Orthopedic shoes in Ukraine and what they should be like has been a controversial topic for a long time. But if you apply ordinary logic, everything will be much simpler and clearer. In this article, we enter into a debate with the most famous pediatrician in the country.
The respected doctor, whose opinion is unconditionally trusted by millions of parents, mentions three points regarding orthopedic shoes for children:
1) Custom tailoring. In case of real foot deformations, custom-made orthopedic shoes are required;
2) Design. Orthopedic shoes are uncomfortable, hard and expensive, and wearing such shoes is not only useless, but even harmful;
3) Orthopedic shoes are more of a marketing ploy and a waste of money. That is, According to the doctor, the name “orthopedic” is a myth, something like a cover for dishonest sellers to “foist” goods on gullible parents.
Now let's look at the points.
Are custom orthopedic shoes necessary for flat feet and hallux valgus?
Indeed: there are cases when the manufacture of orthopedic shoes according to individual indications is simply necessary. For example, different deformations of the left and right feet. But in most cases, wearing custom-made shoes is an unjustified waste of money and time. After all, the most common type of deformation is valgus foot placement, when the foot rolls inward significantly more than in other children of the same age. This problem is standard in children, as it occurs in almost every twentieth child. This means that it requires the same standard solutions:
- a healthy and active lifestyle, which includes running andwalking barefooton grass and relief surfaces (sand and sea pebbles) - these are natural and useful exercises;
- exercises for the feet and toes - this strengthens the muscles and ligaments of the foot;
- Wearing comfortable shoes with specific characteristics helps to correct or prevent the development of an existing problem. How it helps - we will figure out below.
Orthopedic shoe design: how can it help with hallux valgus and other foot deformities?
When parents ask whether their child needs orthopedic shoes, a famous doctordoes not recommend buying them because they are rigid and expensive.
Well, orthopedists once really recommended rigid shoes. Only modern requirements for shoes have long changed. And shoes for valgus setting (valgus setting is often called flat feet, although these are different diagnoses) should be made taking into account the following characteristics:
- a design that is not excessively rigid, but holds its shape well;
- a flexible sole that easily bends at the base of the toes and follows natural walking movements;
- a toe that is wide relative to the heel and raised relative to the toe heel;
- moderately rigid heel counter, reinforced and extended from the inside to prevent the foot from collapsing inward;
- reliable fixation on the foot and the right size.
The main requirement for shoes: they should be comfortablefor a child!
These characteristics are consistent with most modern orthopedists (not the ones described in story #2 in one of our articles https://olvi.ua/clauses/kak-nelzya-podbirat-ortopedicheskuyu-obuv/. I can assume that our authoritative and respected pediatrician will also agree.
In such shoes, the child walks comfortably and with great pleasure, goes to school, plays, without feeling tired legs. Consequently, the muscles receive the required load and become stronger.
All of the above characteristics can be implemented in serial production anddo not require individual production.Custom orthopedic footwear is needed only where it is really needed for medical reasons. In addition, such footwear often has an unattractive appearance and is also expensive. Standard problems require standard solutions. Such simple logic.
Is the correct name - orthopedic footwear? Or is it a marketing ploy?
A well-known Ukrainian pediatrician suggests that orthopedic shoes are just an enticing signboard used by sellers to successfully sell shoes. So what should we call them? Shoes with the characteristics described above are prescribed and recommended by orthopedic doctors. That is why they continue to be called orthopedic.
And although the approach to treating deformities and producing shoes has changed, the name has remained the same, familiar to people.
It is important to understand that you cannot correct the deformity with shoes alone, and in this we agree with the respected doctor. A systematic approach is needed.
Massage and gymnastics increase the effectiveness of prevention and treatment of foot deformities. If natural landscapes are not available, you candoexercisefor correct foot positionusing a specialmassage mat with a variety of reliefs.
Physical activity is the most important factor in the prevention and treatment of leg deformities. And good shoes will be a faithful assistant in this - no matter what they are called: orthopedic, rational, preventive, anatomical, or something else.
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