Varus deformity of the lower extremities is a serious pathology, which is most often observed in children of primary school age. Therefore, mothers (both young and more experienced) need to carefully observe their long-awaited baby in order to notice the problem in time and start treatment on time.
However, varus deformity of the lower extremities can also occur at an older age. What could be the reason? Let's find out.
We will also see how the varus deformity of the lower extremities is manifested in children, what preventive measures should be used to prevent it, and what methods of treatment for this disease exist.
Description of the disease
How to determine if your child has a varus deformity of the lower extremities? You can identify the ailment even with a visual examination of your baby's legs, since at first the disease can be asymptomatic without causing the child pain or other inconvenience.
What does the varus deformity of the lower extremities look like in children? The photos in this article will help you identify the ailment at the very beginning of its manifestation.
It is worth mentioning that with tight compression of the baby's feet, his knees do not touch each other, but diverge from each other by a distance equal to five centimeters or more.
If your child is already walking, then pay attention to his shoes. If its sole is worn from the outside, then this is a serious cause for concern.
If you find any abnormalities (regardless of whether you examined the lower limbs of the child or his shoes), you should immediately consult a doctor. He will prescribe the necessary treatment for your baby. Naturally, if the therapy is started as soon as possible, the recovery of the baby will be quite easy and fast.
Danger
However, some parents do not attach much importance to this disease. They believe that it is a cosmetic or external problem, so they do not focus on the disease. However, it is not.
Varus deformity of the lower extremities can adversely affect the health of the child and his self-esteem. Pathology leads to the fact that the baby's legs begin to braid, he often falls, gets tired faster. If the disease is not treated, then it will provoke deformation of the foot, lower leg or the entire lower limb. Moreover, the gait of the child will change, posture, the spine will curvature, pain in the back and legs will appear.
Such pathological changes can cause numerous experiences of the child and his complexes.
What are the causes of varus deformity of the lower extremities?
Disease provocateurs
Knowing the possible causes of the disease is very important. This will help parents understand that their child is at risk, and in time to sound the alarm. In addition, loving parents will be able to create the necessary conditions for their baby to prevent a dangerous disease.
So, the causes of pathology can be:
- Heredity. That is, one of the parents, grandparents, has a history of lower limb deformity.
- Congenital pathologies, birth injuries, endocrine diseases.
- Overweight child, which puts a lot of pressure on the fragile bones of the legs and feet.
- Injuries to the lower extremities.
- Rickets resulting from a lack of healthy vitamin D.
- Weakened immunity, because of which the body ceases to fight infections.
- Incorrectly selected uncomfortable shoes.
- Too early attempts to teach a child to walk. If you put the baby on the floor or in the walker before a certain time, then his still weak legs can bend.
Prevention of ailment
As you can see, an important place in the prevention of the disease is its prevention. To do this, it is necessary to ensure that the child fully eats healthy food, receives the necessary vitamins and minerals, does not overeat and leads an active lifestyle, avoiding injuries, falls, etc.
A necessary condition that many parents do not pay attention to is comfortable shoes that do not squeeze the foot, but are not too loose. Timely training of the kid in walking skills matters. No need to chase after those who went to eight months - this is not a sign of genius or special giftedness. All children are different, everything has its time, be patient.
But what if the baby’s legs are bothering you? First of all, you need to contact a qualified orthopedic doctor.
Diagnosis of ailment
Before making a diagnosis, a specialist will direct the baby for examination. What does it consist of?
First of all, the doctor will examine the small patient, and then refer him to a radiography. This diagnosis is very effective. In the pictures, any deviations in development or deformation are always visible. Sometimes it may be necessary to take an x-ray not only of the lower limbs, but also of the thigh or joints.
An orthopedic surgeon may also recommend an MRI or CT scan if there is a suspicion of a genetic cause of the disease.
To exclude the development of rickets, it is necessary to take a blood test. The specialist will look at indicators of calcium, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus.
But what if the diagnosis is confirmed? First of all, do not be upset. The orthopedist will prescribe the necessary treatment, consisting of several stages. It will be important to carefully follow the medical instructions. What do they include?
Drug treatment of varus deformity of the lower extremities
Before prescribing a particular type of treatment, a specialist will determine the cause of the disease. If the disease was triggered by a lack of vitamins, rickets, a violation of the mineral composition of bones or endocrine changes, the specialist will prescribe drug therapy to eliminate the "culprit" of the disease. These can be specialized pharmacological preparations in combination with high-quality nutrition. In parallel, physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out.
However, this, of course, is not enough. The doctor will develop individual exercises, prescribe therapeutic massage and wearing orthopedic shoes. About this - below.
A little about massage
With varus deformity of the lower extremities in children, it is massage that has one of the paramount importance. It not only relieves pain and cramps, relaxes muscles and joints. Massage performed with the necessary strength and knowledge of the matter is able to slightly correct the position and arch of the lower limbs of the child.
It is necessary to massage the feet, ankles, knees of the baby and, in some cases, the hips. What exactly to do and how - they will show you at the orthopedist. Massage can be done independently, but it is better to entrust it to professionals with a medical education. The attending physician will certainly familiarize parents with the step-by-step implementation of the anti-virus technique.
A bit about gymnastics
Gymnastics takes the main place in the daily routine of a sick baby. An orthopedist will again familiarize you with a detailed set of exercises suitable specifically for your child. We only mention that there is a whole complex of movements that can correct the shape of the lower extremities. These may include:
- walking on toes and heels;
- power squeezing with the feet of a rubber ball;
- riding feet on the gondola floor;
- walking on an orthopedic rug;
- intense circular movements with the feet.
Normal gymnastics and swimming are quite effective.
A few words about shoes
The question of choosing the right shoe for varus deformity of the lower extremities is important. Orthopedic shoes are able to correct impaired gait, align the feet and stop the deformation of children's legs. The main objective of this method of treatment is the correct fixation of the foot and the prevention of its curvature.
Orthopedic shoes are made by prescription taking into account specially taken measurements. Measurements are removed from boots, shoes and even slippers. With a less advanced form of the disease, orthopedic insoles, arch support and more can be recommended to the baby.
And one more piece of advice - you should go home either in specialized ortho slippers or barefoot.
Surgical treatment of varus deformities of the lower extremities in children
With the advanced form of the disease, surgery can be performed. What is it like?
Surgery is a very serious way to treat varus deformity, which can significantly improve the condition of your baby. In the process of surgical intervention, an orthopedic surgeon cuts a small part of the tibia and fastens it to the lower leg, using special screws or clamps. The next step in the surgical intervention will be the installation of the Elizarov apparatus, which will need to be worn for a long time, possibly several months.
Of course, the surgical method carries many dangers and complications, which can be:
- severe pain;
- the occurrence of inflammation or infection;
- damage to blood vessels, blood loss or hematoma.
It is best not to delay the treatment of the disease and turn to the medical facility in time to avoid surgery. If the surgical method has been recommended by a specialist, do not worry! A positive attitude and competent care will help your baby quickly go through the rehabilitation phase and return to normal life.
Finally
Varus deformity of the lower extremities is a serious disease, fraught with serious negative consequences. Since it can be determined by visual inspection of the child, try to look more often at the legs, gait and shoes of your baby. For any symptoms that bother you, consult a doctor as soon as possible. The specialist will prescribe a treatment for the child, which includes the necessary complex of drugs and procedures that can be easily carried out at home.
I wish you good health!