made.However, the use of preventive shoes is recommended for all children, as they contribute to the correct formation of the musculoskeletal system.
Children who have had rickets, pneumonia or acute respiratory diseases are at risk of developing this disease.Unfortunately, this disease can also be inherited.
To prevent the development of hallux valgus, you must follow simple recommendations.
- To minimize the possibility of developing such neurological problems, you should seek medical examination when planning a pregnancy.
- Until the 7th-8thDuring the month you should try to keep the stress on the baby's sensitive legs as low as possible.Very often, parents themselves provoke the development of the disease in order to teach their baby to walk faster.
- Do not ignore the necessary examinations from the pediatrician.
- In the first months, carry out all preventive measures to avoid the development of rickets in the baby.
- If possible, special exercises should be performed during free time to prevent the development of deformities.
- Get into the habit of only buying high-quality shoes for your baby from an early age.
- You shouldn't skimp on your child's health, especially when buying high-quality orthopedic shoes.Buying inferior models can lead to serious problems with the development of the musculoskeletal system in children.
Treatment of such a pathology is a rather complex process that requires time and patience.But the sooner it is organized, the higher the likelihood of achieving a positive result.