One of the most common orthopedic problems in children are considered flat-valgus feet. In a child at an early age, they have a flat surface, the so-called flat feet. And only then, as they develop, the soles acquire the usual form with a recess in the arch. However, often in children there is a weakness in the ligamentous apparatus, which interferes with the correct formation of the limbs. When the child begins to walk, the legs bend under the influence of the body's gravity. Toes and heels are turned outward, and the middle bends toward the inside. As a result, the feet placed next to each other when viewed from above resemble the letter X. This is the flat-valgus feet of the child.
Is it scary?
When such a defect is found in children, parents react differently: someone panics, someone does not pay attention, considering this a temporary and insignificant flaw in the aesthetic nature. Both are wrong. It is not worth dramatizing the situation - with proper and timely treatment, you can help the correct formation of the legs. Moreover, the severity of the problem should not be underestimated: if flat-valgus feet are not treated, the child may begin to develop spinal curvature, osteochondrosis and arthrosis, accompanied by frequent joint pain.
When to start treatment
Signs of X-shaped feet are detected early enough when children are just starting to walk. First of all, parents should seek the advice of an orthopedist and a neurologist - these two specialists observe the child all the time. First of all, the doctor will recommend choosing orthopedic shoes with arch support, rigid sidewalls and a high back. The child should wear such shoes until 4-5 years old, until the shape of the sole comes back to normal.
Foot massage with flat-valgus foot is another mandatory recommendation. Procedures are performed in two to three courses of 10-20 sessions. In this case, it is not necessary to take the child to the clinic all this time. Parents can master the massage technique in several procedures, and later do them on their own. The main thing is not to stop halfway and show patience and perseverance.
What measures do parents take
Flat valgus feet in a child require constant attention of adults in order to avoid further complications. And attention in everything - in shoes, in a timely medical examination, in ordering physical activity. So, it is undesirable to put the child on her feet ahead of time, months to seven to eight. After the first steps, each baby should have the right shoes with orthopedic insoles so that flat-valgus feet in children do not develop. Massage is a great opportunity to prevent scoliosis and joint diseases. An indispensable prophylaxis for any foot disease is a bicycle. Children ride with pleasure, so there is no need to persuade them. They also like to walk on a healing rug with bulges - for massage of the arches of the feet. Walking on river or sea pebbles, on sand, on grass is extremely useful for children. And, of course, special exercises: walking on the outer edges of the feet - “clubfoot bear”, lifting on socks - “little bears”, grabbing some small objects from the floor with bare fingers and so on. So, in games and exercises, it is quite possible to cure flat-valgus feet in children, without forgetting to regularly go to the doctor.