2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
Varus deformity of the lower extremities is a serious pathology that occurs most often 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 in a timely manner.
However, varus deformity of the lower extremities can also appear at an older age. What could be the reason? Let's find out.
We will also see how varus deformity of the lower extremities manifests itself in children, what preventive measures should be taken to prevent it and what are the ways to treat this disease.
Description of the disease
How can you tell if your child has a lower extremity varus? You can even identify the disease with the help of a visual examination of your baby's legs, since at first the disease can occurasymptomatic, without causing pain or other discomfort to the child.
What does varus deformity of the lower extremities look like in children? The photos in this article will help you identify the disease at the very beginning of its manifestation.
It is worth mentioning that when the baby's feet are tightly compressed, 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 her sole is worn on 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 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, this is not the case.
Varus deformity of the lower extremities can adversely affect a child's he alth and self-esteem. Pathology leads to the fact that the baby's legs begin to tangle, he often falls, gets tired faster. If the ailment is not treated, then it will provoke deformation of the foot, lower leg or the entire lower limb. Moreover, the child's gait, posture will change, the spine will bend, back pain will appear andlegs.
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 about the possible causes of the disease is very important. This will help parents understand that their child is at risk, and sound the alarm in time. 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 deformity of the lower extremities.
- Congenital pathologies, birth trauma, endocrine diseases.
- Overweight child, due to which there is a lot of pressure on the weak bones of the legs and feet.
- Lower limb injuries.
- Rickets, which is the result of a lack of useful vitamin D.
- Weakened immune system, causing the body to stop fighting infections.
- Incorrectly fitting uncomfortable shoes.
- Too early attempts to teach the baby to walk. If you put your baby on the floor or in a walker before a certain time, then his still weak legs may be bent.
Disease Prevention
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 he althy food,received the necessary vitamins and minerals, did not overeat and led 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 leg, but are not too loose. It is important to timely teach the baby the skills of walking. No need to chase those who went at 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 your baby's feet make you anxious? First of all, you need to see a qualified orthopedic doctor.
Diagnosing an illness
Before making a diagnosis, the specialist will send the baby for examination. What is it?
First of all, the doctor will examine the little patient, and then refer him for x-rays. This diagnostic is very effective. The pictures always show any deviations in development or deformation. Sometimes it may be necessary to take an x-ray of not only the lower extremities, but also the hips or joints.
An orthopedist may also recommend an MRI or CT scan if a genetic cause is suspected.
To exclude the development of rickets, it is necessary to take a blood test. The specialist will look at the levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus.
But what if the diagnosis is confirmed? First of all don'tget upset. The orthopedist will prescribe the necessary treatment, consisting of several stages. It will be important to carefully follow medical prescriptions. What do they include?
Drug treatment of varus deformity of the lower extremities
Before prescribing this or that type of treatment, the specialist will determine the cause of the disease. If the disease was provoked by a lack of vitamins, rickets, a violation of the mineral composition of bones or endocrine changes, then the specialist will prescribe drug therapy to eliminate the "culprit" of the disease. It can be specialized pharmacological preparations in combination with high-quality nutrition. In parallel, physiotherapy procedures are being carried out.
However, of course, this is not enough. The doctor will develop individual exercises, prescribe therapeutic massage and wear orthopedic shoes. More on that below.
A little about massage
In case of varus deformity of the lower extremities in children, it is massage that is of paramount importance. It not only relieves pain and spasms, it relaxes muscles and joints. A massage performed with the necessary strength and skill can slightly correct the position and arch of the child's lower limbs.
It is necessary to massage the feet, ankles, knees of the baby and in some cases the hips. What exactly to do and how - you will be shown by an orthopedist. Massage can be done independently, but it is better to entrust it to professionals with medical education. The attending physician will informparents with step-by-step implementation of the antivarus technique.
A little about gymnastics
Gymnastics takes the main place in the daily routine of a sick baby. Again, the orthopedist will acquaint you with a detailed set of exercises that are suitable for your child. We will only mention that there is a whole range of movements that can correct the shape of the lower extremities. They may include:
- walking on toes and heels;
- power squeezing with the feet of a rubber ball;
- rolling with your feet on the floor of the gurney;
- walking on an orthopedic mat;
- intense circular movements of the feet.
Regular gymnastics and swimming are quite effective.
A few words about shoes
The issue of choosing the right shoes for varus deformity of the lower extremities is important. Orthopedic shoes are able to correct a disturbed gait, align the feet and stop the deformation of children's legs. The main task of this method of treatment is the correct fixation of the foot and the prevention of its curvature.
Orthopedic shoes are made according to a doctor's prescription, taking into account specially taken measurements. Measurements are taken from boots, shoes and even slippers. With a less advanced form of the disease, the baby may be recommended orthopedic insoles, insoles, and more.
And one more piece of advice - you should walk at home either in specialized orthotic shoes or barefoot.
Surgical treatment of varus deformity of the lower extremities in children
Surgical intervention can be performed when the disease is advanced. What is it?
Surgery is a very serious way to treat varus deformity, which can significantly improve the condition of your baby. During surgery, an orthopedic surgeon cuts out a small part of the tibia and attaches it to the lower leg using special screws or clamps. The next stage of 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;
- inflammation or infection;
- vascular damage, blood loss or hematoma.
It is best not to delay the treatment of the disease and go to the medical facility in time to avoid surgery. If the surgical method was recommended by a specialist, do not worry! A positive attitude and competent care will help your baby quickly go through the rehabilitation stage and return to normal life.
In closing
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. If you have any symptoms that bother you, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The specialist will prescribe treatment for the child, includingthe necessary set of drugs and procedures that can be easily carried out at home.
Good he alth to you!
Recommended:
How to lower blood pressure during pregnancy. Drugs that lower blood pressure during pregnancy
High or low blood pressure during pregnancy is unfortunately not uncommon. The difficulty is that during this crucial period you can not drink the usual medicines. You can increase or decrease the pressure during pregnancy with the help of folk remedies
Toxocariasis in children. Treatment of toxocariasis in children. Toxocariasis: symptoms, treatment
Toxocariasis is a disease about which, despite its widespread distribution, practitioners know not so much. The symptoms of the disease are very diverse, so specialists from various fields can face it: pediatricians, hematologists, therapists, oculists, neuropathologists, gastroenterologists, dermatologists and many others
Lower back pain during pregnancy in the second trimester: causes, treatment methods, reviews
During pregnancy, the female body is forced to work for two and carry an increased load. And this is not surprising, because the mother's body must provide the fetus with maximum safety and proper development
Pain in the lower abdomen on the left during pregnancy: causes, treatment
Many women complain of pain at the beginning of pregnancy. They are quite understandable: with the birth of a new life, the body of the future mother begins to gradually rebuild. Muscle fibers are stretched, ligaments swell. A woman usually experiences this kind of discomfort in the first trimester
Can the lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy: timing, possible causes, symptoms, need for treatment and recommendations from a gynecologist
Pain in the abdomen during pregnancy is a common symptom. However, it cannot be ignored. Pain may indicate the development of dangerous pathologies that threaten the life of the mother and child. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen can also be the first sign of pregnancy
