Valgus foot in a 5-year-old child. Hallux valgus - types, symptoms, treatment, massage. Age feature or pathology

"The bear is walking through the woods...". We all know these lines from childhood. But what interests us now is not the hero of the lines himself, but his clubfoot. Or rather, its projection on the human body is flat feet. In children, this pathology is called flat foot valgus. It refers to defects in the musculoskeletal system, if you do not notice it in time, it causes a number of serious complications.

What is valgus flatfoot?

This pathology is associated with a weakening of the ligamentous apparatus of the legs, as well as a decrease in muscle tone. The lower limbs lose their strength and support, which leads to deformation of their shape. The disease has two forms: congenital and acquired. Congenital deformity can be detected directly in the hospital, but it is quite rare. More often in children develops an acquired form that becomes noticeable after the child begins to walk. Valgus flatfoot is a widespread disease.

In order not to miss the beginning of its development, children must undergo scheduled examinations by a surgeon or orthopedic doctor.

Causes of deformation

One of the common causes of hallux valgus is the early onset of independent walking of the child (at 9-10 months). It should be remembered that do not force the baby to stand on its feet, force it to walk. He will do it himself when he is ready for it (when he feels strength in his legs and can overcome his fear). Otherwise, you will put pressure on the immature musculoskeletal system of the child, which will cause the development of pathology.

Other factors provoking the occurrence of this deformation include:

consequences of rickets;
birth injuries (especially in the area of the hip joint);
heredity;
a large body weight, which increases the load on the legs;
injuries of the spine and lower extremities;
polio;
muscular underdevelopment.

It is very important to choose the right and comfortable shoes for kids, in which the child's foot feels soft and comfortable. The sole should not be flat, there must be a deflection in the heel area.

Symptoms

Defects of the flat-valgus foot are pronounced and immediately attract attention. In this case, a violation of the arch of the foot occurs: the inner edge of the foot hangs strongly, the fingers move to the side. Subsequently, the legs become X-shaped, the distance between the ankles with reduced limbs can be 5 cm or more. When a child takes his first steps, he does not feel any discomfort. He then becomes less active due to the pain that comes with walking. Then the gait changes in children, stoop appears and posture changes.

This pathology leaves its characteristic mark on shoes. She tramples in such a way that the heel slides inward. Shoes wear out fairly quickly. If the child continues to wear it, he aggravates the defect in his legs.

Untreated valgus setting of the legs threatens with such complications:

violation of the physiological curves of the spine (scoliosis);
circulatory disorders;
displacement of the hip and knee joints (change in the position of the pelvis);
shortening of 1 leg;
flat feet.

In adulthood, this threatens with the appearance of osteochondrosis and arthrosis.

Osteochondrosis

arthrosis

Degrees

The severity of the disease varies depending on the how many degrees does the foot deviate from the normal axis:

1st degree: The slope angle is up to 15 degrees. It responds well to treatment.
2nd degree: The slope angle is 15-20. The foot can be corrected thanks to physiotherapeutic measures and physiotherapy exercises.
3rd degree: angle is 20-30. Requires long-term, complex treatment.
4th degree: the angle is more than 30. Conservative treatment may be ineffective. In this case, the child needs surgical treatment.

Treatment

Therapy of the disease requires individual approach. To study the features of the foot, its shape and the distribution of the load on its surface, diagnostic methods such as computer plantography and podometry are used. Treatment must be comprehensive. The most effective methods include:

massage;
swimming;
foot baths;
physiotherapy;
muscle electrical stimulation.

Massage is very important for flat-valgus foot.

The average number of sessions is 15 days, but the orthopedic doctor should determine the exact figure. It is based on the degree of the disease (1 session lasts about 20 minutes). For a year, the child must undergo at least 4 massage courses.

Massage procedures are carried out by a manual therapist. But later, parents can master these manipulations themselves and do massage at home on their own. At the same time, the baby should be in a good mood, not be capricious. Otherwise, he will not allow the procedure to be completed. It is important that at least 30 minutes pass after eating and before the start of the manipulation.

You should massage not only the feet, but also the legs, thighs and buttocks. Particular attention is paid to the back, lumbar area. From here, the nerves that innervate the muscles of the legs depart. Therefore, this area must be stimulated. If the pathology is congenital, massage is allowed from 2 months.

In addition to massage, it is mandatory to perform physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy). To get started, visit a specialized complex with your child to see how professionals perform this gymnastics. After attending a few classes and capturing the essence, you can do such gymnastics at home. It can be carried out separately during the day or combined with morning exercises. Suitable exercises are:

draw a narrow path (the child must walk along it without going beyond the edges);
walking on the outer surface of the feet;
grab various small objects with your toes;
squat without lifting your feet;
stand on your toes, stretching your arms, then squat completely on the foot.

There are many exercises. They can be combined at your discretion. But each bundle must be repeated several times. From physiotherapeutic procedures, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, acupuncture are prescribed. Paraffin therapy and mud applications are also particularly effective.

One of the most enjoyable and exciting procedures for children is foot baths.

The temperature should be around 40, you can add sea salt. At the bottom, lay a massage mat on which the baby will walk. The duration of the procedure should be no more than 30 minutes.

All of these therapeutic measures are aimed at improving blood circulation and innervation of the muscles of the lower extremities, as well as strengthening the ligamentous apparatus. In a situation where conservative treatment does not work, splints or splints are applied to give the foot the correct position. In some cases, surgery is performed. It is usually used for advanced forms of the disease, when parents asked for help late. The operation is reduced to the normalization of the angle of the arch of the foot. After it, the child quickly recovers: literally the next day he can walk on his own.

For information on how to do massage and gymnastics with flat-valgus feet, see the following video.

How to choose shoes and insoles

Treatment of a hallux valgus will not be effective enough if the baby does not wear orthopedic shoes. Its purpose is to clearly fix the foot in the desired position. At the first stage of the disease, it will be enough to purchase an orthopedic insole at the pharmacy. In other cases, the selection and manufacture of such shoes is carried out individually, taking into account the recommendations of a specialist.

The orthopedic effect is achieved by the presence in these boots of the following elements:

insoles with an arch support (prevents the foot from moving inward);
hard back;
optimal height;
soles with a bend and a heel (flat is excluded).

Forecasts

A child's foot is fully formed by the age of 12. Until then, there is still room for improvement. The earlier the pathology is detected and treatment is started, the greater the likelihood of recovery. If therapy is started at 1-2 years of age, the defect can be eliminated completely. It is important that the treatment is comprehensive and adjusted specifically for your child. All recommendations must be followed regularly.

The later the correction of the valgus foot is started, the harder it is to return it to its correct shape.

If the disease is not treated, or therapy is started late, there is a risk of complications (often from the spine and joints). They are subjected to a large load, and this, in turn, causes deformation and dysfunction. Subsequently, this leads to disability.

Prevention

Preventive actions of this disease are quite simple, but they should start from the very birth of the child:

Do not rush to put a load on the baby's legs too early (put him in a walker or force him to walk). Up to 8 months, his muscles and ligaments are still quite weak, you should not overstrain them.
Let children walk barefoot, especially on uneven terrain. At the same time, the muscles that regulate the functions of the foot will be included in the work and strengthened.
Be sure the child should go in for physical education, do gymnastics. Perfect fit active species sports.
Watch your child's diet: it should be balanced, enriched with vitamins.
In the children's room, you can lay an orthopedic rug (canvas with protruding small elements). It will also stimulate the work of the muscles of the foot, strengthen them.
Children of 1 year of age should definitely undergo a massage course 1-2 times a year. It is carried out not only to treat the disease, but also to prevent pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
It is necessary to undergo scheduled examinations by an orthopedic doctor or surgeon.

An important aspect is the selection of shoes for a child:

Try to choose it strictly by size, without making a "stock for next year." While the foot is developing, its configuration is constantly changing. The shoes that the child wore this year may not be suitable for him next season.
The baby's shoes should fit him in length and width. Otherwise, the leg will hang from side to side in them, it will not be fixed.
Try to buy shoes from natural materials to maintain air circulation.
Shoes with pointed toes and heels are unacceptable for children.

Prevention of the development of a flat-valgus foot is quite simple: it is important to monitor the health of the child and provide him with a healthy, active lifestyle.

The opinion of Dr. Komarovsky

Dr. Komarovsky claims that many mothers make an unreasonable stir around the valgus foot. That is, sometimes the problem is far-fetched. Moreover, there is interesting fact. All newborn babies have flat feet. As the child grows older, the weight of the child increases, the load on the legs increases, the muscles begin to work. In this case, the foot changes its shape, its arch is formed. This process takes up to 12 years.

The shoes worn by the child do not affect the development of the discussed pathology. The problem appears when children constantly walk on a flat surface (asphalt, laminate, parquet, linoleum). At the same time, the muscles of the foot practically do not strain, do not develop. That is, the benefits of civilization simplify life, become the cause of disruption in the development of the child's body.

To prevent the development of a defect, let the child run barefoot more often on grass, sand, earth. Then his muscles will begin to work intensively, the correct arch of the foot will form. The Swedish wall is ideal. All kinds of logs and ladders in its composition will knead the child's foot. One hour a day of such procedures is enough for the problem to no longer arise.

There are two forms of flat-valgus foot: congenital and acquired. They talk about congenital pathology when a child is born with such a foot, in the process of development it does not change. That is, it is an anatomical defect of the foot. It's hard to fix it. To do this, use special shoes or even surgery. Most of the time, everything is left as it is.

Acquired valgus foot is a functional pathology. It develops when the foot does not receive adequate loads. It can be corrected with the help of exercises and special shoes. The arch of the foot is a kind of shock absorber that softens the load. If it is broken, then most of the pressure is not on the foot, but on the hip and knee joints.

More often with this pathology, pain is felt in them, and not in the foot. Help your child form the correct legs. But do it not with the help of shoes, but through physical activity (running, jumping). This is the opinion of Dr. Komarovsky.

In the next video, Elena Malysheva and neurologist Dmitry Shubin will tell you everything you need to know about flat-valgus foot placement in children.

Hallux valgus is the most common foot defect that occurs in newborns. Its vault differs from the normal and regular structure in a flatter appearance. In this case, the sole has an almost even base, the axis of the child's foot is curved.

Reasons for the defect

The appearance of hallux valgus in a newborn may be associated with some abnormalities during fetal development. Among specialists, there are many theories of its occurrence, research is being carried out in many institutes of orthopedics. The famous pediatrician Komarovsky believes that the diseases that mothers suffer during pregnancy and their improper treatment are to blame:

viral infections;
colds and acute respiratory infections.

Reviews of young mothers on thematic forums speak of the relationship between the incorrect position of the fetus and

valgus deformity. A more proven reason according to Komarovsky is the rapid growth of the bones of the lower leg and the entire lower limb with a general weakening of the musculoskeletal system of the newborn.

The danger for children lies in the likelihood of curvature of the legs, problems with the spine, diseases such as bursitis, osteochondrosis and scoliosis, which are not always treatable. Therefore, flattening should be identified and treated as early as possible.

How to determine the pathology in a baby?

This specific foot disease cannot be detected with an ultrasound machine during pregnancy. Valgus deformity should be treated from the first days, so all children after birth should be examined by a pediatrician. Komarovsky advises visiting the doctor again in a few months to monitor the condition of the child with possible pathology.

As you can see, the valgus deformity of the foot in a newborn in the photo is almost invisible to young people. parents. In rare and severe cases, the legs are twisted inward and the calves have an X-shaped unnatural appearance. A special risk group is premature babies who are prone to hip dysplasia and weakness of underdeveloped muscles of the thighs and lower legs.

Self-determine pathological changes in a newborn, you can carefully look at the position of the feet. A consultation with an orthopedist is necessary if, as in the photo:

heels slightly raised up;
the inner space bulges outward.

There is likely to be a curvature problem here. It will clearly manifest itself at the first attempts of independent walking.

How to cure pathology?

When early detection defect and flattening of the arch of the foot, the chances of a quick and effective treatment According to experts, they are quite high. Deciding how to treat hallux valgus feet in a newborn, is taken by a pediatric orthopedist, offering traditional types of therapy:

Based on the opinion of Komarovsky expressed at the forum, many doctors are in no hurry to introduce serious procedures and alignment with splints. He believes that the body of a small child can accept the treatment well, and there is every chance of avoiding the intervention of the surgeon. According to parents, the systematic implementation of all prescriptions, compliance with therapeutic courses has a positive effect.

At the slightest suspicion of hallux valgus, you should contact an orthopedist who will determine the need for treatment or prophylaxis.

According to statistics, almost every child under 5 years of age who has deviations in the development of the feet (40-80%) also has a diagnosis of plano-valgus deformity of the feet. It is accompanied by the following deviations:

flattening of the longitudinal arch;
valgus position of the posterior section;
abduction-pronation position of the anterior section.

The maximum percentage is observed in children of primary school and preschool age. Although there are times when this diagnosis can be considered unauthorized.

The shape of the foot, formed in the course of evolution, provides an even distribution of body weight. The bones of the foot, connected by strong interosseous ligaments, form its arch, the role of which is to provide maximum cushioning of movements when running and walking. Convex arches are oriented in two directions - transverse and longitudinal. Therefore, normally, the foot of an adult has three points of support - the head of the first metatarsal bone, the calcaneal tubercle and the fifth metatarsal bone.

In children, flattening of the arch of the foot, as a rule, occurs during the period when the baby is just taking the first steps; this is due to quite serious loads on the legs when trying to take a step. Of course, you can’t expect a perfectly correct foot placement or hip-to-hip gait from a baby right after he first got on his feet. You should not panic or immediately put an end to a sports or military career.

As a rule, the first complaints of parents arise when the child takes the first independent steps. In this case, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between the physiological flattening of the arch of the foot of a child who has not yet reached the age of three years, and the flat-valgus deformity proper, which already requires the supervision of an orthopedist. Up to three years of age, children have a “fat pad” on the plantar aspect of the foot, so the arch of the foot is not visible with a simple visual inspection. But it will be noticeable if you ask the baby to stand on his toes. Bone the child continues to form up to 5-6 years, so only during this period it makes sense to start a conversation about the absence or presence of a flat-valgus DEFORMATION in a baby as such.

Although it should be borne in mind that flat-valgus feet in children can lead to such negative consequences as:

severe curvature of the spine;
constant pain in the legs;
"adult" diseases - osteochondrosis, arthrosis.

In some cases, the diagnosis of "valgus feet" is made to the child in the hospital. In this case, the congenital nature of the disease (vertical ram) takes place.

Causes of foot deformities

1. Connective tissue dysplasia (78%). Polluted water and air, poor quality food lead to the fact that connective tissue, which is the basis of the ligamentous apparatus of the joints (as well as all other organs), is formed incorrectly.

2. Incorrect children's shoes (soft models with flat soles that do not properly fix the foot).

3. The kid is not engaged physical education V preschool institutions and in the family.

4. Genetic and endocrine (diabetes, thyroid disease) disorders.

5. Osteoporosis (damage to the bones of the skeleton).

6. Various foot injuries.

Doctors identify a number of theories that can be used to explain the etiopathogenetic mechanisms:

anatomical theory;
vestimentary theory;
static-mechanical theory;
theory of hereditary muscle weakness;
theory of constitutional weakness of the connective tissue.

Classification:

hypercorrection in the treatment of clubfoot;
congenital;
paralytic;
rickets;
traumatic;
static.

Doctors distinguish three degrees of severity of flat-valgus deformity of the feet: mild, moderate and severe. The so-called rocking foot (vertical ram, paperweight foot) is the most severe degree of deformity. It is detected immediately at birth, the incidence of detection is 1 per 10,000 newborns. The etiopathogenesis of this deformity has not yet been fully elucidated. As the most likely cause of the deformity, doctors single out a malformation of the germ and a delay in its development at one of the stages of embryo formation.

Foot parameters are normal:

if you draw two lines - along the lower contour of the calcaneus and the first metatarsal bone - so that the top of the angle is in the region of the scaphoid, this angle should be 125 °;
height of the longitudinal arch - 39-40 mm;
valgus position of the hindfoot - from 5 to 7 °;
the angle of inclination of the calcaneus relative to the plane of support is from 20 to 25°.

The height of the longitudinal arch of the foot in preschool children can normally be 19-24 mm.

Light degree is characterized by the following parameters:

the height of the longitudinal arch of the foot is reduced to 15-20 mm;
vault height angle reduced to 140°;
the angle of inclination of the calcaneus - up to 15°;
valgus position of the posterior section - up to 10 °;
abduction of the forefoot (8-10°).

Average degree:

the arch of the foot is reduced to 10 mm;
vault height reduced to 150-160°;
the angle of the calcaneus up to 10°;
valgus position of the posterior section and abduction of the anterior section - up to 15 °.

Severe degree:

the arch of the foot is reduced to 0-5 mm;
the angle of height of the arch of the foot is reduced to 160-180°;
the angle of inclination of the calcaneus - 5-0°;
valgus position of the posterior section and abduction of the anterior section - more than 20 °;
severe deformity is rigid and cannot be corrected;
constant pain syndrome in the region of the Choparov joint.

The foot is the foundation, the "foundation" of our body. And if the foundation is crooked, then an even, reliable house cannot be built on it. Plano-valgus deformity of the feet entails valgus (X-shaped) deformity of the knee and ankle joints, incorrect position of the pelvis, and posture disorders. The curvature of the axes of the spine and limbs leads to an overload of the muscles, which will unsuccessfully try to keep the body in the correct position. As a result - the appearance of pain, the early development of arthrosis, osteochondrosis.

Prevention:

Loading the baby's legs before 7-8 months is not worth it. As an element of gymnastics, you can attach a baby earlier, but only for a short time and always with support.
Prevent rickets.
The kid should wear the right shoes: having a hard high back (3-4 cm above the heel), which helps to keep the heel on the axis of the lower leg, as well as a flexible sole and a small arch support.
Be sure to undergo examinations by an orthopedist (1, 3 and 6 months of life, a year and three, from 4 years old - annual visits).

Treatment

In view of all of the above, parents need to understand that flat feet are a serious problem only when the feet are not just flat, but also cause discomfort to the baby when walking or running. If, when lifting on toes, the arches of the feet of the baby look normal and do not bother him in any way, then treatment is not required.

If flat feet are also painful, rigid (stiff) - this is a completely different situation. Here, the help of an orthopedist who regularly deals with the feet is already needed in order to correctly assess the severity of the pathology and develop adequate tactics for managing the patient. It can be either orthotics with the help of specialized shoes, or surgical treatment in various options:

1. Grice's operation (subtalar arthroeresis).

Before treatment After treatment

2. The Dobbs method for the treatment of a vertical ram (staged plastering followed by percutaneous fixation with a Kirschner wire).

The Dobbs method consists in conducting 5-6 sessions (one per week) of gentle manual correction of foot deformities. Each session ends with a cast of the involved lower extremities, aimed at securely holding the feet in the position of the maximum possible correction. In this case, a plaster cast is applied from the upper third of the thigh to the fingertips with the knee joint bent to 90°.

Soft tissues in children are sufficiently extensible, which allows, from session to session, gradually, without anesthesia, to eliminate dorsiflexion, pronation and abduction of the forefoot and bring them into the position of supination, varus and plantoflexion. For 5-6 sessions, clinical and radiographically, the anatomical relationships in the joints of the middle and hindfoot are normalized. The last stage consists of two surgical manipulations: fixation of the talonavicular joint with a Kirschner wire in the correct position (percutaneously, under the control of the image intensifier) and complete percutaneous achillotomy.

After these manipulations, a plaster cast is applied for up to 8 weeks. After the needles are removed, the child is in plaster boots (without fixation knee joint; with the calculation of the longitudinal arch; with the possibility of full support on the legs). Then, in order to prevent recurrence of foot deformities, up to 4 years of age, babies are prescribed an orthopedic regimen of wearing braces. As after the Ponseti treatment, children wear brace at the first stage 23 hours a day (for 4 months), then the wearing time is gradually reduced, and later the brace is worn only during sleep (night and daytime). The difference from the Ponseti method is only in the angular settings of the foot abduction. In the future, children treated according to the Dobbs method wear orthopedic shoes with a longitudinal arch.

3. Various soft tissue and arthrodesis surgeries.

It must be understood that when making a diagnosis and treatment, all the nuances must be coordinated with both an orthopedist and doctors of related specialties (massage therapist, exercise therapy doctor, physiotherapist, etc.).

You can get a preliminary consultation with specialists on the condition of the child's feet by filling out the form (for a child under one year old with photos of the feet, over 1 year old with photos of the feet and a video of walking).

From the moment the baby is born and the end of his first year of life, a lot of time passes. During this period, the baby learns to live in a new world for himself, walks awkwardly. If the baby’s gait has not changed for the better (the child continues to step on the inner surface), pay attention, your baby may have a valgus deformity of the foot.

Do not panic! Plano-valgus pathology is treatable. Immediately visit the pediatrician, the doctor will carefully examine the condition of the baby, prescribe the appropriate treatment. In most cases, the use of orthopedic shoes, special exercises are required, only in advanced situations, surgical intervention is necessary.

Causes of pathology

What is a hallux valgus in children? Pathology is an inward curvature of the lower leg, foot, accompanied by a deviation of the heel and fingers outward, a decrease in the arch, the size of the crumb foot itself. Some call the disease the "butterfly effect" because the back of the foot looks like an insect. The hollow between the heel and the toes of the child practically disappears. If you put the baby on his feet, then the outlines of the letter "X" appear.

What causes a defect in children? The root of the problem lies in the structural features of the feet of babies, the impact of negative external factors. Doctors distinguish two types of the appearance of valgus feet in babies:

birth defect. Pathology is formed in the womb. The most dangerous cases: "rocking foot", "vertical ram". You can detect a defect in the hospital or in the first month of a baby's life;
acquired pathology. Occurs against the background of imperfection of the children's ligamentous apparatus. Under the influence of negative factors during the period when the baby begins to take the first steps, there are problems with walking. The diagnosis is made in the first 10–14 months of life (during this period, the gait of the baby is clearly visible).

Doctors identify several main factors leading to the development of a valgus foot in a child:

small weight of the baby at birth;
prematurity of the child;
rickets, obesity of the baby;
genetic predisposition;
persistent colds, accompanied by serious complications in infancy;
damage and injury to the leg area, especially the feet;
early start of the baby's development on legs by parents. fledgling children's body can react sharply to untimely loads;
dysplasia;
long-term fixation of the leg (wearing a cast);
improperly selected shoes (inappropriate for the age of the child, made of low-quality materials);
Availability bad habits from the mother, which she did not give up during pregnancy. Strong stresses during the bearing of crumbs negatively affect the development of the fetus.

Sometimes a hallux valgus in children is accompanied by other diseases of the musculoskeletal tissue. The approach to treatment should be comprehensive, the root cause of the development of the defect is necessarily eliminated, the only way to completely return the child's legs to their previous appearance.

Valgus deformity of the foot is the norm for children up to three months old, the pathology is caused by hypertonicity of newborns. The defect is very common, disappears by itself up to six months of age. Pathology should not be confused with clubfoot, the latter ailment is only congenital in nature, valgus foot in children can be an acquired and congenital disease and develops in the first months of life if preventive measures are not followed, negative factors affect the child.

Characteristic signs and symptoms

Parents note the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms in the crumbs during the course of hallux valgus deformity of the foot:

clumsy gait;
foot shape - X-shaped;
while walking, the baby does not step on the entire leg completely, only on its inner part;
the baby shuffles all the time, there is constant fatigue in the legs, the baby often refuses to walk, prefers to crawl.

The clinical picture is observed in all children who begin to walk, with time the symptoms disappear, the child moves in the same way as adults. If time passes, and the symptoms persist, do not panic, contact a specialist to find out the reason for this turn of events, and if necessary, take up treatment.

The degree of development of the disease

Depending on the degree of deviation, doctors distinguish several stages of the development of the disease in children:

the degree of deviation is 10–15, the pathology responds well to treatment, sometimes it is enough just to change shoes;
deformation - 15-20 degrees, it becomes difficult for the child to walk, for a full recovery it will take a lot of effort;
the angle of deviation with a valgus foot in a baby is about 30 degrees. Treatment of such a pathology is long, requires constant monitoring by parents and physicians;
pathology - more than 30 degrees. With such a deviation from the norm, long-term therapeutic treatment is carried out, the absence positive results forces physicians to resort to the surgical elimination of a foot defect in a child.

Often, babies with a flat-valgus foot develop flat feet. Lack of treatment leads to the emergence in mature childhood osteochondrosis, arthrosis, scoliosis, even various deformities of the lower leg and knee joint. Rarely, one leg is shortened, clubfoot develops in the other direction against the background of the course of valgus deformity of the foot. Timely treatment, a serious attitude to the health of the baby will help to avoid negative consequences.

Diagnostics

A small patient requires special attention, specific treatment. Only an experienced specialist can cope with the diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. Special devices (tires, splints, plaster fixing bandages) will help get rid of the pathology, you can select the necessary thing only after carrying out the necessary diagnostic manipulations:

radiography. They do it in three different angles, they are rarely used for small children, only in difficult cases;
podometry. The method allows to clarify the situation with a controversial diagnosis;
computer planography. It implies the study of the morphological parameters of the child's foot.

With visible signs of a defect, the use of special fixing devices is prescribed.

Test at home

You can also independently determine the presence of pathology in the crumbs. To detect the problem, you will need to perform the following manipulations:

you need the usual butter and a sheet of paper, A4 format;
lubricate the baby's feet with the product, put it on paper, wait for the oil to be absorbed. Feet should be parallel to each other at a short distance;
evaluate the resulting "picture". Oil prints should be appropriate for the age of the child, pay attention to the outer contour.

You can take the drawing with you to the appointment with the doctor in order to speed up the diagnostic process, to cope with the defect (if any) faster.

Effective Therapy Options

An orthopedic doctor, after examining a small patient, will prescribe treatment for hallux valgus deformity in children. The child's leg grows up to 12 years, the situation can change radically, sometimes treatment is not required at all.

Physiotherapy

Turn healing exercises into a game. Get colored rugs and other devices, perform manipulations regularly, gradually increasing the load and complexity:

let the child walk on the outside of the foot for at least 2 minutes. Everyone knows the exercise called "bear clubfoot";
draw a path up to 15 centimeters wide. The baby should walk along it without stepping over the lines;
great for the treatment of crumbs walking on uneven surfaces (mainly in summer): running on sand smooth stones. At home, you can make an artificial beach from special soft balls, tightly packed in a tall tray.

Additionally, they seek help:

orthopedic shoes. Special instep supports, screeds for fingers and correctors are used. These products are effective for early stages development of hallux valgus in children. Shoes need to be changed as the crumbs grow;
physiotherapy(electrophoresis, acupuncture, magnetic therapy, therapeutic swimming and many other methods). They cannot completely rid the baby of the disease, but they stop the pain syndrome, improve blood circulation, and, accordingly, the effectiveness of medications (if they are taken as prescribed by the doctor);
foot massage. Trust your baby's feet to a professional. Only a specialist will be able to put pressure on the right points, to contribute to a speedy recovery. Massage is carried out in courses of ten sessions approximately once every three months.

Note! Any manipulations are allowed only with the consent of the attending physician. Self-treatment of the child can lead to further complications, a sharp deterioration in the well-being of the crumbs.

Surgery

It is used in extreme cases, when there is a progression of the disease, the absence of positive results from conservative methods. Modern orthopedic surgery to eliminate flat valgus deformity of the foot is microtraumatic, in contrast to the application of plaster and the use of metal structures (the techniques were used frequently until recently).

The essence of the operation is to change the angle between the bones of the foot, the pulling moment of the ligaments is distributed correctly. After surgery, the baby recovers quickly, the very next day after the operation, the child is able to move independently. The likelihood of relapse after such treatment is reduced to almost zero.

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It is realistic to prevent the occurrence of a valgus foot defect in a child, adhering to the following principles:

buy the right shoes with a small heel, tight fixation of the foot, orthopedic insoles, arch support. If there are no deformations, do not purchase orthopedic shoes, in some cases it negatively affects the baby's foot;
it is strictly forbidden to buy shoes for growth. Too loose shoes lead to the development of many diseases;
visit your pediatrician regularly preventive purposes. Ignoring the examination by a specialist sometimes leads to neglect of the disease.

The valgus foot in the crumbs is not a reason to panic. The pathology is treatable, the child will be able to walk like all other children. The main thing is to identify the defect in time, seek medical help.

The following video shows a therapeutic massage for hallux valgus in children, which should be done every day, preferably in the morning:

Valgus deformity of the foot in children occurs at preschool age. It is important to detect the pathology in time and proceed with immediate treatment. With a competent approach, it is possible to correct the situation and restore the normal state of the foot.

Valgus deformity of the foot in a child is a pathology that entails a decrease in the height of the arch of the foot, accompanied by a curved axis, forming an X-shaped position. Experts note that with such a diagnosis, there is a turn of the heel and toes to the outside, the middle section of the foot drops, and the gait becomes clumsy.

Do not confuse valgus deformity of the foot with varus, in which a 0-shaped position is formed

With hallux valgus, there is a distance of about 5 cm between the ends of the ankles with strong compression, as well as straightening the knees. Toes and heel go to the outside, inner sides create a feeling of "stuffing".

If the diagnosis reveals a strong decrease in the location of the arches of the feet, then we are talking about plano-valgus deformity of the foot in a child. It is this type of pathology that occurs most often.

Valgus deformity can be caused by several reasons. They must be identified so that the treatment regimen exactly matches the existing history. Pathology is divided into congenital and acquired.

congenital

Doctors share several degrees of the disease:

light;
average;
complex.

The most severe degree is the "rocking foot", which is diagnosed at the time of birth. The pathogenesis of such a severe deformity has not yet been fully established. One of the main reasons is considered a malformation.

With congenital valgus deformity, there are serious intrauterine pathologies associated with the shape, as well as the structure, location of the bone component of the foot. As a rule, the diagnosis is made in the first three months after birth.

A dangerous pathology of intrauterine development of the feet is considered to be a condition when a baby has a “rocking foot”, “vertical ram”. Such disorders are diagnosed immediately after childbirth, and doctors begin treatment, rehabilitation, and correction.

What reasons can lead to such violations during gestation?

hereditary factor.
Lack of protein, phosphorus.
Non-compliance with the regimen prescribed by the doctor.
Severe stress, anxiety, malfunctions of the nervous system.
External factors.
Ecology.
Infectious and viral diseases transferred during pregnancy.

Acquired valgus deformity occurs due to an imperfect tendon-ligamentous apparatus that has not developed to the proper level. Deviations in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system can also greatly affect.

Deviations are revealed closer to the year, when the baby begins to try to take his first steps. Most often, pathology is diagnosed in children who suffer from muscle hypotension. The reasons may be the following:

prematurity;
intrauterine malnutrition;
weakening of connective tissues;
frequent colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu.

An important component of this disease is rickets, which has a direct effect on the ligamentous-muscular and bone apparatus.

Valgus deformity can also develop due to:

polyneuropathy;
myodystrophy;
poliomyelitis;
obesity;
mechanical damage to the ligaments and past injuries;
dysplasia;
hip dislocation.

Often the disease occurs in children who are put on their feet too early, which is a strong burden on the spine and feet. Incorrect shoes that are too soft or do not fix the foot are a contributing factor to the development of the disease.

When the muscle tone weakens, the flattening of the arches of the foot occurs due to the severity of the body weight, the muscles, the ligaments of the fingers are weakened, they are stretched, and the foot is not held in its normal position.

Symptoms of pathology

Almost always, the very first signs are found by parents closer to the 12-month-old age of the child. It is during this period that the baby begins to take the first steps, and the pathology becomes apparent.

So, the following signs are noted.

While walking, the child does not step on the entire foot, only on the inner edge of its base.
Over time, the position of the feet becomes X-shaped.
There is clumsiness in gait.
The child walks uncertainly, the impression of "shuffling" is created.
The patient gets tired very quickly during active games and during physical exertion.
In the evenings, the child complains of pain in lower limbs, spine.
When walking for a long time, the baby's foot may swell.
Sometimes there are cramps in the calves.
If parents carefully examine the child's shoes, they will notice that they wear out unevenly, they are only worn out from the inside of the sole.

Parents need to notice the first signs of the disease in time and make an appointment with a competent orthopedist who will prescribe treatment. Otherwise, serious complications may occur.

Proper diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. A pediatrician can suspect a pathology during a routine routine examination, then the doctor gives a referral to a pediatric orthopedic traumatologist, who will prescribe appropriate diagnostic measures and conduct a complete examination of the patient.

The following diagnostic measures are applied:

foot x-ray;
plantography;
podometry;
ultrasound examination of the joints.

Plantography makes it possible to calculate the morphological parameters of the feet, podometry assesses the level of load and detects violations at the earliest stages.

Methods of treatment of hallux valgus deformity of children's foot

Doctors say that treatment should be a complex various measures for the recovery of the patient.

Wearing orthopedic shoes

With hallux valgus, the doctor prescribes the use of special orthopedic shoes. The main factor is the full compliance with the size and shape of the foot to the selected block. Sometimes the shoes are made to order to fully match the baby's foot.

The next indicator is the level of stability of the shoe. There must be a small heel or rise, a rigid back that fixes the position of the heel. There should be a hard part on the sides, a high and dense arch support is required around the heel.

If the shoes are chosen correctly and fully fit the baby, then during walking, the functioning of damaged muscles is facilitated, which prevents the disease from developing further.

Plaster casts

Sometimes immobilization of the limb with plaster casts is required. The process of modeling and selection of materials is carried out by an orthopedist, who takes into account the following indicators.

Type of curvature of the foot.
Level of degree of deviation from normal indicators.
Individual features of the structure of the foot.

In the early stages, soft bandaging can be used. If it did not help or the situation is more advanced, then they resort to gypsum.

The doctor applies a circular plaster bandage, which clearly fixes the feet and ankles in a corrective position. During the application of plaster, the orthopedist carefully forms the necessary protrusions and depressions.

When applying gypsum in a child, the fingertips are not affected.

The bandage is worn for about a week, after which the doctor corrects the valgus manually, and then applies a special fixative.

To form a arch of the correct form and correct the foot, doctors prescribe to a young patient special exercises which he must perform at home in the bathroom. It is necessary to purchase a relief rug where the child will jump up and walk. Such exercises will have a stimulating effect on the sole, increase its sensitivity, and reduce the load on the lower limbs.

Foot massage

Massage contributes to general strengthening, increases muscle tone, improves joint mobility, and also has a positive effect on the neurological development of young patients.

The main task of the massage is to start blood circulation, providing a tonic effect to the muscles of the legs.

How to massage?

In the beginning, a general body massage is performed. Movements can be stroking, shaking. The abdomen must be massaged, moving clockwise. Then each foot is massaged in turn.
It is necessary to put the child on the stomach and massage the back and ribs.
Pay attention to the knee-elbow folds, performing pressing, rubbing movements.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is considered an auxiliary method of treatment. This method allows you to restart the metabolic processes inside the tissues, to establish the supply of nutrients.

So, most often the orthopedist prescribes:

electrophoresis;
magnetotherapy;
paraffin therapy.

The course lasts on average about 10-14 days, then you can visit the procedures once a week for a maintenance effect.

Physical exercise

An integral part of the treatment of valgus is exercise therapy, which includes the following exercises.

Flexion and extension of the toes.
Foot rotation.
Grabbing small objects with toes.
Roll small balls with the soles of your feet.
Divorces with heels.
Flattening of the toes.

Loads should not be excessive and cause discomfort to the baby.

Surgical correction

The radical treatment for valgus is surgery. Fortunately, it is required in rare cases. Specialists resort to the following operational techniques.

Transplanted tendons.
The foot fixation apparatus is applied from the outside.
Produce arthrodesis of the talo-navicular joint.

After the operation, the child needs recovery.

Prevention

Experts advise to follow prevention methods in order to protect babies from the disease in question.

Eliminate the load on the legs of babies aged 6-10 months.
Will provide good nutrition baby.
Do home gymnastics.
Choose the right shoes for the first step.
Ensure adequate sleep for your child.

The child's diet should include steamed or boiled dishes. It is forbidden to give babies fried, smoked food. Try to include more vegetables, fruits, meat in your diet, as they contain calcium and protein. Give children fish, this will ensure the intake of phosphorus in the body.

Drinking plenty of water is the key to maintaining the water balance in the body. Keep an eye on the child's drinking regimen, this will help increase muscle elasticity and improve metabolic processes in the body.

When choosing shoes, give preference to models with an arch support, a hard back and good fixation so that the baby’s leg does not move in the boot. Remember that the size of shoes must correspond to the length of the foot, only an excess of 1.5 centimeters is permissible.

Gymnastics should be daily, you can do the exercises at home. Make sure the child shows physical activity on the playground: jumping, running, climbing stairs.

Forecast and consequences

If signs of valgus deformity of the foot are detected in time, then the probability of complete recovery of the feet is high. A neglected form of valgus can lead to:

arthrosis;
osteoporosis.;
disability, loss motor activity limbs.