Hallux valgus in a child is not as rare as it might seem. At that moment, when the baby is trying to take the first steps, the relaxed ligaments may not withstand the load of body weight.
The result of this is:
- flattening of the longitudinal arches of the feet;
- curvature of the axis of the foot;
- deviation of the calcaneus and fingers to the outside of the foot;
- “falling” of the midfoot inward.
If you combine the feet of the child and look at them from above, they will resemble the letter "X". In another way they are called X-shaped feet.
Age at which the valgus foot is detected
Rarely, but it happens that a flat-valgus foot in a child is congenital, and it can be detected immediately after birth or during a routine examination with an orthopedist. But often parents begin to notice such a pathology only at a time when their child begins to take their first steps. In this case, the child does not stand on the whole foot, but only on its inner side.
Danger of pathology
If treatment was started in a timely manner, then the child's valgus foot does not threaten him. Regular performance of special exercises will strengthen the ligamentous-muscular apparatus, and the position of the legs in the child will normalize. But in the case when no treatment is carried out, there is a likelihood of developing extremely unpleasant consequences. Namely, the development of hallux valgus in the knee and ankle joints. This will inevitably lead to impaired posture and improper position of the pelvic bones. Later, pain when walking and in the joints begin to develop, and the walking process is more difficult.
How is a valgus foot treated in a child
The treatment of this pathology is carried out by an orthopedist with an indispensable consultation with a neurologist.
Physiotherapy
This is the main part of flat hallux valgus therapy. She is one of the most difficult ones, because it’s hard enough to teach a baby to regularly do exercises every day. With greater desire, the baby will do the exercises if the parents arrange the lessons in a playful way. Parents will have to try and come up with a variety of games so that the child has an interest, then the results will be achieved much faster.
Massage and physiotherapy
The doctor prescribes these types of therapy for valgus foot disease in a child individually, because there are likely contraindications.
Orthopedic shoes
Wearing such shoes should be mandatory if a child has a valgus foot diagnosis. Orthopedic shoes help prevent the progression of leg deformities. However, the constant wearing of such shoes is not recommended, because the legs need training and rest.
Prevention
• During pregnancy, a woman should always visit a gynecologist regularly and follow all his recommendations to reduce the risk of such a pathology in the child.
• Do not force things and try to put the baby on its feet for up to 7-8 months.
• It is imperative to carry out routine prophylaxis of rickets, which can become a source of muscle-ligamentous apparatus weakness.
• Timely attend preventive examinations in the clinic.
• Purchase the first shoes for the child, taking into account the presence of arch support.