To understand what is flat valgus feet, we must remember the human anatomy. The human foot has a vault, which is formed by the bones of the metatarsus, tarsus and heel, connected by muscles and ligaments into a single whole. The movement is due to contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the legs. When the ligaments and muscles are weakened, the heel moves to the side.
Flat valgus feet are characterized by flattening of the arch and a shift of the heel outwards. In this case, subluxation of the scaphoid can occur, pains in the lower leg and foot appear. The first signs appear at the age of one, when the baby begins to walk independently. Weak ligaments and muscles remain normal until school age. But this does not mean that it does not cost anything to do up to 7 years.
On the contrary, with visible deviations, you need to contact a pediatric orthopedist, get qualified medical help and deal with children at home constantly. A healthy one-year-old child has a flat foot, muscle tone is normal, and fat pads are noticeable on the soles of the feet.
Flat valgus installation of feet is found in children with reduced tone. Its causes can be rickets and frequent colds, a history of hypotrophy and prematurity, which exacerbate and further weaken the muscles and ligaments of the sole. Under the weight of the weight, the longitudinal arch of the foot becomes flat, the notch on the inner side is not determined, the tibial muscles, ligaments and muscles of the flexors of the fingers are stretched and weakened.
The orthopedist identifies flat valgus feet in the baby in the first six months and recommends special massage, physiotherapy and gymnastics for the legs. Doctor's appointments are best performed in conjunction and use the services of specialists. If you ignore the advice of a doctor, the process progresses. And after 4 years of age, a child may notice an X-shaped curvature in the area of the knee joints.
If a child has flat valgus feet, it is necessary to choose the right shoes with orthopedic insoles made to order. The main requirements that must be imposed on shoes for children with valgus feet:
- the shoes should be made of genuine leather, since leatherette quickly shrinks when worn;
- the back of the shoe should be firm and high, above the level of the ankle; sock - free; the ankle joint must be firmly fixed;
- outsole well spring. It is better if it is made of rubber;
- must have a heel on shoes of optimal height;
- the heel is closed;
- the foot should be tightly fixed (laces, lock, but not Velcro).
With this diagnosis, children should not buy soft shoes, felt boots, cloth or open sandals with open heels. During running and jumping due to hits on the heel, deformation of the foot may occur.
The most important function that the foot performs is support. In the normal state, the ligaments of the foot are in a tense state, and the muscles of the leg are tense. The longitudinal and transverse arches of the sole serve as a natural shock absorber when walking, jumping, running.
If the load is too heavy, a weakening of the musculo-ligamentous system can occur, and then the arches become flat, without grooves. If both arches become flattened at the same time, then combined flatfoot develops.
It is necessary to treat flat feet, and the sooner the higher the effect. After five years, when the foot has already formed, it will take more time and effort to get a good result. In the absence of treatment, joint deformity and spinal curvature develop, which entails pathology from the internal organs.