TREATMENT OF VALGUS FEET IN A CHILD

Treatment of valgus feet in children at the age of 1 year and a bit older leads to a favourable prognosis — the likelihood of completely resolving the problem approaches 100%.

Among the orthopedic diseases in children the change of foot is the most common pathology. Represents the curvature of the lower limb in the inner side. Develops under the influence of various external and internal factors. The shape of the foot: the shifted axis, the heel looks from the outside, the internal surface of the leg up, deformed fingers. When tightly compressed knees the distance between the joints is of 4-5 cm

When detected late, in advanced cases of the disease in adolescence have problems with the spine. Later treatment is started, the less likely full recovery.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HALLUX VALGUS IN A CHILD

Deformation of foot in children is a congenital anomaly or acquired disease. In all cases, it is the wrong location of the end, in relation to each other. Changes lead to the fact that the main load when walking, falls on the inner surface of the foot. The presence of symptoms in children up to 3 years, says for a change in the phase of pregnancy. The diagnosis is made by the orthopedic surgeon after a thorough examination.

Factors that are the impetus for the development of the pathology include:

• the lack of food.
• a wrong diet;
• the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body (lack of calcium and/or vitamin D), which leads to brittleness and softness of the bone tissue;
• at the beginning stands the child on his feet;
• mismatched shoes;
• often acute infections;
• injured ankle;
• prolonged immobility of the lower limbs due to the fact that in the plaster.

If the child begins early to walk (up to 1 year) or it is forced parents, in many cases, the foot is deformed. At an early age is the formation of ligaments, which often are not ready to load.

THE REASONS FOR THE FORMATION OF HALLUX VALGUS FOOT

Congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system of children — the virus that develop during pregnancy in mom, and appear after birth. The degree of curvature in the case of congenital hallux valgus is very pronounced. This is due to a variety of defects of individual elements of the musculoskeletal system, abnormalities in genes or chromosomes. Breaking the bones of the legs and their form in utero. Deformation of the stop is already apparent in the first months after the onset of the baby in the world.

An example is the genetic disorder Edwards syndrome – abnormality of a particular chromosome, that are located heavy the degree of curvature of the leg is a newborn stop rocking.

Other causes of congenital valgus foot, the child refers to a number of pathologies, which are diagnosed in the first weeks of life:

• in 80% of cases the body's connective tissue dysplasia with congenital hip injury;
• myodystrophy;
• cerebral palsy;
• polio and other infections of the Central nervous system;
• neuropathy – pathology of peripheral nerves.

The acquired form is the result of exposure to one or more factors after birth. Initially, the main reason is the weak apparatus of the legs, which is a violation of its proper position. This condition is diagnosed in the first days after birth. The development of the pathology can be affected by:

• prematurity or born with small body mass;
• excessive weight in children;
• endocrine pathology (diabetes, hypothyroidism);
• of metabolic disorders (osteoporosis, diseases of the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism).

VISIBLE SIGNS OF PATHOLOGY

Foot pain at the end of the day – the most common complaint of a child with a deformity. Objective pathology manifested in the following common features:

• unstable posture when walking from side to side;
• education of the single blisters;
• constantly divorced the fingers;
• difficulties when you try to put your heels together.

And is determined by three types of diseases:

1. The cross — extension of the forefoot with the expressed tension of muscles and tendons responsible for the strengthening of the fingers. This causes the child pain.
2. Longitudinal — shows change of the posture, the shape of the legs (if palpation there is a strong pain), fatigue from a long stay on his feet because of discomfort and pain.
3. Combo.

Develops, mainly, two types of deformity:

• X-form (direct, tight knees the distance between the inner surfaces between the ankles is greater than 5 cm, feet as seen outside);
• varus – O-form.

THE DEGREE OF DEVELOPMENT AND THE SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE

There are four stages of the disease:

• I — mild form of disease is characterized by a deformity of the foot not more than 15°, are well treated;
• Phase II — the turn up to 20°, is applied for therapeutic treatment;
• III degree — deformation up to 30°, require long intensive therapy;
• Stage IV — severe – deviation from the norm is more than 30°.

PATHOLOGY OF THE GREAT TOE

Deformity of the big toe, may not be a pathology. The curvature of the first toe is dependent on the degree of pathology. Correction of the bone is performed with the use of:

• physio treatment;
• installation orthoses;
• the operating method.

OF AND HOW TO TREAT?

Correction changes of the feet in children include restoring the normal position of the joints, muscles and ligaments of the feet. The goal of treatment is the possibility of walking without pain and discomfort. Therapy must be comprehensive. For the treatment of valgus of the foot the child uses:

• conservative;
• operating;
• an alternative method (osteopathy – allows you to cure almost all, except for the genetically induced, pathology).

Conservative includes:

• medications;
• kinesiotherapy;
• orthotics;
• physiotherapy.

DRUGS

Medical remedies in the X-shape of the distortion of the lower limbs are used to relieve the inflammation and pain of the joints. The Nsaids (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or corticosteroids is assigned with symptomatic target. They are short-term, dangerous for children side effects.

NEW TECHNIQUES

Modern treatment is kinesiotherapy is an innovative method, treatment and prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is based on the effects of the muscles with the use of a separate tape – kinesiotherapy. The method name is formed from two words: "kinesiot" means movement, "teip" – a real bar. Is to apply a separate strip of elastic material, adhesives, does not cause allergies. Method teip developed several years ago a Japanese doctor Kenzo KASE for the treatment of sports injuries. In the future is widespread. Kinesiotherapy with hallux valgus in children is widely used in recent years. This is due to the safety methods: when used without restriction of movement, discomfort, not to have allergies.

The fabric from which is made teip:

• it is a structure of fibers;
• good permeability of air;
• does not absorb sweat;
• do not cause pain or discomfort;
• does not hinder movement;
• do not be afraid of water – you can swim without removing the tape.

The exact sticking teip speeds up the healing process of joints, ligaments and muscles, without the use of drugs that can stop the progression of the pathological changes. This safe method helps:

• the cessation of the pain;
• to prevent further progression of the disease;
• to be fully cured.

Rules kinesiotherapy:

• teip applies only to clean, dry skin;
• for extended use kinesiotype need the edges to make it round;
• after sticking teip earth, to activate it.

MASSAGE ACTION

In the flat arch of the feet changes in the muscle tissue, which leads to disruption of the circulation of the blood, and in the future – for the development of irreversible processes. Therefore, massage is a necessary part of treatment. This is one of the physiotherapeutic methods of influence. Special skills for its implementation is not required, so you can do at home. The course is 10 sessions, if necessary, are recommended to be repeated every 3-4 months. The total time for a session is 20-30 minutes. We should start with a General massage – the child lying down on stomach with stretched along the body hands and turned aside his head. Movement and hand pressure must hurt.

Baby massage:

• back;
• the lumbar region;
• the buttocks;
• the muscles and joints of the feet, the soles.

Use the following methods:

• caress;
• friction;
• kneading;
• Pat;
• blowing from the back of his hand;
• pinching;
• to shake.

The use of massage must:

• to eliminate the increase of the tone of the muscles of the legs and lower part of the leg;
• to help get rid of unnecessary stress;
• strengthening of weak muscles, which contributes to the proper work of the whole muscular system;
• to improve the flow of blood to the muscles, ligaments, bones – it strengthens their power, and normalizes the growth and development of the lower limbs;
• to heal pathology in the early stages.

The baby in under 2 weeks this method eliminated the most serious health problems, including hip dysplasia. In this case, structural therapy is especially developed technique of spot and vibration massage. With their help, distribute the load of the joints. Feedback – to improve the circulation of blood and the disappearance of the pain.

Physical therapy

The use of physical therapy in the hallux valgus in children allows to correct disturbances in the joints and cure the disease in its early stages. Widely used:

• foot bath;
• complete stop the wax;
• electrophoresis of calcium;
• amplipulse therapy(effects on the body of the sinusoidal currents generated by the apparatus Amplipulse);
• wear the right shoes;
• therapeutic swimming;
• physiotherapy;
• the magnetic therapy.

A PLEASANT AND USEFUL GYMNASTICS

In the early stages of the deformity the child is treated with specific exercises. Their regular use helps to correct almost all diseases of the joints. Elements of medical gymnastics should be carried out on the day. The purpose of the physical therapy subject individually, depends on the deformation. Included elements of the game in which the child can carry items many times.

Daily need:

• to walk on toes and heels (the first rose, and then compressed toes) for 5 minutes;
• to compress and decompress the toes sitting on the floor with your legs extended;
• to pick up small objects;
• walk barefoot on uneven surface (this can be done at home on the pebbles, ), on the outer edge of the foot;
• roll the foot roller or a small ball of wood;
• rotate the foot from left to right and vice versa;
• squat without lifting feet on the floor.

A child should:

• walking the narrow path – it can be made at home from fabric or just draw;
• walk on the sidewalk on the street and in the summer, barefoot in the ground, sand, grass.

APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR IN THE TREATMENT VERY IMPORTANT

Mismatched shoes with the passage of time can deform the foot and bend of the big toe. Quality shoes contributes to the normal development of the muscles of the foot. When is selected, you will need to consider:

• accordance with the foot size, the practicality and comfort;
• manufacturer of natural materials;
• no sharp noses and heel in a Shoe for a teenager.

Appropriate shoes must have a closed rigid heel arch support. It is not allowed longer wearing sandals, without a heel fixed.

For the treatment of foot recommended special orthopedic appliances

• of the insole;
• retainer;
• bandage;
• bus.

TO GO OR NOT TO GO BAREFOOT?

The best prevention of problems with your feet — walking barefoot. This must be done not only at the level of the surface (floor), but also on rough terrain. If there is no opportunity for the child to run after country, grass and a variety of bumps, an alternative is the Swedish wall, which parents can buy and mount in the kindergarten of the child. It works on the muscles and ligaments of the foot while climbing on it. Recommended for walking barefoot baby mattresses with convex elements, which can be bought in baby store or orthopedic salon.

WHEN SURGICAL TREATMENT IS REQUIRED?

The treatment of club-foot in children is held by a conservative. Radical intervention is used when there is no effect of the treatment of older children, where the basis of the musculoskeletal system is formed, there is no active growth of the ligaments. Surgical correction consists of several stages of surgery and a long rehabilitation period, is held on the fourth stage of the disease when:

• intense pain in the leg constantly worried;
• develops rigidity (stiffness) of the jaw.

Direct surgical intervention much. Therefore, the work is scheduled on the basis of the degree of disease of the foot, the presence of the deviation angle of the leg.

THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF HALLUX VALGUS IN CHILDREN

Pain in legs lead to a change in the entire musculoskeletal apparatus. This is due to the uneven load. Occurs:

• shortening or deformity of the feet;
• osteochondrosis;
• scoliosis at different spine.

Child:

• deteriorate the walking;
• it becomes impossible for physical activity (Jogging, active games) because of the pain and inflammation of the joints.