Contents
Causes of valgus deformity of the foot
– Valgus deformity of the feet, abbreviated VDS, is about 18% of all forms of flat feet in children. It differs from the classic flatfoot in that there is not only a flattening of the foot, but also a deformity in the ankle joint, when the inner ankle is located significantly below the norm, explains orthopedic doctor, candidate of sciences Rustam Mustafin.
Because of this deformation, the joints of the feet, knee and hip joints suffer. If you do not start treatment of hallux valgus immediately, then the consequences will not keep you waiting.
– It is necessary to distinguish valgus deformity of the feet from valgus deformity of the big toe, it is also popularly called the “bone” – these are completely different pathologies. Hallux valgus is more common in adults, especially the elderly. Valgus deformity of the feet develops in children, but if left untreated, it persists in adults throughout life, explains orthopedic doctor Rustam Mustafin.
The main cause of hallux valgus in children is heredity. Connective tissue dysplasia leads to changes in the foot, but there are other reasons:
- diseases of the nervous system, when foot deformity develops due to problems with innervation;
- lesions of the peripheral nervous system due to flaccid paralysis or paresis;
- ANS can develop as a consequence of trauma.
There are also environmental factors that can adversely affect the condition of a child with dysplasia and hallux valgus. If a child with such problems is given to the running section, then he may develop arthrosis.
Treatment of valgus deformity of the foot
Treatment of hallux valgus in children depends on the severity of the disease. He has four degrees, the first is the easiest, the fourth is the most difficult.
– With 1 and 2 degrees of deformation, the child is shown conservative treatment, that is, a set of procedures without surgical intervention. There are many conservative methods – first of all, this is physiotherapy exercises, since muscle support for the correct position of the foot and ankle joint is very important. Regular courses of massage and physiotherapy, orthopedic shoes are also needed. All methods of conservative treatment are required only on the prescription of a specialist doctor, says orthopedic doctor Rustam Mustafin.
If the changes have gone far, for example, up to grades 3 and 4, conservative treatment of hallux valgus may be ineffective. Then the doctor has the right to prescribe a surgical correction, but, of course, everything is purely individual.
Orthopedic shoes and insoles
Orthopedic shoes and insoles are especially needed for children who have a first or second degree of hallux valgus. Insoles alone, of course, will not work, they need shoes. With GVA, these are special shoes with a hard bead for deformity correction.
Doctors do not advise buying shoes on your own, you can only aggravate the problem. There are many varieties of orthopedic shoes, a specialist can choose the right shoes for your child.
– I do not recommend choosing shoes and insoles on your own in order to avoid misunderstandings and possible negative consequences due to improperly selected shoes. You need to choose shoes only in the direction of a specialist doctor. In this case, this is a children’s orthopedist, – explains Rustam Mustafin.
Massage
Before looking for a massage therapist, you need to consult again. Massage is effective in case of hallux valgus, but this procedure itself has contraindications, so you need to make sure that the child does not have them.
We must not forget that this procedure should be performed by a certified medical professional, a children’s masseur, and not by a neighbor who has completed express courses.
The lighter the degree of foot deformity in a child, the more effective the massage. Best of all, he helps children with the first and second degree.
– At grades 3 and 4, massage is also indicated, as it allows you to normalize muscle tone, improve blood supply to the affected area, and normalize the condition of the connective tissue. However, in these cases, massage is considered as an auxiliary procedure with a mandatory comprehensive approach, including possible surgical intervention at the discretion of the doctor, explains orthopedic doctor Rustam Mustafin.
Exercise therapy
It is completely impossible to cure hallux valgus in children, this is a congenital condition that will accompany him all his life. But this does not mean that it is impossible to reduce its degree. This can be done with the help of physical therapy. In any case, the methodology, complex and regularity of exercise therapy is selected by a specialist with a medical education – an exercise therapy instructor in a medical institution.
Usually, exercises are carried out daily, first in courses in medical institutions, then on their own at home or in gyms.
When to see a doctor
The success of the treatment of hallux valgus in children depends on the parents and their powers of observation. There are a number of symptoms that should alert loved ones and force them to make an appointment with an orthopedist for their child. These signs include:
- trampling the inside of a child’s shoes;
- directly the deformation of the foot itself in the form of a valgus, when the inner ankle is located much lower, therefore, the area of the ankle joints, when both feet are located side by side, begins to resemble the letter X.
If you notice these symptoms, contact your pediatrician. After examination, he will give a referral to narrow specialists. (In general, it is better to take your baby to the pediatrician regularly, even if nothing bothers you as a parent).
– Feel free to confide to the doctor any of your concerns and features that you observe in a child. Since the doctor examines him for only 15-20 minutes, and you observe every day and almost constantly. Your timidity and embarrassment are not in your favor, says orthopedic doctor Rustam Mustafin. The sooner a problem is identified, the greater the chance of a good outcome. In addition, do not forget that valgus deformity of the foot can be a manifestation of a more severe pathology, for example, neurological.
Prevention of valgus deformity of the foot
Since most often valgus deformity of the foot in children occurs due to a genetic predisposition, such VDS cannot be prevented, but prevention is very effective in secondary VDS.
- it is important to exclude injuries and overexertion in the child;
- sports for children need to be chosen wisely, it will not be superfluous to consult a doctor;
- it is worth treating in a timely manner all diseases that can lead to VDS: paresis, paralysis, problems with the nervous system.
If the deformation is hereditary, then it is worth following a few tips so as not to aggravate it:
- regularly engage in physical education with the child, put special emphasis on exercises to strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities (they will be recommended by the doctor), you can sign the child up for swimming;
- observe a rational daily routine: walk more, ride a bike;
- choose the right shoes.
– Prevention is especially relevant in connection with physical inactivity in children, many of them spend most of their time at the computer, which negatively affects the development of their musculoskeletal system. The task of parents is to actively intervene in the lives of their children and show by example the need for active recreation, recalls orthopedic doctor Rustam Mustafin.