The first smile, the first tooth, the first word, the baby’s first steps - all these moments are the happiest and most memorable for parents. But there are times when the little one, stomping towards his parents, hobbles, and his legs are far from the model parameters. Of course, such a gait alarms and worries moms and dads. After all, the first thing that begins to worry parents at this moment is: will their child remain bow-legged, and who should they turn to for help if the child’s legs are noticeably bowed?
Before discussing how to eliminate curvature of a baby’s legs, let’s understand what types of abnormal gait there are.
Experts distinguish two main species, which can be called “butterflies” and “club-toed bears.”
In the first case, valgus deformity of the lower extremities occurs, which is also called “X-shaped” curvature of the legs in children. Most often, a bilateral anomaly occurs when the middle of the lower leg moves inward and in appearance the children's legs resemble the letter “X” or, as we have already mentioned, a “butterfly”. Such valgus curvature usually leads to the development of flat feet.
When the baby’s knees are deviated to the sides, and there is a distance between them, then this is an “O-shaped” (varus) curvature of the legs. This type of pathology disrupts the normal development of the knee joint, resulting in spraining of its ligaments. In this case, other joints are also deformed: the hip and ankle. Severe curvature can cause the femurs to turn outward and the shins to turn inward. With such a deformation, it is difficult for the child to fully straighten his knees, and he develops clubfoot, so when walking he seems to waddle from side to side, while resembling a clubfooted bear.
The causes of “X-shaped” deformity of the legs can be both heredity and congenital pathologies. Most often, the anomaly indicates improper formation of the skeletal system against the background of diseases such as:
The first signs of curvature can be noticed in the first two years of a baby’s life. First, the development of the knee joint is disrupted, then the feet are deformed. Over time, as the child grows up, all the disorders are accompanied by curvature of the spine - scoliosis. The anomaly not only changes the baby’s gait, but also brings pain and discomfort.
The main reasons for the “O-shaped” curvature are rickets or the parents’ desire to put the baby on his feet as soon as possible, which cannot be done, especially if the child is large. Under the weight of one’s own body, which is not comparable to the capabilities of the joints and bones of a one-year-old child, deformation of the lower extremities occurs, allowing the load to be redistributed.
Therapy for curvature of the lower extremities is a long and difficult process, requiring a lot of patience, both from parents and the child himself. The faster moms and dads react to the baby’s abnormal gait, the faster it will be possible to begin treatment and eliminate the problem. Otherwise, over time, the child’s gait will change so much that it will be quite difficult for the baby to withstand long walks, and his falls will become much more frequent.
Firstly, parents need to constantly ensure that the child moves more and walks with his legs widely spaced. But don't forget about rest. Orthopedic shoes and special insoles also play an important role in eliminating the problem. However, they should be purchased only after consultation with an orthopedic doctor. Massage manipulations and special exercises help eliminate abnormal gait.
If we talk about professional massage, then the baby needs to undergo up to 20 procedures at least four times a year. But the treatment process can also be speeded up by parents performing the massage themselves. The procedure at home should be performed twice a day, preferably in the morning and after an afternoon nap.
Place the child on his back, start the session with a light massage of the big toe, then move to the inner edge of the foot and the inner surface of the shin, gradually moving up to the knee. You need to allocate at least five minutes for each leg.
When performing manipulations, parents need to adhere to the following cycle:
Such massage activities are recommended to be performed every day.
One of the mandatory methods for correcting deformities of the lower extremities is therapeutic exercises. For each specific case, the specialist selects a special set of exercises. However, there are also trainings that help with any type of curvature.
First, walk with your baby on tiptoes, and after a few minutes - on his heels. You can also “stomp” on the outside of your feet (preferably for as long as possible). But experts do not recommend walking on the inside.
Another exercise will bring a lot of pleasure to the baby. Scatter colored pencils or pebbles on the floor, sit the baby on a high chair (so that his legs reach the floor) and ask him to use his toes to collect the scattered objects, for example, in a box. This exercise can be made a little more complicated. Ask the child to use the toes of his right foot to pick up an object from the floor and put it in his left hand, and then vice versa: with his left foot - into his right hand.
Such exercise games will help correct the deformity and give your baby wonderful emotions.
Crooked legs in a newborn baby are normal. The fact is that it was quite crowded in the mother’s womb, and the child’s body was placed there compactly. There is no need to worry about this, as over time the legs will acquire the correct shape. Also, deformation of the lower extremities can be observed until the baby’s musculoskeletal system adapts to new conditions.
But it is not uncommon for a child under one year of age to develop abnormal curvature of the legs, which can lead to the above-mentioned problems. In any case, when the first signs appear, parents should consult a pediatrician or orthopedic doctor. Basically, to eliminate the problem, doctors prescribe massage, physical therapy, physiotherapy, and taking vitamins (in particular vitamin D).
To correct leg deformities in a one-year-old child, experts advise parents to follow the following recommendations:
Also, mothers and fathers should not rush things and put the child on his feet or in a walker ahead of time, especially if the child is heavy. Such actions can negatively affect the condition of children's legs.
X-shaped legs (valgus curvature of the legs) in children is an acquired pathology of the kneecaps. With it, the straightened legs do not form a straight line, but seem to diverge to the sides below the knee. From the side, the silhouette resembles the letter “X”, hence the name.
It is no coincidence that we called valgus curvature “acquired.” It is incorrect to believe that this is a hereditary pathology inherited by a child from one of the parents. It develops after birth, and the main reasons are insufficient attention from parents and untimely treatment.
In the vast majority of cases, valgus curvature (from the Latin valgus - curve) is a consequence of a lack of calcium in the body - rickets. Once an extremely common childhood illness, it is uncommon today. Children born in autumn and winter are at risk.
Rickets is expressed in insufficient strength of bone tissue, its loosening. This is absolutely unnoticeable until the child begins to stand on his feet. But as soon as this happens, coupled with muscle weakness, all the pressure of the body weight is concentrated on the knee joint, which cannot withstand the load.
X-shaped legs in a child must be treated, and the sooner the better. And this must be done on the recommendation of a pediatrician. The pathology can be cured if the child is no more than 9-10 years old. The most widely practiced methods of dealing with hallux valgus are as follows:
But the most effective means of treating and preventing X-shaped curvature of the legs in children is considered to be physical activity. The child needs to walk, swim, and climb as much as possible. The presence of a wall bars at home is also very welcome.
It should be taken seriously; the curvature itself will not go away over time, but will only take root. And in adult life it can become a serious problem - the inability to wear tight pants, leggings, jeans, constant calluses from rubbing with shoes, frequent pain in the knee joints, a tendency to twist the legs.
X-shaped legs (valgus curvature of the legs) in children should be dealt with from a very early age, preferably no later than 2 years. The reason for their appearance may be not only rickets, but also the child’s too early introduction to walkers.
The main causes of X-shaped curvature of the legs in children are:
If parents suspect hallux valgus in their baby, they should visit a pediatric orthopedist. The specialist will determine the degree of curvature and prescribe appropriate treatment. If necessary, the doctor will give a referral for an x-ray examination.
For X-shaped legs, treatment should be comprehensive. First of all, manual therapy is indicated. It is necessary to undergo a massage course until complete recovery 4 times a year. A massage is performed on the limbs, back, lower back, and buttocks.
If the child is too young to perform these exercises, try to turn them into a game, do them yourself and let the child repeat after you.
To monitor the dynamics of the disease, you should visit the orthopedist's office every three months.
As soon as the baby begins to walk, parents should pay attention to his posture and gait, since it is at this time that the prevention of scoliosis and flat feet should begin. Often, young children walk with their knees together, which should not be too worrying, but if after a few months the gait has not improved, then it is simply necessary to visit a doctor.
The baby should be placed upright and asked to join his legs together. If the knees come together, and the legs diverge towards the bottom - there are 5 cm or more between the ankles, then we can judge the presence of hallux valgus. The problem can be corrected, but parents will need to be closely involved in treatment.
Listed below are the main causes of hallux valgus, or, simply put, why Rebekah has X-shaped legs.
In addition to a not very aesthetic gait, an X-shaped curvature of the legs provokes problems with the spine, as well as pain in the limbs, fatigue, lack of mobility, pathological changes in the joints, and flat feet.
It is not necessary that both legs of a child will be X-shaped; only one limb may be deformed, then the body deviates from the vertical position to the side and the baby develops scoliosis.
The main question that parents ask if their child has X-footed legs is how to correct this condition. In addition to visiting an orthopedic doctor (or while you choose a time for this visit), you can use the following methods:
A small child is active on his own, so parents only need to encourage him to play outdoor games with friends, jump and run.
If a child’s hallux valgus deformity does not improve by the age of three, despite active treatment, then plaster bandages are applied, which will help:
Wearing a cast can last for a long time, possibly even several years, depending on the degree of curvature.
If you do not treat hallux valgus while the child is small, then after 10 years it will be difficult to correct the situation, but it is possible. In severe cases, surgical intervention is prescribed.
Prevention of X-shaped curvature of a child’s legs begins in the womb, which is why proper nutrition and long walks in the fresh air are so important during pregnancy. In addition, breastfeeding is desirable for children under one year old, but only if the woman is well-nourished.
Legs in a wheel shape (letter O) or X-shaped (valgus curvature) are a normal condition for children under 3 years of age. A child makes many more varied movements and steps than an adult. And for a fragile and flexible skeleton this is a big load. After three years, crooked legs usually straighten out. If children have wheel legs or an X-shaped curvature that does not disappear, treatment must be started.
There can be several reasons for curvature of the legs. A newborn baby has crooked legs. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon, since he was in a fairly compact position in the womb. Most often, children under one year of age have legs with the letter “O” (wheel). After one year the child begins to walk. And since up to 3 years of age the child’s skeleton is still very elastic, the shape of the legs may begin to change to an X-shape.
The main cause of crooked legs may be excess weight. Overfed children move less, crawl less and often skip the “crawling” stage. Such children try to immediately stand on their feet, which is a huge burden for the baby’s untrained legs. The imperfect ligamentous-muscular system also fails to cope with its function and the legs begin to bend.
The reasons that influence the occurrence of X-shaped curvature include gender. Girls have a wider pelvis and shorter hip bones than boys. This can cause an X-shaped curvature.
Serious reasons why children under 3 years of age may have crooked legs are diseases that disrupt the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. For example, kidney disease. Because of them, the elements necessary for the formation of the skeleton are not retained in the body.
Rickets is a fairly common disease that causes bowed legs. Rickets occurs due to a persistent lack of vitamin D in the body. Calcium is absorbed only together with this vitamin. The lack of calcium can lead to the fact that the skeletal system does not develop; bones are plastic and easily deformed. Sunlight can provide the most vitamin D. Most often, rickets affects children born in the autumn-winter period. Sometimes they are prescribed a course of vitamins to compensate for the deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can also occur due to a poor diet and dysbiosis, which disrupts the absorption of vitamins.
Signs of rickets in children
Incorrect shoes cause children to walk incorrectly and, as a result, develop problems with the musculoskeletal system and crooked legs. The issue of choosing shoes must be approached very carefully, starting from the first year of life. Shoes should have a rigid but elastic heel; a small wide heel is considered most suitable for shaping the foot.
Hip dysplasia is a congenital defect. It occurs due to the fact that the mother did not have enough vitamins during pregnancy. Alcohol and smoking are also the main factors that can provoke various pathologies, including dysplasia.
Heredity can also be another reason why children may have bow legs. Perhaps parents or relatives had the same limb structure
Crooked legs in children over one year of age are a serious reason to consult a pediatrician. Get regular check-ups with doctors and bring any particular problem to the doctor’s attention.
The X-shaped curvature is visible visually. At home, you can find out for yourself whether it is time to sound the alarm. Place the child upright with his legs together. If he is no more than 4 years old, and the distance between the feet is more than 4–5 cm, then this indicates the presence of deformity.
In addition to external manifestations, the child may also complain of pain in the legs. He gets tired quickly and is less mobile than other children. Of course, his inactivity may also be associated with characteristics of temperament and character. But this can also be an additional signal that the problem needs to be addressed.
The unaesthetic nature of the disease is not the worst problem. What is dangerous is what can entail such a curvature. Displacement of the support from the correct axis can lead to various pathological changes in the joints of the lower extremities and even to curvature of the spine. In addition, flat feet develop, which puts additional stress on the joints and can cause pain in the legs.
An X-shaped curvature is not necessarily symmetrical. Only one limb can be deformed. In this case, the body may deviate from the vertical axis, which is fraught with consequences such as scoliosis.
X-shaped curvature of the legs is not only a cosmetic defect, but also a serious problem that needs treatment. X-shaped curvature in children is treated using a set of special methods.
The fact that diapers can cause crooked legs is nothing more than a myth. Pediatricians around the world recommend swaddling the baby loosely during the first year, so that the legs lie turned out to the sides. Tight swaddling is also completely out of date, since it has been proven to be ineffective for creating straight legs in children.
You can correct crooked legs with massage. Treatment must be carried out in courses (20 procedures each) at least 4 times a year. The doctor massages not only the lower extremities, but also massages the buttocks and back. Massage can be done from the first years of life.
You can also massage yourself at home. With an X-shaped curvature, the muscles of the outer thigh need to be relaxed, and the inner ones need to be strengthened. The massage is carried out with light stroking movements and begins with rubbing the foot and toes. Then move higher towards the knee.
Do gymnastics with your baby every day. This is necessary to strengthen the muscles and will also help straighten crooked legs. Do the exercises together and set an example for your child. Exercises designed to straighten crooked legs can be as follows.
X-shaped or valgus curvature of the legs is a deformation of the knee joints when, with straightened and tightly compressed knees, the distance between the ankles is more than 5 cm. This pathology most often has an acquired nature.
The main causes of X-shaped curvature of the legs in children
X- or O-shaped lower limbs are leg deformities. An X-shaped curvature of the legs, which is characterized by the development of hallux valgus, is also called hallux valgus. In the presence of such a deformation, the legs converge at the knees and diverge downwards. With O-shaped legs (varus deformity), varus feet form, the knees and shins do not touch, there is a gap between them. To a certain degree of severity, both deformities are not considered a deviation. However, this deformity usually disappears in the third year of a child’s life. Often, a slight X-shaped curvature of the legs occurs in children aged 2-7 years. A mild deformity in an adult is not an indication for surgery or another treatment method.
The deformity can be congenital or acquired as a result of previous leg injuries. In addition, these deformities are often accompanied by rheumatic diseases. Previously, pronounced X- and O-shaped deformities of the legs were observed in children suffering from rickets. An X-shaped curvature of the legs develops in a person suffering from external clubfoot or cauda equina. Over time, improper load distribution and lack of treatment leads to an X-shaped curvature of the legs.
Often these leg deformities disappear in childhood thanks to physical therapy and treatment of the somatic disease that caused the curvature, for example, rickets. Correction of more serious deformities is carried out using special splints that are applied to children at night. Sometimes during the growth period, in order to avoid further arching of the leg, surgery to fix the knee is indicated. Over time, in adults, due to the high degree of severity of the X- or O-shaped curvature of the legs, gait is impaired, so surgical intervention is necessary. This avoids premature wear and inflammation of the knee joint. For severe and persistent pain, surgery to implant an artificial knee joint is indicated.
From the first days, children should undergo a preventive examination. This will allow us to diagnose and correct the early stage of leg deformities.
If you notice obvious deformities in your legs or feet, you should consult a doctor. Adults over 60 years of age should also consult a doctor.
First of all, the doctor will find out the cause of the deformity. In case of mild curvature, therapeutic exercises are indicated, and in more severe cases, the small patient is referred to an orthopedist. Adults with X- or O-shaped leg curvature should also see a podiatrist. For severe pain, painkillers are prescribed.
At first, X- and O-shaped curvature of the legs looks like a cosmetic defect. An X-shaped curvature of the legs makes walking and running difficult.
If X- and O-shaped deformities of the legs are left untreated, the load on the knee joint increases, which leads to arthrosis. The gait disorder progresses, and if at first the pain occurred only when walking, then it is felt constantly.
Often, X-shaped deformity of the legs is a consequence of external clubfoot and flat feet. However, due to the fact that mild clubfoot in children starting to walk is not considered a deviation, it becomes difficult to identify this deformity in the future. For children over 8 years of age, external clubfoot is usually not typical.
An important aspect in the treatment of X-shaped leg deformity is wearing special orthopedic shoes, since this pathology leads to curvature of the feet. These shoes have a custom insole and high solid heels.
Exercise therapy has a special role for X-shaped legs. The most effective exercises are wall bars, cycling, and swimming in the pool. Daily X-leg exercises are also necessary. Walking on your toes and heels along a narrow path or board, on the outside of your feet, adopting a cross-legged sitting position, and squats with a ball sandwiched between your knees are very useful.
Scoliosis in children is a common pathological process characterized by lateral curvature of the spine and changes in the shape of the vertebrae. This problem affects not only the appearance of the child, spoiling the posture; scoliosis entails a number of serious diseases of the back and internal organs. It is important to identify and begin treatment of the disease in time, since the spine can only be corrected in childhood.
Scoliosis can be congenital or acquired. Congenital occurs due to anatomical deviations from the norm of bone structures or vertebrae, asymmetrical locations of the pelvis and legs. It is impossible to prevent this pathology, since it is formed in the womb, but after the baby is born, everything must be done to ensure that the pathological process stops its development.
A newborn may have a completely healthy back and develop scoliosis in the first year of life. This happens very rarely as a result of some kind of birth injury.
Acquired scoliosis develops in completely healthy children and adolescents due to a number of reasons. Curvature of the spine in children can begin to develop as a result of:
The sex of the child to some extent influences the possibility of developing scoliosis . In girls, deformation and curvature of the spine occurs several times more often; boys are less at risk. Doctors are unable to answer why this happens, but the fact of the pattern cannot be refuted.
Children diagnosed with rheumatism, rickets and certain diseases of the nervous system are at great risk of developing scoliosis.
The risk of spinal curvature in an infant increases if his parents have scoliosis. This pathology is not inherited, but some genetic diseases can lead to its occurrence.
Age classification of scoliotic disease:
According to localization, scoliosis in a child is divided into cervical (usually congenital), thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar and combined.
According to the number of scoliotic arches, scoliosis is divided into:
Very rarely, but kyphoscoliotic scoliosis occurs, in which the deformation of the chest and the appearance of a rib hump are added to the bend of the vertebra.
According to severity, the disease is classified as:
Childhood scoliosis does not manifest itself in any way at the initial stage of development. The child is active and cheerful, he is not bothered by back pain or any other ailments. Obvious manifestations of scoliosis, which occur already at the second stage of the disease, are supported by the following signs:
When scoliosis moves from 2 to 3 degrees, the following appears:
Many parents do not pay due attention to scoliosis - the child feels well, there are no noticeable problems. But if treatment is neglected, the disease will progress:
Scoliosis also creates the basis for the development of osteochondrosis and many other diseases not only in the back area.
Examination and treatment should be carried out in a medical center by experienced personnel, but you can detect the first signs of scoliosis in children yourself.
In the initial stages, the disease is invisible to the naked eye, and the child is not bothered by any manifestations of discomfort, while scoliosis continues to progress. Therefore, it is so important to be regularly examined by a doctor and learn to independently identify diseases.
How can you identify spinal curvature?
In cases where the disease already exists, the exact degree of scoliosis can be assessed using a direct X-ray of the spine using the Cobb method.
Scoliosis of the spine is a disease of the musculoskeletal system, and if the problem is not given attention, it will quickly worsen. Only the attending physician decides how to treat scoliosis in children. It is he who, depending on the degree of development of the disease and the age of the patient, has the right to prescribe one or another method of therapy.
If the development of scoliosis began in an infant or school-age child, it can be cured on your own. Scoliosis in adolescents, as a rule, is detected in an advanced form and is very difficult to treat.
For first-degree disease, massages and exercise therapy (therapeutic physical training) are prescribed. Treatment of scoliosis in adolescents in the second degree involves physical therapy, myofascial release and acupuncture.
With active skeletal growth, an x-ray examination of the young patient is provided every 6-10 months, which will clearly show the dynamics of the healing process.
The complex of physiotherapeutic treatment includes procedures aimed at increasing the contractile function of the back and abdominal muscles, as well as methods that affect the elimination of muscle dystrophy. These activities are carried out with the aim of improving the mobility of the vertebrae and activating their blood circulation, strengthening the muscular corset of the back, making the spine flexible, even and strong.
In addition to procedures under the guidance of medical staff in the exercise therapy room, basic exercises for home performance received good reviews:
Therapeutic massage for scoliosis relieves muscle tension and has a relaxing effect on the spine, strengthens the muscle corset and helps restore the natural line of the spinal column. However, scoliosis cannot be cured with one course of massage; the problem must be solved comprehensively.
For stages 2 and 3 of scoliosis severity in adolescents, treatment involves wearing a special corset, which can only be prescribed by the attending physician. The corset helps stop the progression of the deformity; it also relieves stress from the back, straightens the spine and, with timely treatment, can completely correct the pathology.
The method of rehabilitation through therapeutic horse riding is used by a small number of rehabilitation centers due to its high cost, but the feedback from the use of this technique is only positive. Riding a horse forces all muscle groups, ligamentous and vestibular apparatus to work. Weakened muscles “wake up”, and spasmed ones relax. With regular exercise, the habit of maintaining posture is formed.
Correcting scoliosis of the fourth (sometimes third) degree of scoliosis in a teenager requires not only conservative methods, but also a surgeon’s scalpel. The decisive factors for surgical correction of the spine are:
After the operation, a long course of rehabilitation follows (at least six months). Very often, the help of a psychotherapist is required, since this kind of stress can lead to a number of psycho-emotional problems in the child (stiffness, shyness, decreased self-esteem, self-centeredness). All responsibility for the treatment of scoliosis in children falls on their parents.
It is much easier to prevent curvature of the child’s spine than to later ask questions about what to do with scoliosis and how to correct pathological changes in the shape of the vertebrae. Therefore, every parent is obliged to pay due attention to their child and follow the following recommendations:
Children who have a tendency to develop scoliosis are contraindicated in sports such as tennis, badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. But ballroom dancing, skiing and any other non-traumatic types of physical activity will be beneficial.
As a child grows up, various changes occur in his body, including his arms and legs. The main task of parents during this period is to ensure that the development of the child’s musculoskeletal system, bones, and joints corresponds to age standards. Indeed, if necessary, it is necessary to adjust this process in time.
In this way, you can reduce the risk of certain pathologies and the appearance of many diseases. For example, hallux valgus.
Statistics show that 30% of children under 5 years of age have foot problems. Therefore, if in the presence of even minor pathologies of this kind no measures are taken, then over time this may result in adverse consequences.
Thus, hallux valgus can provoke complications such as: changes in the functioning of internal organs, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and spine. It is also possible to increase the likelihood of injury to the lower extremities, underdevelopment of bone and joint tissues, etc.
Of course, pathological processes will gradually progress, which will be noticeable visually.
This disease is characterized by changes in the shape of the axis and foot. In this case, the foot and toes are deformed and the heel is turned out.
These signs can be noticed visually, because due to bending of the knees, the legs become curvature in relation to each other. Over time, swelling may occur in the heel area. The child also complains of frequent pain in the lower extremities and develops clubfoot.
Like any other pathology, hallux valgus progresses in stages, so there are mild, moderate and severe degrees of the disease. Undoubtedly, at the initial stage it is much easier to cure foot deformity than to get rid of its severe forms.
In the most advanced cases, the correct shape of the foot will not be completely restored, however, this does not mean that it is not necessary to treat and correct it.
Examination and diagnosis are carried out after a medical examination. It is important that the diagnosis is carried out on time. This way, the treatment will bring the best results.
Often, parents perform various activities aimed at the early development of the child, including walking. If children start walking early or are forced to do so, then everything can end in adverse consequences.
At this time, the children's ligamentous apparatus is just beginning to form, so it may be completely unprepared for such loads. Therefore, you need to start walking on time, following the established standards.
The reasons for untimely loading of the feet are very common. However, this factor is not the main one, because hallux valgus often develops as a result of:
However, only a doctor can find out the exact reasons. Then, based on diagnostic data, he will select effective treatment, which should begin as early as possible.
If you follow some standards, then you can independently determine the presence of hallux valgus. For these purposes, it is necessary to compare the dimensions of a normal foot, which should correspond to a certain age, with the parameters of a child’s foot.
If significant deviations are detected, it is necessary to visit an orthopedist and pediatrician.
Some parents think that this disease will go away on its own, so flat feet should not be treated. But this opinion is wrong, because not treated will lead to pain in the legs, curvature of posture and other unpleasant phenomena.
For these reasons, it must be remembered that hallux valgus in children must be treated. After all, this pathology can have significant differences in symptoms, factors of occurrence and correction methods.
In general, changes in the foot can be eliminated, but, as a rule, in the early stages of the disease. If the appearance of flat feet is caused by the presence of any pathologies, for example, rickets, then the treatment must be comprehensive.
A systematic visit to the pediatrician will allow you to identify the disease hallux valgus in children at the initial stage and prescribe timely conservative treatment.
If parents bring their child to an orthopedist with an advanced stage of the disease, or if previously prescribed therapy turns out to be ineffective, then this problem cannot be solved without surgical intervention.
So, at the initial stage of pathology development, the doctor recommends the following correction methods:
When conservative treatment does not bring the necessary results, then it is necessary to resort to extreme measures - surgical intervention, for example, according to the Dobbs method. This method is based on conducting plaster sessions with the installation of knitting needles.
In childhood, tissues are easily changed, which makes it possible to safely correct the shape of the foot. Surgical intervention also includes other methods. In this case, much depends on the condition of the child, the degree of deformation and the presence or absence of contraindications.
The use of one or another therapeutic technique is based on the factors causing flat feet and the health of the little patient. In many cases, to eliminate this unpleasant phenomenon, not only orthopedists, but also other doctors are involved. Regarding the effectiveness of therapy, the effect will be visible after some time, because the correction process occurs gradually.
It is important to remember that eliminating a foot defect on your own is not easy, so everything can end in complications. Today there is a lot of information on certain gymnastic programs, orthopedic shoes and other methods of eliminating pathology, however, it is undesirable to use them in practice without medical consultation.
If we do not consider cases of congenital pathologies, then it is quite possible to prevent the occurrence of hallux valgus. For these purposes, it is necessary to go to see a doctor, strictly following the pediatrician’s visit schedule.
As a rule, a medical examination is carried out in the first month after birth, and then at 3 and 6 months. In addition, it is advisable to conduct an examination at 9 months, when the child begins to walk.
When the child turns one year old, the frequency of visits to the doctor decreases (once a year). However, this does not mean that at the slightest suspicion, parents should postpone a visit to the doctor.
At the same time, parents should not forget to follow some important preventive rules. So, in order to prevent the development of flat feet, you need to take care of timely load on your legs. You should not force your child to walk, thereby overloading the lower limbs.
After all, underdeveloped ligaments may not withstand the weight, resulting in deformation of the foot. Moreover, moderate loads can be given only after the child turns 8 months.
It is equally important to carefully monitor the child’s health, not forgetting about proper nutrition, enriched with vitamins. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Constant and proper exercise therapy is a good prevention of various limb diseases. Elementary exercises, presented in a playful manner, will help reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of limb pathologies. For these purposes, you can walk on light terrain (sand, small stones).
You can also use a technique that was previously used in kindergartens - walking on peas. It would be useful to move the child with his feet slightly turned out, squatting, rising on his toes, etc.
In addition, you should not save on purchasing the first pair of shoes for a child, because in children there is a process of active formation of tissues of ligaments and joints. A large arch support, poor fixation and other incorrect shoe parameters contribute to the development of flat feet.
Massaging the lumbar region, feet and vertebrae is useful not only in the treatment of hallux valgus, but also for preventive purposes. As a rule, the pediatrician advises young mothers to begin massage treatments during the baby’s first steps.