The valgus deformation of the foot in children in orthopedic practice quite often occurs-100 healthy children with different degrees of flat feet per 100 are healthy.This diagnosis should not be afraid, you have to understand the problem and start solving it under the guidance of an experienced specialist.In most cases, the curvature of the feet at home is treated using training therapy, massage and other auxiliary methods, and surgical intervention is only required at an advanced stage.
What is valgus and flat deformation?
The valgus foot is a change in the axes of the lower extremities in which the foot flooded inside, and the heel region and the fingers are stepped outwards.With the timely diagnosis and implementation of all the recommendations of the doctor, the defect is adjusted and the correct foot person is formed.The lack of treatment leads to a flat valgus deformation of the foot and a lifelong change in the operation of the musculoskeletal system.
Signs and symptoms of a valgus deformation in a child
The deformation of the foot in children is diagnosed from 1-1.5 years when the baby begins to run alone.In the event of a congenital pathology, the orthopedist will notice the deviation from the norm after 2-3 months of life of the baby.
Parents can recognize the beginning of the disease themselves and find that the child steps wrong on the leg and shifts the focus inside.The passage can be awkward, Kosolapih, extremely flat feet are observed.If you put the child directly and bring your knees together, a distance of 4 to 5 centimeters forms between your feet.With the development of deformation on both sides, the legs acquire the outline of the letter "X".There is a comparison of this pathology with "kiss knees" (see photo).
A false load distribution leads to the rapid tiredness of the child, often prefers passive games and avoids physical activity.Older children often complain about the pain in the lower leg, the joints and the spine, and the swelling of the feet can occur by the evening.The fingers and heels are gradually deformed and different, the skin on the feet thicker, grain appear.The shoes in a child with such a deformation of the foot are unevenly torn - the inside of the sole is deleted faster.
Anatomical and functional flat feet and their causes
All newborns have anatomical flat feet because the muscles, ligaments and tendons are constantly relaxed.When the child gets up and tries to run, the band apparatus is reinforced and the right arch is formed.If this does not happen, orthopedists talk about the development of functional flat feet.
The reasons for the development of flat feet in small children:
- The consequences of a lack of calcium and other trace elements during pregnancy.A woman must follow all the recommendations of the doctor, adhere to a healthy lifestyle and eat properly.
- Genetic factor.The pathology can be inherited.So if there are flat feet with parents, the prevention of foot deformation should be made aware of the child.
- Transferred rachitis.One of the causes of the pathological formation of the foot is the lack of vitamin D, the bones are softened, the musculoskeletal system is curved and the foot of the foot is flattened.
- Early setting on the legs.Although the baby may want to rely on its feet, don't let it do it earlier than 7-8 months.
- Incorrectly selected shoes are too free or cramped on flat soles.Do not buy shoes for the child "for growth" (the offer can be a maximum of one size) because the foot is in a free position.Go barefoot on a flat surface (house on the floor).
- The following diseases can cause the feet to be installed on squamous palatization: cerebral palsy, polio, obesity, congenital dislocation of the thigh.Various foot injuries, long -term stay in the plaster.
The degree of the development of pathology
There is four degrees of the development of squamous epithelial worries:
- The first degree - the baby does not turn your feet more than 15 degrees.This is the initial phase of deformation with a serious approach to the treatment of valgus it can be corrected well and the foot is completely straightened.
- The second stage is characterized by a deviation of the foot of 15 to 20 degrees.You need a little more time and effort for the treatment.
- With the third degree, the deviation is 20 to 30 degrees.Longer treatment is required (the use of orthopedic shoes, massage, training therapy, physiotherapy).
- The fourth is the most difficult curvature of the feet of more than 30 degrees.In the absence of the effect of complex treatment, the surgical correction of the lower extremities is carried out.
Treatment methods
In order to achieve a persistent positive result, you should dial the treatment.After the first results have appeared, it should be complex and long if you never stop treating the baby.The normal course and the health of the child depend on the efforts and endurance of the parents.Below you will find the main types of correction of the valgus deformation of the lower extremities.
Pharmaceutical therapy
Pharmaceutical medication for the X-shaped curvature of the lower extremities are used to relieve inflammation and pain reliever of the joints, but it is impossible to get rid of the disease only with the help of drug therapy.A specialist normally prescribes the intra -karticular administration of medicinal products.
Orthopedic treatment with devices and the choice of shoes for children
As required by a doctor, it is possible to use special orthopedic devices - different fixators, bandages and tires.One prerequisite for achieving a persistent positive result is to wear orthopedic shoes.
When choosing such shoes, you must pay attention to the following points:
- Shoes should consist of natural, breathing materials;
- The child should feel comfortable in her if it shouldn't crush or rub anywhere;
- It is necessary to have a hard, high ass, so that the ankle connection and heel are recorded in the correct position.
- the presence of fastening elements that regulate the shoes in the width of the foot;
- The presence of a small, wide heel, ideally "Thomas' heel" (on the inside of the foot it is a little longer than from the outside).
Medical sports lessons and exercises for daily execution at home
Exercises must be carried out daily, here are some of them:
- Change to walk on socks and go on the heels (first with increases, then toes) for 5 minutes;
- Sit on the floor with legs outstretched to squeeze and lure the toes;
- You can offer the child to raise various small objects from the floor.
- For example, walking can be brought home on an uneven surface with river pebbles or buy a massage carpet.
- Go on the outer edge of the foot;
- Know a wooden role or a small ball;
- Rotation from the feet from left to right and vice versa.
Massage and physiotherapy
Massage is carried out at home, courses for 2-3 weeks and then a break.This will help strengthen the muscles and relieve them of stress.No special skills are required for this.The total massage period is 20 to 30 minutes.You should start with a general massage - the child lies in one on your stomach, the hands are along the body, the head turned on the side.Hand movements should not cause pain to the baby:
- It is easy to stroke the palms along the back and gradually increase pressing.
- Pat the witches with the edge of the palm, pinch slightly;
- Sort the skin folds towards the bottom back to your shoulders;
- End the back massage by stroking;
- The stroking the legs from the heels to the buttocks and back is easy to pinch.
- Mark your legs and thigh muscles;
- End end your legs.
- Grate the feet with the edge of the palm and gradually increasing;
- The thumb of the hand "pull" number 7 of the sole;
- Hold your leg on the heel with one hand, the second - rub your ankle joint;
- It is easy to pull the leg "on yourself" on your fingers.
For example, the doctor can prescribe physiotherapy if necessary: magnetotherapy, acupuncture, electrophoresis, paraffin wraps.This will improve the metabolism in the problem area and help to achieve a complete absorption of medicinal products.
Surgical intervention
In exceptional cases, the parents are invited to solve the problem surgically if a complex therapy does not provide any result.Modern methods used in the operation enable them to do without metal structures and plaster.The doctor corrects the direction of the ligaments and absorbs the location of the feet.After the correction, the recovery phase follows and the mandatory wearing orthopedic shoes.
Is it possible to completely heal deformations?
With a timely attractiveness of a specialist and a serious approach to treatment, it is quite possible to straighten down squamous episodes.At the same time, treatment should be started up to the age of two, and then you can get rid of the curvature of the feet completely.In children over 2 years and with advanced deformation of the lower extremities, it is quite difficult to heal the disease to the end, but they can significantly improve the situation.
What can the consequences be if you don't treat the curvature?
Squares in children are not corrected themselves, so the symptoms of pathology cannot be ignored.Such a deviation of the feet leads to a change in the entire musculoskeletal system.Due to the unevenly distributed load, there are problems with the knee and coxofemoral compounds and with the spine.The child not only spoils the gait, but also becomes impossible physical activity (ongoing, active games), as this causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
- From the newborn period, it is necessary to observe the development of the baby's legs, inspect them on injuries, to carry out a simple massage and gymnastics.Contemporary in order to undergo preventive studies in orthopedic surgeons and in the absence of the surgeon.
- You shouldn't put the baby on your feet too early - for fragile muscles of the legs and joints, this is a large load.If he feels the strength, he will try to get up and stick to the support.For the same reason, the use of hikers and jumpers is undesirable for at least eight months.
- Special attention should be paid to the corridor - it should be correct and correspond to age.For the slightest doubt, you should consult a specialist.
- Children's shoes should be of high quality, with a small heel and an orthopedic inner sole (we recommend reading: insoles for children with flat feet).From seven months, when the child begins to stand on his legs, it is recommended to wear light sandals with a hard back so that the foot is fixed in the correct position.The load on the muscles and joints is evenly distributed.If there is a deformation of the stop 1-2 degrees, it is advisable to buy orthopedic shoes in specialized shops and pharmacies.
- Prevention of rachitis.The child should spend enough time on the street, since vitamin D is formed in the skin under the influence of sunlight.For prevention, you can give the child vitamin D in a dosage prescribed by a doctor.It is necessary to provide a complete, balanced diet.
- In summer it is useful to give the child barefoot, small pebbles have a massage effect.Use a massage carpet with different irregularities every day at home.
- Exercise strengthen the musculoskeletal system and prevents the development of flat feet.If possible, you can record a child for swimming or in the sports area (we recommend reading: How is swimming for newborns in the bathroom or in the pool?).
