Parents often complain about their child's irregular gait: many toddlers noticeably have club feet. In most cases, this condition is physiological, appropriate to the age of the child. Nevertheless, every child with such complaints should be examined by an orthopedic doctor and other specialists to identify hidden pathology.
Let's look at some of the reasons for this gait
Many babies have noticeable club feet when they start walking. This makes it easier for them to maintain stability when walking. In addition, at this age, the physiological tone of the adductor muscles is stronger, there is a slight curvature of the shins, which means that the feet turn inward. At the same time, there are no foot defects in the child: when he stands or sits, his legs are positioned correctly. And only when he walks does he turn his feet inwards. In this case, children's gait usually returns to normal before the age of 1.5 years.
Unfortunately, if clubfoot persists for a longer time, it is possible to suspect the presence of mild hip dysplasia. In this case, walking with the toes turned inwards facilitates joint mobility. Nevertheless, the internal positioning of the feet when walking with hip dysplasia is an easily solvable problem, it does not require special treatment, but in order for the child to put his feet correctly, he will have to work. It is necessary to perform special gymnastics with the child, developing movements in the hip joints and strengthening the external muscles of the legs. In our clinic, a rehabilitation specialist will help you choose such a set of exercises after an orthopedic examination. However, the exercise falls on the shoulders of the parents, as it is necessary to exercise daily. And the result depends on how well the parents are engaged with their child: how quickly his gait will become more correct and beautiful.
In addition to the orthopedist, other specialists may participate in the treatment of small patients with gait disorders. Sometimes the problem arises due to a violation of muscle tone. It may be useful to supplement the exercise with a massage course. Such situations require the involvement of a neurologist.
In addition, it is useful to perform restorative procedures, follow the orthopedic regime and a number of simple rules:
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During walks, do not tire the child by walking. He should move, but not get tired. When overworked, children begin to twist their feet even more. You can carry your baby in a stroller for part of the walk.
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Choose the right shoes. Children who are just starting to walk should not wear soft and shallow shoes. It is advisable that the baby walks in shoes with a high rigid back, for good fixation of the ankle joint. But in summer, walking barefoot on sand or small pebbles is very useful.
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It is advisable for older children to go to the pool, play sports or dance to form strong, properly functioning muscles, which ultimately form the correct gait.
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Do not deprive children of the joy of riding scooters, bicycles, roller skates and ice skates. Skiing is a very effective way to correct gait.
By the way. The advice that is sometimes given is to change the shoes of club—footed kids in places: putting the right one on the left foot, and the left one on the right one is very harmful. This way you will not only not set the child's feet straight, but also disrupt the work of the knee and hip joints.
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