Can children's hallux valgus be corrected?

Hallux valgus in children can be corrected and restored, especially when the bones have not yet fully developed. Through timely intervention such as adjusting lifestyle habits and using corrective devices, good results can be achieved in most cases. If the situation is more serious, surgical treatment may be considered, but this plan needs to be evaluated and decided by a specialist based on the specific situation.

1. Causes of hallux valgus in children

Hallux valgus in children is usually related to factors such as genetics, poor shoe wearing habits, foot trauma or weight problems.

Heredity: If there is a case of hallux valgus in the family, the child may have a tendency to develop foot deformities due to heredity.

Inappropriate shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow for a long time can cause compression of the toes and bone deformities.

Foot trauma: Foot trauma in early childhood may affect the normal growth of bones and cause hallux valgus.

Obesity: Being overweight may increase the burden on the feet and increase the risk of hallux valgus.

2. Methods for correcting hallux valgus in children

In most cases, early detection and intervention can help improve or correct hallux valgus.

Adjustment of lifestyle habits: Make sure your child wears loose and comfortable shoes, avoid running and jumping for long periods of time, and exercise foot muscles appropriately, such as walking barefoot on sand or grass.

Corrective devices: There are toe correctors or plantar support pads designed specifically for children on the market that can help realign the toes and arches, but they must be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Foot massage and exercise: You can try applying a hot towel to your feet and gently massaging the affected area every day, and then do simple foot stretching exercises such as grabbing the towel with your toes and standing on tiptoes to improve the flexibility and strength of your feet.

3. Treatment options for severe cases

For children with severe hallux valgus deformity that causes pain or functional impairment, doctors may recommend surgical intervention. Specific surgical methods include:

Ligament correction surgery: reduces the tension of the toe deviation and restores the normal position of the big toe.

Bone correction surgery: Suitable for cases where bone deformation is severe, osteotomy is used to adjust the position of the foot bones.

Arthrodesis: In severe cases with loss of joint function, the joint is immobilized to reduce pain and deformity.

If you find that your child has a tendency to hallux valgus, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and intervene in time to prevent the condition from getting worse or affecting normal walking function. Parents can help their children relieve symptoms by practicing the above methods, but in severe cases, they need to follow the doctor's advice.