Deformities of the lower extremities are very common among school and preschool children. Children spend a lot of time running and playing outdoor games. Their bone tissue and muscles are not able to cope with unusual loads. One of these deformities is varus feet, which causes a lot of inconvenience to the child and significantly worsens his health.
A child’s feet are fully formed by the age of 3-5, often by the age of seven. The structure of the feet is the foundation of the entire body and spine, so their violation leads to malfunctions in the entire musculoskeletal system, impaired posture and gait, pain in the joints of the legs and spine. Varus position in children is always accompanied by curvature of the structure of the foot, its external rotation and uneven drop in load.
The O-shaped shape of the foot redistributes the load, overloading its outer part. In this case, the entire body is distorted, even the internal organs.
The hip and knee joints experience increased stress, wear out quickly and are reminded of themselves by constant pain. Scoliosis and other disorders of the spine begin to progress rapidly. Varus should not be confused with valgus foot placement, in which internal deformation occurs and the legs become X-shaped.
In addition, do not confuse varus with flat valgus before the age of two years. The fact is that in newborn children this is a natural stage of foot development. Thus, plano valgus deformity should not be a concern for parents of newborns. The flat appearance of feet at an early age is determined by nature. Parents simply need to monitor the baby so that the plano valgus curvature does not develop into a plano varus curvature.
A varus position of the foot occurs, just like a valgus one, under the influence of a variety of injuries and deviations in the baby’s health. With varus placement of the feet, the position of the feet is formed in such a way that the child’s knees do not move together and there is some space between them. At the same time, the feet themselves are deflected from the outside, shifting the main pressure to the outside.
In children, varus alignment is accompanied by curvature and impaired development of the knee joint. The inner meniscus is compressed, the joint gap becomes much larger on the outside, and smaller on the inside. This is caused by a decrease in the internal condyle of the femur and an increase in the external one. As a result, the ligaments that support the knee joint, especially the outer ones, are greatly stretched. In most cases, there is a curvature of the shin bones with a convexity outward. In especially severe cases, the femur rotates outward and the tibia rotates inward.
Flat feet and other deformities, foot placement and injuries, diseases of the bones, joints and excess weight can cause varus as well as valgus position of the feet. The cause of varus foot can also be impaired metabolism, lack of vitamins and microelements in the child’s body. This is why hallux valgus and varus position of the foot are so common in weakened children, poorly developed physically, or those who have had rickets or other infectious diseases. Decreased motor activity is often the cause of this condition. For example, if a child’s hobby is to spend a lot of time at the computer, then this may be the reason for the development of varus or valgus of the lower extremities, revealing a flat foot.
Varus foot alignment is much more common than valgus foot alignment and is formed under the influence of a variety of factors and circumstances.
Varus of the legs can be caused by incorrect shoes, which interfere with the optimal distribution of pressure on the feet. As a result, the foot loses the ability to make oscillatory movements and perform shock absorption function, the gait becomes uncertain with the toes constantly turning inward. All this leads to deterioration in the mobility of the joints and blood vessels of the lower leg, the condition of the muscles, cartilage, and ligaments of both limbs. It is more difficult for a child with a flat varus or flat valgus curvature to walk, it becomes difficult to run, and to play outdoor games with peers. Often such children need psychological support.
Foot varus can be detected independently. As with flat feet, all you need to do is pay attention to the child’s shoes. If the edges of the shoe are worn away from the inside, it means that varus curvature is already developing. A crooked gait and avoidance of active games can also signal deviations in the development of the lower extremities. By changing the shape of the legs, parents can also identify the formation of varus in the child. In addition, if children periodically complain of pain in the legs or knees, fatigue, then it is also necessary to draw conclusions. Often the special shape of the lower leg and legs in general makes it clear that there is a problem.
You should immediately seek advice from an experienced orthopedist. Plano valgus must be prevented. Moreover, the sooner this is done, the easier and faster the correction of the child’s feet will be, and the varus position can be eliminated.
Varus foot deformity is an O-shaped shape of the shins. With this deformity, the middle part of the tibia deviates outward, and the entire deformity is visible at an angle open inward. With this deformation, the knee joints develop unevenly, while the external condyle of the femur also increases in size, and the internal condyle decreases. This deformation causes compression of the meniscus and an increase in the joint space on the outside and inside.
With varus deformity of the foot, the lower leg has an external convexity ; in especially severe cases, the thigh is displaced outward, and the lower leg itself is displaced inward. In this case, the feet acquire a planovarus curvature (the forefoot and heel are deviated inward, clubfoot develops). A person suffering from foot varus deformity cannot fully straighten their knees. If you ignore the issue of treatment for this foot deformity, serious orthopedic problems arise (for example, changes in gait, severe fatigue of the legs, swelling of the legs, other deformities of the bones of the feet, diseases of the spine).
Varus deformity of the feet can be a congenital pathology, or a pathology that developed in childhood. This disease can also occur due to diseases of the bone tissue, metabolic disorders, or due to any other disease that causes disturbances in the strength of the skeletal system. With these diseases, any congenital deformities can only worsen, and the magnitude of the arcs of the depth of curvature can only increase. In adolescents, varus deformity of the feet can occur due to vitamin D deficiency , calcium deficiency, and also due to lack of sunlight.
The main causes of varus deformity of the feet:
Varus deformity of the foot develops quite slowly. The first sign of the development of varus deformity of the feet is discomfort in wearing uncomfortable shoes , difficulties in choosing shoes, pain in the legs after standing or after physical activity. Then the forefoot becomes deformed, the toes bend and group, all this significantly complicates the blood supply and innervation of the foot area.
Varus deformity of the feet is very common in children. It is important to know that very often varus deformity is caused by hypertonicity of the newborn, therefore this type of foot deformity is considered normal until the age of three months.
Varus deformity of the feet in children is a common disease that is characterized by curvature of the arches and axis of the foot. The feet turn inward, the entire load on the legs is distributed unevenly, the heaviest load falls on the outer part of the foot. Varus deformity of the feet is practically clubfoot, but there is some difference between these diseases . Clubfoot is only a congenital disease, and varus deformity most often develops in the first years of life, especially under unfavorable conditions and circumstances and lack of prevention.
In children, varus deformity of the feet can occur due to:
If there are medical indications and there are referral quotas, our center performs operations using funds allocated under the program for the provision of high-tech medical care (HTMC)
Treatment of varus deformity of the feet is a very long and complex process that takes a lot of effort and time. It is important to make a diagnosis as soon as possible and begin treatment at the earliest stages of development of varus deformity. Early diagnosis gives a better chance of a speedy recovery. Only an experienced orthopedic doctor can make a diagnosis, determine the cause of varus deformity of the foot and prescribe treatment.
At the first symptoms of varus deformity of the feet, immediately contact our Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics of Clinical Hospital No. 85 of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia for immediate medical intervention. Self-medication and traditional medicine in the treatment of varus deformity of the feet are strictly prohibited , since it can only reduce pain for a while, and the deformity itself will develop further.
Doctors D. Volobuev and P. Zhadan are investigating
radiographs for varus
patient with varus
Doctors at our orthopedic center select a whole range of medical measures, which are selected individually, based on the characteristics of the patient’s body.
Complex treatment includes:
If conservative treatment is ineffective, doctors resort to surgery. In our orthopedic center, all surgical operations are performed at the highest level using modern equipment for joint correction . The postoperative period after operations performed by our highly qualified doctors is only a few days.
After surgery, all patients are prescribed a special course of massage, which is aimed at consolidating the medical effect. At the first symptoms of varus deformity of the feet, immediately contact our Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics at Clinical Hospital No. 85 of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia. After all, sometimes it is enough to simply prevent the development of a disease rather than treat it for a long time.
Prevention of the development of varus deformity of the feet includes the following measures:
The Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics KB No. 85 of the FMBA of the Russian Federation does not treat children.
You can contact us at the center of traumatology and orthopedics. Pre-registration by telephone numbers provided on the website.
Contact a pediatric orthopedic traumatologist
Come for a consultation with x-rays. Sign up by calling the numbers provided on the website.
It all depends on the degree of deformation. In order to assess the clinical picture, you need to come for a consultation.
Our hospital does not treat children.
Moscow, st. Moskvorechye 16
Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia
An x-ray photo will help confirm the diagnosis of varus foot deformity in children. With a slight degree of curvature of the arch, there is a very low probability that this is an individual feature of the shape of the feet, which will straighten out on its own over time. In some cases, it is not always possible to adequately assess the degree of deformation during a visual inspection. Especially in a very active child who does not want to sit or stand still for a single extra minute while he is examined by a specialist.
Photo. Varus foot on x-ray
This pathology cannot be diagnosed in a newborn child. This is due to the fact that the varus position of the feet is formed in the first few years after the baby begins to walk. Therefore, if the baby is walking and the parents suspect that the child’s feet are not developing properly, he should be immediately shown to an orthopedist. Only a doctor will be able to determine whether everything is normal with the baby’s legs.
Treatment of foot deformities should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. This is due to the fact that in the early stages of the development of pathology, the curvature can be relatively easily corrected with the help of specially selected shoes or exercises.
In no case should you let everything take its course, since the child is growing rapidly, and the flat varus position of the feet will not go away over time. There is a high risk of improper weight distribution, which can cause gait disturbances and poor shock absorption when walking. Over time, joints suffer: ankle, knee and hip.
Varus alignment of the feet in children can be corrected. Parents must be patient, because this is a rather lengthy process that can drag on for several months or even years.
If a child has varus deformity of the feet, the doctor develops an individual scheme that must be strictly adhered to:
Varus deformity of the foot in children requires the mandatory use of massage. It must be done by a qualified specialist with the necessary knowledge and skills. The massage is carried out in the clinic or at home, in agreement with the master. The second option is preferable, since the baby will feel free and will be able to fully relax.
If a child has a varus position, this does not mean that only the foot will be massaged. To achieve a positive result, it is advisable to start the session with a general relaxing massage. If this is not possible, the lumbar region, buttocks and legs must be included. Massage treatment should be carried out in a course of at least 10 sessions. If necessary, it can be repeated after 6–12 months, depending on the results achieved in the treatment of flat varus feet.
To remove flat feet, you must do specially designed exercises. They include the following movements:
In order for pes varus to disappear, you need to perform these exercises daily. Only regular work will allow you to achieve success and get rid of pathology.
Surgical treatment of varus deformity of the feet is carried out only in cases where conservative placement did not bring the expected positive result and the leg remained in the same position. Most often, the need for surgical correction arises in the case of late presentation of the patient, when the foot is fully formed, as well as in adults.
Surgical intervention is carried out according to the method of T. S. Zatsepin, during which tenoligamentocapsulotomy is performed.
The disadvantage of this method is that 4 incisions are required to provide the necessary access. During the operation, the doctor adjusts the length of the tendons of the muscles and fingers, and removes excess fascia. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to move the foot to the middle position. After this, he fixes it and stitches it.
With modern techniques, it is possible to perform surgery using just one incision. However, this treatment is used mainly in private clinics, and not all parents are able to pay for the operation. The advantage of a single incision is to minimize the risk of damage to the neurovascular structures and reduce the recovery period.
After surgery, a cast is placed on the leg. The duration of wearing it is up to 1 month. In the future, it is possible to replace it with a special plaster boot, which must be worn for up to 4 months. In the postoperative period, massage and a course of physical therapy are mandatory.
A baby's first steps are a joyful event. But along with them, a period of doubt and anxiety begins in the life of parents, since it is with the first steps that pathologies in the development of the feet are usually revealed, which were previously impossible to notice. What to do if a child has “wheeled” legs, what varus deformity of the foot is, we will tell you in this article.
Varus deformity of the foot is a pathology of the lower extremities in which the axis and dome of the feet are distorted ; when walking, the baby rests on the outer edge of the foot, respectively, the same “wheel” is formed between the knees.
The knees do not close if the legs are held parallel. The pathology is also called O-shaped curvature.
Quite often, varus deformity is confused with clubfoot. In fact, these are two different pathologies. Clubfoot is congenital, while varus foot is always acquired.
For children up to 3-4 months, legs with a “wheel” are a variant of the norm. But after this age, only an experienced orthopedic doctor can assess the situation.
The child’s joints are weak, flexible, muscle tissue is underdeveloped, and therefore improper loads on the legs can cause this type of foot abnormality. If installed incorrectly, the load on all types of joints and tendons increases, the knee, hip and ankle joints are especially affected.
If the pathology is not examined in time and treatment is not started, the child may become disabled. Joints that are overloaded wear out faster; improper and insufficient shock absorption leads to deformities, hernias, cysts of the spine and intervertebral space.
Mild forms of the disease are best corrected; the position can actually be corrected as long as the child’s bones are actively growing. The critical age is considered to be 8 years of age.
If the varus curvature has not been corrected before this time, it’s time to think about surgical intervention, because after 8 years the pathology will only progress.
A great variety of reasons can lead to the curvature of the axes and the inability to close the knees.
The disease most often occurs in children belonging to the so-called risk group, which includes:
A considerable share of responsibility lies with the parents. Babies who are brought to an upright position early are placed on their legs before they reach the age of 9-10 months, placed in a variety of verticalizers (walkers and jumpers), especially if they are quite well-fed and weigh more than the age norm, are more susceptible to such O-shaped shin deformities.
The cause of the development of foot varus can also be uncomfortable shoes that do not support the legs of a baby who has already begun to stomp on his own two feet, as well as poor nutrition, in which the child is deficient in calcium and important vitamins.
At the initial stage, it is quite difficult to consider varus deformity. The child is not bothered by anything. But as they grow, clinical signs of pathology begin to appear, which, by the way, develops at a fairly slow pace.
The child may experience pain when walking, swelling of his legs may appear in the evenings, he is not very good at running, and too active and active games quickly tire him.
With some types of varus deformity, systematic calf cramps can be observed.
Since the baby rests on the outer part of the foot, he will wear out any pair of shoes unevenly ; with varus deformation, the outer part of the sole will wear out much faster than the inner one.
As the disease progresses, the child develops a specific “duck” gait; he is very clumsy, waddles when walking, and when trying to run, throws his arms out to the sides and tries to balance.
If a varus deformity is suspected, an orthopedic surgeon prescribes x-rays of the feet and legs in three projections. If the stage is already quite advanced, then an X-ray examination of the features of the hip and knee joints may be required.
Often one-year-old babies are diagnosed with valgus flatfoot. You can avoid pathology if you know what kind of illness it is. E.O. Komarovsky says a lot about hallux valgus in children. The article will tell you what a famous pediatrician advises regarding the disease.
The disease is associated with incorrect leg positioning when walking in a child. It is expressed in an X-shape, when the baby rests on the inside of the feet, which externally take a cross-shaped position.
Parents are able to independently diagnose hallux valgus in their child. To do this, the doctor advises to stand the baby upright, with straightened legs pressed together at the knee. If there is valgus flatfoot in children, the distance between the ankle bones will exceed 3 cm.
With such deformation, the height of the arch decreases and the axis of the foot is deformed. If you draw a line from the knee to the end of the heels, you can see how it curves around the inner bones of the ankle. If measures are not taken to treat the pathology, the legs will begin to take on an X shape in the knee area.
There are two types of valgus flatfoot:
In the first case, the feet are positioned at an incorrect angle relative to the support from birth. Doctors can eliminate the problem in 80% of cases only through surgery. The acquired form is easier to correct. If treatment is started in a timely manner, the pathology disappears as the baby develops and does not bother him if the rules of prevention are followed.
Children's doctor E. O. Komarovsky also speaks about other information on the feet of children:
Komarovsky, like other diseases associated with foot deformities, considers foot valgus in children to be a problem that can be corrected. It is important to start treatment in a timely manner.
According to Komarovsky, a child’s foot valgus goes through four stages:
That is why a routine examination by an orthopedist is so important to identify the first manifestations of valgus flatfoot in children.
It is important to know why a flat-valgus foot occurs in a child; Komarovsky talks about the most common causes. They are associated with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and the transmission of severe viral infections in the first year of life. Rickets, obesity, prematurity, early standing, neuromuscular diseases, heredity, and immobility of the baby can also lead to the development of foot deformities.
Komarovsky advises not to put the baby on his feet before 7-8 months. Early standing on your feet is the reason for the development of foot deformities.
It is easy to recognize planovalgus foot deformity even at home. According to the doctor, you should pay attention to the following manifestations:
If you detect the first signs of pathology, you should contact an orthopedist. He will be able to make an accurate diagnosis.
Therapy depends on the degree of damage and deformation of the foot. At the first and second stages, valgus feet in children according to Komarovsky can be easily corrected using conservative methods. Therefore, it should not be brought to surgical intervention.
Komarovsky proposes the following set of measures:
This will help correct the correct placement of the foot, keep the leg in the correct position when walking;
Komarovsky advises paying attention to the child’s activity. If he spends a lot of time sitting at the computer or watching cartoons, you should switch his attention to active activities and walks in the fresh air. Such joint walks can be a great time for the whole family.
Irregular bone shapes or joint deformities, whether congenital or due to various reasons, are usually detected in early childhood. Varus deformity of the baby's foot is detected by an orthopedic doctor or surgeon during an annual examination. This pathology is usually not noticed by parents and the child, since in early childhood it does not have obvious symptoms.
To determine possible foot pathologies in a child, you need to ask him to take off his shoes. If you imagine that the leg has a center line perpendicular to the floor, the heel should be located symmetrically to this axis. If there is a clearly noticeable “collapse” to the outer side and the central axis is c-shaped, there is a varus deformity of the foot. When the pathology covers two legs, a significant gap is noticeable between them, resembling the letter “o”.
If you look at the foot from the front, it will be noticeable that the forefoot is not completely parallel to the floor - there is some space between the big toe and the surface of the floor, which the ankle tries to compensate for by bending outward. The main load falls on the external arch of the foot; the child becomes clubbed when walking. This type of foot placement often leads to flat feet.
An alternative abnormality is called hallux valgus, in which the central axis bends inward and the front of the foot flares out slightly, like the wings of a moth. What different deformation options look like can be seen in the photo:
Congenital foot deformity in children is explained by pathologies of intrauterine development provoked by various factors. The reason may be diseases that the woman suffered during pregnancy, or a genetic predisposition (for example, one of the child’s relatives was diagnosed with the same pathology).
The acquired disease is caused by the following factors:
This pathology is a chronic inflammation of the joint capsules, accompanied by pain and swelling. It is also possible to develop osteochondrosis and curvature of the spine.
Varus and valgus deformities in children can be congenital or acquired. In addition, there are several degrees of varus:
It is possible to correct varus foot if the treatment is prescribed correctly. There are several methods of influence, the effectiveness of which varies depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. As a rule, the orthopedist prescribes the following measures:
In the early stages of the disease, conservative treatment is carried out. Physiotherapeutic procedures include:
Paraffin foot massage
For young children who have not yet learned to walk, foot massage is indicated. However, this procedure is also prescribed for those who are older. If the foot deformity is mild, massage will be effective. It is performed according to the following scheme:
The massage should take at least 8-10 minutes. After the session, plaster bandages are applied to the legs up to the knees. While the mass hardens, the doctor performs corrective deformation. The bandage should be removed after 2 weeks, after which it is necessary to evaluate the results and apply a new plaster. This treatment, together with massage, is carried out for 3-4 months and gives a good effect.
In infancy, the initial stage of the disease can be overcome with massage procedures alone.
Physical exercises (physical exercises) for the treatment of pathology are used in parallel with other treatment methods. The following movements are shown:
An important element of treatment is wearing special shoes and orthopedic inserts. A child who is already walking needs to choose shoes and boots with a hard heel so that it does not take the shape of the foot. Such shoes should not have an instep support, but they do have a special pronator insole.
Correction of varus foot by surgery is carried out in adults, in children - only after conservative methods have proven ineffective. There are many ways to surgically solve the problem, but the most popular is dissection of the capsular-ligamentous apparatus of the foot joints (metatarsocuneiform). Then plastic surgery of the thumb muscle and reduction of the sphenoid bones are performed. After the operation, the patient wears knitting needles for a month and a plaster cast for another month to effectively fix the reduced bones.
To avoid the development of foot varus, it is important to carry out timely prevention of the pathology. The most effective measures are the following:
Varus foot deformity in children is a pathological condition in which the child has an O-shaped shin. The middle part of the lower leg, in this condition, is deviated outward. This deformation is explained by the fact that the knee joints are unevenly developed, and the condyles of the femurs also undergo changes. The internal one decreases, and the external one, on the contrary, increases. As a result, excessive pressure on the meniscus occurs, as well as a narrowing of the joint space on both sides.
Varus deformity can lead to a complete displacement of the femur outward, and the lower leg, on the contrary, inward. However, this only happens in the most severe cases.
Most often, only the outer convexity of the legs is observed. What happens to the foot in such a situation? It acquires the so-called planovarus deformity. Its anterior sections, as well as the heel, deviate slightly inward, resulting in the development of clubfoot. A person suffering from this pathology cannot fully straighten his knees, and if he does not treat the disease, the following problems may arise:
Varus deformity in children can be not only congenital, but also an acquired disease that occurs against the background of bone tissue diseases or pathological changes in metabolism. Simply put, any disease in children that affects the strength of the skeletal system can lead to this condition. In adolescence, the main reason for the development of varus deformity is associated with a lack of calcium and vitamin D.
The main causes of such a disease as varus deformity of the foot are as follows:
It is worth noting that these are not all the causes of this disease. In addition, it is worth noting that the cause can be any pathology that in one way or another affects the strength of bone tissue. In any case, varus deformity of the foot develops quite slowly and the first sign is the appearance of unpleasant sensations when wearing shoes, as well as difficulties in selecting them. The next stage begins with the appearance of pain in the feet after walking or staying in an upright position for a long time. Then the first signs of deformation appear, which negatively affect the blood supply, as well as the innervation of the feet.
In children, varus deformity of the foot is quite common. It is immediately worth noting that newborns have hypertension, which is the cause of this disease. That is why until the child reaches three months, this condition is the norm.
There is no need to confuse such a disease as varus deformity and clubfoot. These are different pathological conditions, although they are similar to each other. Clubfoot is an exclusively congenital pathology, and varus deformity of the foot can also be an acquired pathological condition.
One of the forms is equinovarus foot deformity, which, although quite rare in children, can occur due to the following reasons:
Externally, this disease manifests itself as raising the front edge of the foot and lowering its outer edge. Quite often in children, this pathology is diagnosed in the presence of a spastic form of cerebral palsy.
Treatment for this disease exists, but it is a rather long and complex process. That is why it is so important that the diagnosis is made as early as possible, and the treatment itself is prescribed at the very first stages of the development of the pathology.
The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the doctor’s chances of treating it. You need to understand that treatment is a process that should only be performed by a highly qualified orthopedic doctor who has extensive experience in dealing with this pathology.
If you notice the first manifestations of this unpleasant disease in yourself or your child, contact a specialist as soon as possible. Remember that treatment at home, as well as treatment with folk remedies, is strictly prohibited. You will only relieve the pain syndrome, and the disease itself will progress. Only an orthopedic doctor can prescribe comprehensive treatment, which will ultimately lead to a complete recovery.
Comprehensive treatment of the disease is the only chance to cope with this pathology. It should include the following components:
It is also necessary to ensure that the sick person’s shoes do not cause him discomfort and are as comfortable as possible. In any case, if the treatment is carried out correctly, there is a high chance of getting rid of the disease, however, if therapeutic treatment does not help, it is necessary to resort to surgery.
As mentioned earlier, if conventional treatment does not work, the help of an orthopedic surgeon is necessary. Surgical treatment shows excellent results and is almost guaranteed to have a positive effect. However, postoperative management of the patient is of great importance. Each patient who has undergone surgical treatment to combat a disease such as varus deformity of the foot needs a course of massage to help strengthen the effect of the operation.
To avoid the occurrence of this disease you must:
Varus foot deformity is a disease that can be treated. Contact a specialist in a timely manner and you will have a great chance of recovery!
Have you ever experienced unbearable joint pain? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, you or your loved ones are faced with this problem. And you know firsthand what it is:
You've probably tried a bunch of medications, creams, ointments, injections, doctors, examinations, and, apparently, none of the above has helped you. And there is an explanation for this: it is simply not profitable for pharmacists to sell a working product, as they will lose customers! This is precisely what leading rheumatologists and orthopedists in Russia jointly opposed, presenting a long-known popularly effective remedy for JOINT PAIN, which REALLY TREATS, and not just relieves pain! Read more.