Hallux valgus in a child is characterized by a violation of the position of the foot - it is deflected inward by the sole at a different angle. Normally, this angle is 90 degrees relative to the shin.
The arch of the foot decreases and its axis is disrupted, while the feet, when viewed from above, look more like the letter “X”. In this case, choosing shoes is simply not realistic, and not only because of the pain, but the deformation is the biggest hindrance.
Hallux valgus can lead to the same curvature of the knee joints if not treated properly. In such a situation, only surgery, a radical method, can help. You can avoid it if you don’t ignore exercise.
Gymnastics will also help preventively influence curvature, but before doing all this you need to understand the causes and clinical symptoms.
Hallux valgus in children occurs for many reasons. The main ones can be identified:
The problem of curvature of the feet and legs in particular is also associated with improperly selected shoes. This factor is especially relevant for teenage children, especially girls. The reason for this is high-heeled shoes; at this age it should be no more than 4 cm, and the toe should not narrow.
The development of hallux valgus in young children 1–2 years old may have a different nature and severity. Most often, the onset is associated with the beginning of walking; during this period, the ligaments of the legs and feet are not particularly strong and when trying to run or jump, they experience severe tension.
At first, hallux valgus in children is nothing special, but if left untreated, it will lead to curvature of the spinal column, arthrosis and osteochondrosis.
There is a subsequent cause of hallux valgus in a child - it occurs in the maternity hospital after birth. It is not easy to treat this condition, and it is not possible at home.
Hallux valgus deformity may appear as the child begins to walk - at about one year of age. By the age of 2, the child is already confidently standing on his feet.
When the feet touch the surface, they begin to fall over and a “bear cub gait” appears; parents and grandparents are simply touched by the baby. And this is where the main mistake lies, because such children urgently need to be shown to a doctor. In advanced cases, during gait, support occurs on the dorsum of the feet or even the legs.
Problems that arise when selecting shoes and abnormal curvature of the legs should attract attention. Children experience pain that becomes more intense in the evening. A child 1–2 years old can show this with a grimace or scream, or he can directly point out this symptom.
Next, the 1st and 2nd toes become deformed, the sole becomes denser, as evidenced by calluses and corns. The bent 2nd finger bends and there is always a callus on it. With timely diagnosis, adequate treatment can be checked, after which hallux valgus will not make itself felt.
Diagnosing the disease in children is not difficult; to do this, it is worth showing a photo, standing or video of gait. But this is only in cases where it is not possible to show the child to a doctor.
The best option is to undergo medical examinations, which are carried out 2 times throughout the year. In difficult cases, standing radiography of the legs and feet will be required, in at least 2 projections. In severe cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan will provide more information.
Treatment of deformity of the lower extremities does not present any big problems, however, in the later stages, only a surgeon’s scalpel will help correct the curvature of the legs.
In complex treatment, massage is used to strengthen the ligaments and gymnastics, as well as the use of a plaster splint or plaster boot.
They will have an effect only at an early stage; in addition to all of the above, screed instep supports and toe correctors are used. The ideal option would be special shoes that have a high and tight heel that secures the ankle joint.
It will help strengthen the ligamentous apparatus, but doing it at home without special skills will not work; a specialist will help solve this issue. Massage is performed in courses, up to 10 sessions in total, once every 3 to 4 months.
To increase interest on the part of the child, it is best to carry it out in the form of a game. The main exercises are walking on your toes and walking on uneven surfaces (this will require a massage mat), you can grab small objects with your toes.
If conservative treatment and massage do not give the desired effect, surgery will help; it is also indicated for severe curvature. The doctor will change the axis of the foot in relation to the axis of the lower extremities, and so the load on the ligaments will become more uniform.
Rehabilitation treatment does not take much time; massage of the lower extremities is of no small importance during this period. Soon the child will be able to move independently with a low rate of relapse.
Preventing curvature does not pose any difficulties:
Treatment of any degree of hallux valgus in children is always much more difficult than its prevention - the corresponding exercises in the video provided will also help strengthen the ligaments.
In complex therapy, massage for planovalgus feet occupies a special place, as it has a targeted effect on combating pathological manifestations. Valgus deformities are characterized by a decrease in the arch of the feet with simultaneous deformation of its axis. With further formation of the foot, in the absence of treatment, severe bone deformations are possible, which are quite difficult to correct. Therefore, timely detection of pathology and therapeutic massage may well lead to a complete recovery.
Thanks to massage for hallux valgus, tension in the calf muscle is relieved, its elasticity, endurance and blood supply are improved, thereby normalizing the development and growth of the foot. Massage for hallux valgus in children occupies one of the main places among other ways to combat this disease.
A flat arch of the foot in childhood requires the use of both general strengthening exercises aimed at maximizing relaxation of the tense muscle and massaging the problem area. In addition to the foot itself, attention should be paid to massaging the lumbosacral area, dorsal, gluteal, femoral and calf muscles.
Massage for foot valgus in children is performed by a highly qualified specialist, since it is quite difficult to independently cope with rubbing and massaging the baby’s body, due to his age. The general course of massage is at least 12 procedures, and in case of mild symptoms, the number of procedures can be increased to 20. In case of severe disease, a break of 2-4 weeks is taken between massage courses.
The duration of the first session should not exceed 10 minutes, but subsequently the time gradually increases to 20 minutes per session. In case of congenital pathology, massage is recommended to begin only after 2 months. According to experts, massage treatment is especially effective at the initial stage of development of valgus.
When plano-valgus deformities of the feet develop, there is a high probability of developing problems with the spinal column in the near future. At the initial stage, hallux valgus is not much different from normal feet, but progression leads not only to discomfort while walking, but also to pain.
When pathological symptoms are ignored, the following accompanying manifestations are possible:
Painful symptoms are caused by improper distribution of the load on the limbs and spine, so you should not put the baby on his feet prematurely.
To perform a massage comfortably, it is necessary to comply with certain conditions that ensure preliminary preparation, on which the positive result largely depends. All necessary manipulations should be performed after the baby wakes up, and before the session it is necessary to ventilate the room.
To facilitate the massage, it is recommended to use a special oil or cream
Parents need to be prepared that the first few times the procedure may be unpleasant for the baby, so he may behave restlessly. It is best for the father to remain with the child during the session, but if he is absent, this situation can be handled by anyone close to the child, whom he is accustomed to and trusts.
There are several methods of mechanical influence that are used when performing massage in the foot area:
The most effective effect is massage of the feet and the entire limb, which must be performed on a hard and flat surface, and the baby should be located on his stomach. First, you need to place a cushion under the foot end.
Massaging is performed in zones:
Back massage with flat valgus feet should begin with light stroking, after which the back is rubbed with a small gradually increasing force, but bypassing the spine itself, massaging exclusively the area along the spinal column. Next, the back is massaged over the entire surface from the sides to the armpits.
When massaging the back and lower back, you should bypass the spinal column, in the area of which there are nerve endings
This area is given special importance when massaging the feet, which is due to the location in the lumbar region of nerve endings that transmit impulses to the calf muscles. Using your fingertips, light strokes are performed along the entire back from the spinal column in both directions downwards.
The gluteal area is massaged with circular stroking movements, which then turn into strong rubbing and end with light pats.
The thighs are first stroked, rubbed, and then kneaded in the direction from the popliteal fossa upward and outward. In this case, it is important to massage the entire femoral surface (back and front).
When performing the procedure, it is important to ensure that it does not cause discomfort to the baby.
Massaging the legs should be performed extremely carefully and selectively, depending on the condition of the ankle muscles. Massage with light stroking movements in the direction from the heels to the popliteal fossa.
The outer part of the calf muscles is rubbed with your fingertips. For children, a greater number of relaxing movements is recommended than for adult patients. The inner calf muscles are stimulated by vigorous rubbing with the backs of the fingers and light percussive tapping.
Massage for hallux valgus should begin with light stroking of the entire limb with a gradual transition to the foot itself. First, the sole of the foot is ironed and rubbed, grasping the inner edge. Particular attention is paid to thumb massage.
Flat valgus feet are massaged in long courses, with short breaks between them, so you should be patient. In addition, it is necessary to strictly follow all the orthopedist’s prescriptions. With early diagnosis of the disease, as well as timely initiation of therapy, it is quite possible to obtain a positive result and prevent the development of possible complications.
Massage for hallux valgus in children completely eliminates sudden and forceful movements, since the baby should under no circumstances experience pain or other negative symptoms. In addition, parents need to ensure proper foot position and posture. The correct choice of shoes is of great importance, which will allow you to consolidate the positive result obtained.
For greater effectiveness, physical education, swimming and hardening are recommended together with massage.
You can find out how foot massage is done, and what technique is most optimal when performing massage for planovalgus feet in children, by first familiarizing yourself with the videos located at the end of the article.
Along with professional massage, therapeutic exercises help eliminate hallux valgus. Currently, many gymnastic complexes have been developed for young children and adult patients.
A course of exercise therapy can significantly reduce the curvature of the feet with the help of their flexion and extension, rotation and abduction to the side. You can offer your child a game of picking up small objects from a flat surface with his toes. Walking barefoot on small pebbles, ribbed surfaces, small buttons, etc. is useful.
Recommended gymnastic exercises for hallux valgus
If you have flat feet, you should do the exercises several times during the day. Some exercises are recommended to be done in water, which can relax or, conversely, strain the lower leg muscles. In addition, water perfectly relieves pain symptoms.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to take a vitamin-mineral complex for the proper formation of the skeletal system. In addition, walking and jumping on a corrugated surface located at the bottom of the bath is often practiced. This exercise strengthens the child’s foot well and avoids increased stress on the child’s insufficiently formed skeletal system.
Recommendations on which complex is most suitable for the prevention or treatment of hallux valgus should be made by a pediatric orthopedist. To consolidate the effect of massage to perform the correct positioning of the feet, the following exercises can be performed:
All of the above exercises are performed comprehensively at the initial stage. It is necessary to take into account that planovalgus curvature of the feet responds well to treatment at the initial stage of the disease, and in this case massage is the main stage of therapy. Therefore, at the first suspicion on the part of parents of the slightest change in the shape of the foot, you should contact a highly qualified orthopedist to receive all the necessary recommendations. The earlier therapy is started, the higher the likelihood of complete recovery.
Plano-valgus foot deformity in children is considered an extremely common type of pathology of the lower extremities. Occurs at an early age. If abnormalities in the development of the legs are detected, a common disease is hallux valgus. The cause of the disease is weakness of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot, and the innervation of the leg muscles is disrupted. If the child’s feet have weakened muscles and ligaments, the disease appears after two months of walking. In rare cases, hallux valgus is congenital. The diagnosis is made in the maternity hospital or after the first month of the baby’s life. In order to detect pathology in a timely manner, an examination by an orthopedist is required in clinics.
With plano-valgus pathology, the inner edge of the feet sag, the toes are retracted outward, and the heel deviates to the outside of the foot. Treatment applied in a timely manner eliminates the risk of complications of the deformity. If there is no treatment, the condition of the lower extremities will worsen, leading to X-shaped deformation of the feet, ankles and knees. If there is a defect, the pelvis will be in an unnatural position, and the posture will be impaired. The child will develop pain and early osteochondrosis.
Causes of hallux valgus deformity:
If treatment for hallux valgus is carried out in a timely manner, the disease can be completely eliminated. To treat the disease, complex therapy is used, including: massage treatment, special gymnastic exercises, physiotherapy (electrophoresis using calcium), acupuncture, selection of orthopedic shoes, swimming, foot baths and magnetic therapy.
Treatment of damaged feet will take a lot of time. The massage course is 15 days, after which they take a break for two weeks. Wearing special orthopedic shoes will help in the fight against plano-valgus pathology; you will need to order them individually. It is better to perform various gymnastic exercises on special massage mats.
The condition of the child’s feet improves after about six months. If after prolonged treatment a positive result is not noticeable, the orthopedist prescribes the wearing of orthopedic splints and foot-correcting devices. Surgery is reserved as a last resort when other treatment methods do not bring a positive result.
Gymnastic exercises for plano-valgus deformity of the foot are performed daily, several exercises repeated 2-3 times. Examples of the exercise:
Exercise helps cure pathology. Start doing the complex on time, preventing the disease from worsening.
At the initial stage of the disease, it is permissible to treat flat-valgus foot in children with the help of massaging. Massage is done in the following ways: shaking, kneading, rubbing, stroking and others. Before carrying out, you will need to prepare properly. The procedure is carried out by a special doctor - a chiropractor (especially important for children under two years of age).
It is required that the treatment method be comfortable for children. To prepare your child for a massage, you can use the following tips:
With flat valgus feet, much attention is paid to lumbar massage. There are nerve endings that send impulses to the muscles of the lower extremities.
Manipulations performed by a chiropractor for plano-valgus pathology:
The duration of the massage is at least 12 sessions (for mild illness) or 20 sessions (for severe illness). Massage for hallux valgus lasts 10-20 minutes. The minimum number of courses per year is 3-4.
If the diagnosis is congenital, massage treatment begins at 1.5-2 months. Manipulations are carried out 45 minutes after the child has eaten (avoiding inducing vomiting with manipulations; immediately after eating, the massage will be more difficult for the child). The course is carried out at a time prescribed by the orthopedist. If parents do not know how to do massage, there is no special education or skills, it is better to entrust the child’s health to a doctor.
If a child has been diagnosed with flat-valgus feet, parents need to think about the choice of shoes that the child wears. Make sure that children have support on their feet from below and from the sides. You need shoes with a hard back and sides; choose a high and dense instep support. In order not to have to worry about choosing shoes, it is permissible to purchase special orthopedic shoes. There are two varieties: to treat the disease and for prevention.
If the disease has already been diagnosed in children, you will need to choose therapeutic orthopedic shoes. In order for it to better suit the child, and to provide maximum assistance, you need to submit an order to install shoes according to your own parameters (where every nuance of a particular child’s hallux valgus will be taken into account). Wearing orthopedic shoes during illness ensures normal functionality of the muscles (at rest), the load on the foot muscles during movement is distributed evenly.
Benefits of wearing orthopedic shoes:
Over time, the treatment of plano-valgus foot becomes more difficult. The older the children are, the worse the disease can be treated with massage or gymnastic exercises. If the chosen methods do not bring results, parents are offered a surgical method of intervention.
Modern operations are less traumatic than before. They do without metal inserts or manipulations to install plaster. During the intervention, the surgeon normalizes the angle in the bones and makes the correct distribution to the ligaments. After such an intervention, children are able to move independently within a day.
Prevention of hallux valgus in children begins before birth. Proper management of pregnancy helps protect future children from congenital and acquired diseases after birth. A pregnant woman should eat properly and follow the doctor's instructions. After the birth of a child, you need to minimize the load on your legs until 7-8 months, so that there is no heavy load on the weak muscles and ligaments of the legs. To correctly assess the health status of children, you need to visit a pediatrician and orthopedist in a timely manner.
Prevention rules for hallux valgus:
Such simple actions will help in the future to avoid the appearance and development of plano-valgus deformity of the feet.
Every day the baby gradually develops, changes are observed throughout the body, in particular the feet and limbs. It is important to monitor the normal course of this process. Any negative features require immediate medical intervention and proper treatment.
Regular examination will help to avoid the occurrence of many diseases and abnormalities, for example, hallux valgus. According to statistics, about 30% of children under the age of five suffer from various foot diseases. Minor pathologies can develop into serious health problems.
Valgus deformity of the foot in children is a change in its shape and axis. The foot changes seriously: the toes turn out, the heel changes its usual position. The problem is quite difficult not to notice; over time, the knees bend in different directions, and the baby’s legs become disproportionate.
The child complains of pain, clubfoot is observed, and in most cases swelling appears in the heel area. Like many diseases, hallux valgus develops gradually; doctors distinguish several stages of pathology. At the beginning of the development of the disease, it is possible to cope with it; in severe cases, it is impossible to avoid defects for life.
Valgus deformity of the foot in children, according to experts, occurs due to overload of the musculoskeletal system in infancy. Sometimes parents want their baby to walk so badly, without thinking about the consequences. The baby’s ligamentous apparatus may not be able to cope with the loads, which leads to the appearance of pathology.
Early load on the ligamentous apparatus is a common phenomenon, but is not the main cause of hallux valgus in a child.
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Additional negative factors include:
Identifying the cause of the disease is the key to prescribing the correct treatment and quick recovery. Only a qualified specialist can determine a negative factor. You can identify “problems” at home, knowing the parameters of a child at a certain age. If deviations become noticeable when measuring your baby’s feet, visit a pediatrician or pediatric orthopedist.
Depending on the severity of the disease, there are several degrees:
Orthopedists use a classification depending on the cause of the disease:
If you suspect hallux valgus in children, visit a pediatric orthopedist immediately. Based on an external examination, the doctor will make a preliminary diagnosis; special diagnostic measures will help confirm the presence of the disease in the child:
To exclude pathologies of the central nervous and endocrine systems, be sure to show your baby to a pediatric neurologist or endocrinologist. It would be a good idea to visit a surgeon; this specialist will help diagnose the extent of damage to the foot area.
This category includes all manipulations aimed at restoring the normal, anatomical position of the child’s foot. The choice of treatment technique depends on the severity of the disease, the severity of the situation, and the individual characteristics of the child.
Effective methods of treating hallux valgus in children include:
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This technique is suitable for eliminating deformation in the early stages. Traditional medicines relieve swelling and pain, but they are not able to completely cope with the problem. Homemade recipes are easy to prepare and absolutely safe for your baby’s health:
Folk medicines quickly cope with unpleasant sensations and are allowed for children from infancy. Before using any treatment method, be sure to ensure that there are no contraindications. Drug therapy is rarely used; in most cases it is aimed at eliminating the diseases that provoked foot deformity. Surgical intervention is indicated when all previous treatment methods are ineffective.
Coping with hallux valgus in a child is more difficult than trying to prevent the development of pathology. Prevention is quite simple, not including cases of congenital abnormalities:
Next video. A pediatric orthopedist about hallux valgus:
A diagnosis that states “plano-valgus foot deformity” sounds strange, because it is a rather rare term. This disease is similar to flat feet with the difference that in addition to the fact that the arches of the foot do not correspond to normal height, its axis is also curved - the sole of the foot from the toes to the heel tends outward, and the bone section falls inward. Thus, if you look at the legs from behind, a shape similar to the letter X is formed, this is a hallux valgus deformity. Among the treatments, the central place is occupied by gymnastics, special shoes and foot massage. Such foot deformity sometimes occurs not only in children, but also in adults, usually women who work in offices and at the same time walk in high heels.
Among the reasons for this abnormal position of the foot is the impact of the weight of the child’s body at a time when the ligaments of the foot are not yet sufficiently developed, in addition, the muscle tone is insufficient to properly hold the bones under load. The longitudinal arch of the foot decreases, it becomes flat, and at the same time it bends inward along with the displacement of the forefoot.
Negative changes often occur due to the fact that the bones of a small child are not sufficiently formed; they have a cartilaginous structure. The arch of the foot is completely formed by the fourth year, and the muscles and ligaments become strong enough only by the age of seven. Flat feet cannot be determined only by the appearance of the foot, because until the age of three, the arch of the sole of the foot is filled with fat, and you need to put your finger on the middle of the foot to make sure how freely it falls. But if the heels deviate outward and the shoes wear unevenly, then you need to consult an orthopedist.
Among the main causes of the disease:
Since both the foot and ankle joint are deformed, it is advisable to notice the anomaly early, when the child is just learning to walk. After all, if hallux valgus is not treated, the pelvis will subsequently suffer, posture, legs and spine may become significantly curved, this threatens the occurrence of pain and subsequent arthrosis and osteochondrosis.
At an early age, you can avoid the disease if:
The exercise should be done several times a day, three at a time. Exercises should not be performed barefoot or in socks, or in slippers or other soft shoes during exercise. The first results can be seen after two weeks of training.
Gymnastics for the treatment of hallux valgus in children and adults. To heal, you need:
The child needs to have a massage, and not only the foot and lower leg need to be massaged using a special technique, but also a special area of the lower back, in which the nerve endings that are responsible for the functioning of the muscles of the legs and buttocks are located. You need to start a massage from a professional, but over time, after observing, you can massage yourself. During the procedure, the feet should hang over the edge of the table, and there should be a soft cushion under the shins of the children's legs.
The child must wear special shoes that have a rigid part around the heel, preferably ankle boots that also support the ankle joint, as well as an instep support that raises the arch of the foot high. But you need to take into account that orthopedic shoes and insoles do not cure, but prevent further deformation of the foot. The main goal of treatment is the development of muscles and ligaments, which should subsequently normalize the condition of the foot. Constantly wearing orthopedic shoes harms the muscles and can even cause their atrophy, so you need to walk in soft shoes for a while, and if your condition improves, you should completely abandon special shoes.
With proper treatment in children, positive results can be seen within six months, but this is only with daily exercise, although improvement in the condition of children's feet may occur within a few weeks. Improvement should be perceived as the fact that the set of exercises has been selected correctly and you need to intensify your training. Children should not have a planovalgus anomaly after a year of intensive gymnastics, massage and not constantly wearing special shoes.
Incorrect foot alignment in children, flat feet, and bunions in the first toe in people over 20 years of age lead to constant tension in the leg muscles, inflammation of the joint tissues, and pain while walking. Gymnastics for feet with hallux valgus will help normalize the position of the joints. In order for exercise therapy to be effective, you need to know the specifics of conducting classes and regularly perform special exercises.
Foot valgus is an “X-shaped” deviation of the heel bone from the central axis. This curvature is caused by a weakened state of the tendons, ligaments and muscles that hold the talonavicular-calcaneal joints in the correct physiological position.
With a simultaneous decrease in the strength and elasticity of the connective tissue of the arch of the sole, the child develops plano-valgus deformity of the foot. In an adult, deviation of the big toe (bunion, Hallux valgus) is common due to the fact that the ligamentous-tendon apparatus of the metatarsophalangeal joints does not cope with its function. Therefore, the configuration of the joint changes, and a bump appears on the inner edge of the foot.
Since misalignment of the foot or toe deviation occurs due to weakening of the ligaments, tendons and muscles, it is necessary to strengthen them. The most effective way is therapeutic exercises for the feet. Exercise therapy exercises restore tone to tendon-ligamentous tissues, mobility of joints, relieve muscle spasms, and are considered the best prevention of bone formation.
Daily exercise strengthens ligaments and muscles, helps eliminate pain and inflammation. Gradually the joints return to their physiological position.
Typically, exercise therapy classes are supplemented with massage for valgus, the use of orthopedic insoles with high internal lateral arch support, soft pads, and finger orthoses.
Before starting classes, you should definitely consult with a specialist in physical therapy. After examining the patient, he will select a set of exercises to correct the deformity, taking into account all the individual characteristics of the person. The doctor will also determine the frequency of repetition of movements and the intensity of their implementation.
The following recommendations must be followed:
If the baby’s foot alignment is corrected, parents bring him to classes at the children’s clinic 2-3 times a week, but at home they do exercises for the legs every day.
Give the exercises funny names, for example, “bear”, “monkey”, “Christmas tree”. After all, activities conducted in a playful way will be perceived positively by the baby. It is also advisable to purchase special “finger” paints. They are safe for the baby’s delicate skin, and creating patterns with his toe on paper will bring him a lot of joy.
When working with children, parents should always support them and praise them even for small achievements. In addition, an activity with the presence of an adult will help the baby avoid accidental injuries and make him more confident and calm.
With valgus and flat-valgus feet in patients of any age, physical therapy should be carried out daily. In the morning you need to do the usual general strengthening exercises (squats, running in place, swinging your arms in a circle, “bicycle”, bending forward and to the sides). You need to set aside time during the day to develop your feet.
The main complex includes the following exercises:
Parents should keep a training diary in which they regularly note the quantity and quality of exercises performed, as well as the child’s behavior during classes and his attitude towards them.
Before starting treatment, you should consult an orthopedist or physiotherapist. They determine the duration of the course and the frequency of visits to the massage therapist. Specialists will teach parents simple techniques that can be used daily at home.
Massage technique at home:
Various massage techniques are used: patting with light stretching of the skin, circular, spiral, linear, pinch and vibration movements.
To get rid of deformation, a massage course should consist of 15-20 procedures, repeated at least 3-4 times a year. Treatment is carried out daily or every other day. At the beginning of the course, all manipulations are performed carefully, with light force; gradually the intensity of movements and the pressure exerted on the tissue increases.
The outer side of the lower limb is massaged with soft, smooth pressure, and the inner side - stronger, more intense. It helps to tone and strengthen weak muscles and tendons on the medial aspect of the leg, and relieve tissue tension on the outer side.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to completely stop the progression of foot pathology after the age of 12. The process of formation of osteoarticular structures is complete, so the pathology is difficult to correct with conservative methods. Adult patients require lifelong prevention of valgus progression.
Gymnastic complexes are made according to the same rules, the exercises included in them are similar to those recommended for children. To prevent the growth of bunions, experts advise performing all types of walking (on a tape, uneven surface, on toes, heels, the outer edge of the foot). It is necessary to roll round objects with your foot, and move small items - matchboxes, pencils, beans - from the floor to a hill.
Lying in bed, you can draw figures, numbers or write letters in the air with your feet, make various movements with your toes, pull your sock towards you without bending your knee. Sitting on a chair, you need to crumple an imaginary fabric on the floor. Then they place their feet parallel to each other, begin to raise their toes up, then lower them down.
Gymnastics is combined with massage. The course of treatment consists of 10 sessions, performed every other day, 2-3 times a year. It is recommended to perform a massage after warm foot baths with the addition of sea salt, soda or a decoction of medicinal herbs.
Children and adults need to do therapeutic exercises and massage their feet daily to avoid curvature of the joints. Parents should choose shoes for their child that fit well and fit well on the foot. When the baby begins to walk, pediatricians recommend placing massage mats on the floor. It is also necessary to allow children to run more barefoot on the sand and lawn.
Adults are recommended to purchase a mechanical or electric foot massager. Men need to wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe and a heel no higher than 1.5 cm. Women must regularly change the style of their shoes, alternating stilettos with shoes on a flat platform, the optimal heel height is 3-5 cm. Shoes must be equipped with orthopedic insole. These measures prevent deformation of the big toe joint and outward deviation of the heel bone.
What orthopedic products can be used for this foot deformity?
Many soft, semi-rigid and hard devices are made for correcting foot joints or preventing bunions. It is more convenient and cheaper to order flat-valgus insoles, made according to individual casts of the foot, instead of orthopedic shoes. To stop the growth of a lump on the big toe, it is recommended to wear a valgus splint, an orthosis, a bandage, and Valgosocks. They fix the joint in a physiological position. With the correct selection, agreed upon with an orthopedist, these products will help maintain healthy feet.
How is foot valgus diagnosed?
The correct placement of the foot is checked using computer plantography and podometry. The appearance and severity of deviation of bones from the physiological position is diagnosed by radiography, taking pictures in 3 projections.
What types of foot massagers are there?
You can massage the sole while walking on a special polymer mat with various protrusions that imitate pebbles, grass, and rough surfaces. Mechanical hand and floor massagers with various types of rollers are also manufactured. You can purchase small elastic balls or rollers with a smooth or needle-like surface to step on during gymnastics. Many electric massagers are additionally equipped with laser, magnetic or wave emitters. Hydromassage foot baths are also effective.
When do children undergo surgery for hallux valgus?
Many pediatric doctors, including Dr. E. O. Komarovsky, recommend treating curvature with conservative methods up to the age of 12. In adolescents, the foot is already fully formed, so surgical intervention is more often used. For children under 12 years of age, surgery is performed if the x-shaped curvature limits motor function or interferes with physical development.
Gymnastics for feet with hallux valgus is indicated for people of any age. For children under 8 months of age, emphasis is placed on massage, and children who have begun to walk begin to be taught regular therapeutic exercises. Special exercises not only gradually eliminate the deformity, they are also used for everyday prevention of valgus.