Posture and legs experience a simultaneous load when the child's ability to stand or walk appears. Attempts to maintain the balance that he makes by placing the body vertically in space certainly have a definite effect on the entire skeletal system of the body.
Most often, flat-valgus deformity of the feet in children manifests at the age of five, when parents pay attention to the pathological setting of the feet while walking. If manifestations of this pathology are detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner in order to receive adequate and effective treatment.
The synonyms of PVA in the medical literature are: hypermobile, flat, collapsing, valgus, relaxed, weak, flaccid foot of a child. The incidence of such a pathology is 2.7%. It develops in the presence of functional age flat feet at 16-28 months or no later than three years of age.
Causes of pathology
- Burdened heredity (the presence of flat feet in the immediate family).
- Rickets.
- Sock uncomfortable or someone else's shoes.
- Long walk.
- Excess body weight.
- Hypermobility joints.
- Circulatory disorders associated with infections.
- Bone pathology.
- Injuries.
- Endocrine pathology.
- Dysplasia of connective tissue structures.
- Lack of exercise.
- Improper nutrition, leading to impaired metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.
- Paresis, palsy of the lower legs / feet, which are provoked by cerebral palsy, polio and other diseases.
Clinic of flat-valgus deformity of the feet in children
- When walking, the foot is reduced inward.
- Complaints of leg pain.
- Slouching posture.
- Thick, compacted foot.
In addition to the obvious manifestations of this pathology, there are the following signs:
- Increased flexibility in the joints of the feet.
- The arch of the foot is flattened, i.e. the index of the foot is greater than 0.7.
- Valgus heel has an angle of 5-25 degrees.
- Abduction of the forefoot.
- The center of pressure moves along the foot to its inner part.
- The amplitude of the eversion of the hindfoot increases.
- Pronation of the foot increases.
- The heel support time decreases, in the phase of standing on the entire surface of the foot, premature heel detachment occurs.
- There is no increase in arch when lifting on toes in the case of fixed valgus.
- Greater muscle activity during repulsion.
- Increased body vibrations when walking.
Degrees of flat feet
- The first degree is mild flat feet, has the appearance of a cosmetic defect.
- The second degree is moderate or intermittent flat feet. It is shown by signs that are visible to the naked eye. Over time, pain appears in the ankles and back. Gait changes, clubfoot or “heavy” step occurs.
- The third degree is pronounced flat feet, accompanied by a complete deformation of the feet, which leads to disturbances in the musculoskeletal system and, as a result, the development of scoliosis, arthrosis, osteochondosis and hernias of the intervertebral discs. The pain is growing, there are problems when walking, and playing sports is impossible.
Diagnostics
- Collection of complaints, medical history (including clarification of the hereditary factor).
- General examination of the limbs when walking and at rest.
- Ultrasound
- Submetry.
- Computer plantography.
- X-ray in three different projections.
Treatment
Therapy of this pathology is reduced to:
- foot baths;
- Massage
- paraffin therapy;
- mud and ozokerite applications;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- electrical stimulation of the muscles of the legs and feet;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy exercises (gymnastics for feet);
- swimming.
Massage
Massage, like gymnastics for the feet, with this pathology plays a special role in therapy. It contributes to the proper growth and development of the lower limbs of the baby. Also, massage helps to strengthen the muscles of the foot and lower legs, normalizes their tone (relieves tension), improves blood circulation, so that the muscles become more elastic and strong.
Moreover, to rid the child of PVA, it is necessary to massage: feet, back, muscles and joints of the legs, lower back, buttocks.
Foot exercises
The basic rules for practicing this complex are daily and permanent (long-term) performance.
To conduct the course "gymnastics with flat feet" you will need: sand or groats, pencils, pens (that is, small objects), a chair convenient for the child, and a medium-sized ball.
- Initial posture: the child is sitting on a chair, both of his legs are on the ball. Pressing hard with both feet, the ball is rolled on the floor. In the presence of a mechanical massager, it is used instead of the ball.
- The initial position, as in the first exercise, squeezes the ball with the left or right foot.
- To perform the third exercise for the feet, you need to sit on the floor and cross your legs at the knees ("in Turkish"). Performing gymnastics rises slightly and stands on the outside of both feet. When performing this exercise, it is necessary to ensure that, if possible, the legs remain straightened, and when returning to its original position, it would appear at the top of it, then the other leg. Repeat the exercise should be at least 15 times.
- To perform the next exercise, you will need to sit on a chair again, and stretch your legs forward and straighten. In this case, with small toes, it is necessary to carefully collect small objects that are laid out on the floor and move them to another place. The duration of such an exercise is 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can collect tissue (say, a napkin or handkerchief) with your toes.
- Repeat several times: stand on your toes and then lower your foot completely.
In addition to those described above, it is recommended to perform such simple exercises for the feet as:
- The rotation of the feet in different directions.
- Turning the feet inward.
- Bending the soles.
- Flexion of the rear foot.
- Squeezing-unclenching of the toes.
There is another gymnastic complex (gymnastics with flat feet), used for flat valgus deformity. It is worth noting that by combining all the described exercises throughout the day, you can achieve a speedy recovery:
- Walking on small grains or sand for fifteen minutes a day.
- Walking in a warm bath, on the bottom of which a rubber rubber rug or small pebbles are laid out. Moreover, the water in the bath should be above the ankles and have a temperature of about 35 degrees.
- Walking along a horizontally laid staircase or moving on a Swedish wall.
Bubnovsky exercises
In accordance with the theory and numerous studies of Dr. Bubnovsky, the following exercises are excellent at treating such pathologies as flat feet, varicose veins, foot spurs, ankle arthritis, gout, migraine, ankle swelling, and are also suitable as rehabilitation measures after injuries or calcaneal tendon operations . Repeating each exercise according to Bubnovsky is necessary at least 15-20 times.
- Repulsion. It is performed in a supine position while lying, while the legs are spaced from each other (shoulder width), and the arms are extended along the sides of the body. Changing the legs, it is necessary to stretch the big toes as far as possible from yourself, and then towards yourself. When performed correctly, the heel will be slightly extended.
- Janitors The position is the same as with repulsion. The toes of the feet must be parted and reduced to the maximum possible limit. Try to put your finger (thumb) on the bed. When performing the exercise, the shin must be twisted slowly.
- Rotation. Running on the back. The feet are rotated clockwise and counterclockwise, with the toes to describe the circles.
- Fist. Perform in the supine position. It is necessary to imagine that the feet are palms. Fingers should be wrapped around an imaginary apple. Then you should spread your fingers to the limit.
Recommendations
In addition to massage and exercise for the feet, an important aspect is wearing the right shoes:
Shoes of the child should be:
- They are made only of natural, high-quality, breathable starting materials, and these requirements are imposed on both the insole and the upper of the shoe.
- Comfortable, and therefore, do not pinch and do not rub the foot of the child.
- Equipped with a tough high back.
- Fix the leg tight enough, that is, have a lacing or Velcro.
- Equipped with a non-slip, stable sole and a small heel.
The inner edge of the shoes should be only straight so that the first (thumb) finger does not bend inward, the heel height is not more than 1-2 centimeters for babies up to two years old and not more than 4 centimeters from 3 years and older.
Much attention should be paid to orthopedic insoles, with light flat feet it is possible to use serial products, and with heavy - only made individually.
The use of special arch supports should not be permanent. So, on the 1st day they are worn no more than an hour, and then increase the time to wear daily for half an hour.
When choosing shoes should be guided by its spaciousness and depth. It should be remembered that too tight, tight, narrow shoes reduce the effectiveness of orthopedic insoles and arch support, and subsequently can even lead to damage to the feet.
You can’t rush a child to start walking or to stand on his feet, if he is not ready for this, in addition, it is worth limiting the standing time of children.
Having noticed any signs of flat feet, you should immediately contact an orthopedist and begin treatment as soon as possible.