Valgus deformation of the foot in children

The valgus deformation of the feet, abbreviated by the VDS, is about 18% of all forms of flat feet in children.It differs from classical flat feet in that not only the flattening of the foot occurs, but also the deformation in the ankle joint, when the inner ankle is located much lower than the norm.

Due to such deformation, the joints of the feet, knee and hip joints suffer.If you do not start the treatment of valgus deformation at once, then the consequences will not force themselves to wait.

Valgus foot

It must be understood that the valgus deformation of the feet differs from the valgus deformation of the thumb of the foot, it is also called a “bone” - these are completely different pathologies.Valgus deformation of the thumb is more often observed in adults, especially in the elderly.Valgus deformation of the glasses develops in children, but in the absence of treatment, it remains in adults throughout life.

The main reason for the valgus deformation of the foot in children is heredity.Delicias of connective tissue leads to changes in the foot, but there are other reasons:

  • diseases of the nervous system, when the deformation of the feet develops due to problems with nerves;
  • lesions of the peripheral nervous system due to sluggish paralysis or paresis;
  • ANS can develop as a consequence of injuries.

There are also environmental factors that can adversely affect the condition of the child with dysplasia and valgus deformation.If a child with such problems is given to the running section, then arthrosis may develop.

Treatment of valgus deformation of the foot

Treatment of valgus deformation of the foot in children depends on the severity of the disease.He has four degrees, the first - the easiest, the fourth is the hardest.

At 1 and 2 degrees of deformation, a child is shown conservative treatment, that is, a set of procedures without surgical intervention.There are many conservative methods - first of all, it is therapeutic physical education, since muscle support for the correct position of the foot and ankle joint is very important.Regular massage and physiotherapy courses, orthopedic shoes are also needed.All methods of conservative treatment are required only as prescribed by a specialist.

If the changes have come far, for example, to 3 and 4 degrees, conservative treatment of valgus deformation of the foot may be ineffective.Then the doctor has the right to prescribe surgical correction, but all, of course, is purely individual.

Orthopedic shoes and insoles

Orthopedic shoes and insoles are especially needed for children who have the first or second degree of valgus deformation.Of course, it will not work alone insoles, shoes are needed for them.With VDS, this is special shoes with a hard side to correct deformation.

Doctors do not advise buying shoes yourself, you can only aggravate the problem.There are many varieties of orthopedic shoes, a specialist can choose the right boots for your child.

I do not recommend choosing shoes and insoles independently in order to avoid misunderstandings and possible negative consequences due to improperly selected shoes.You need to choose shoes only in the direction of the specialist.In this case, this is a children's orthopedic doctor.

Valgus massage

Massage

Before looking for a masseur, you need to consult again.Massage is effective in case of valgus deformation, 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 worker, a children's masseur, and not a neighbor who completed express courses.

The easier the degree of deformation of the feet in the child, the more effective the massage.It is best that helps children with the first and second degree.

At the 3rd and 4th degree, massage is also shown, as it allows us to normalize muscle tone, improve blood supply to the affected area, normalize the state of connective tissue.However, in these cases, massage is considered as an auxiliary procedure with a mandatory integrated approach, including the possible surgical intervention at the discretion of the doctor.

Exercise therapy

It is completely impossible to cure the deformation of the foot in children, this is an innate state that will accompany it all his life.But this does not mean that it is impossible to reduce its degree.This can be done using physiotherapy exercises.In any case, a specialist with a medical education - an exercise therapist in a medical institution in a medical institution selects the methodology, complex and regularity of exercise therapy in any case.

Usually the exercises are carried out daily, first courses in medical institutions, then on their own at home or in gyms.

When is it necessary to consult a doctor?

The success of the treatment of valgus deformation of the foot in children depends on parents and their observation.There are a number of symptoms that should alert loved ones and force them to record their child to receive an orthopedic.Such signs include:

  • a change in the inside of the shoe in the child;
  • Directly the deformation of the foot itself, when the internal ankle is located much lower, so the region of the ankle joints, when both feet are located nearby, begins to resemble the letter H.

If you notice these symptoms, consult a pediatrician.After examination, he will give a referral to narrow specialists.(In general, it is better to drive a baby to the baby regularly, even if you are not alarming as a parent).

Feel free to check the doctor of any fears and features that you observe in the child.Since the doctor examines it for only 15-20 minutes, and you observe daily and almost constantly. The faster to identify the problem, the greater the chances of a good outcome.In addition, do not forget that the valgus deformation of the foot can be a manifestation of a more severe pathology, for example, neurological.

Valgus prevention

Prevention of valgus deformation of the foot

Since most often the valgus deformation of the foot in children occurs due to a genetic predisposition, such a VDS is not warned, but prevention is very effective in the secondary VDS.

  • It is important to exclude injuries and overvoltage in a child;
  • Sports for children need to choose correctly, consulting a doctor will not be superfluous;
  • It is worth treating all diseases that can lead to VDS in a timely manner: paresis, paralysis, problems with the nervous system.

If the deformation is hereditary, then it is worth observing some tips so as not to aggravate it:

  • regularly engage in physical education with the child, focus on exercises to strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities (the doctor recommends them), you can record the child for swimming;
  • Observe the rational regime of the day: walk more on foot, ride a bicycle;
  • Correctly select shoes.

Prevention is especially relevant due to hypodynamia in children, many of them spend most of the time a computer, which negatively affects the development of their musculoskeletal system.The task of parents is to actively intervene in the life of their children and with their example to show the need for outdoor activities.