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What is the Valgus Foot?
Valgus foot is a foot deformity characterized by lateral deviation of the heel inward, which causes the arch of the foot to flatten. This condition may be related to flat feet and can cause overload and injury to other parts of the body, such as the knees, hips and back. Valgus foot is most common in children, but can also occur in adults.
Causes of Valgus Foot
Valgus foot can be caused by several factors, including:
– Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of valgus foot.
– Neurological: Conditions such as cerebral palsy can affect the normal development of the foot.
– Musculoskeletal: Weakness or imbalance in the muscles and ligaments of the foot and ankle.
– Traumatic: Previous injuries to the foot or ankle that alter its normal structure.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of valgus foot can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but generally include:
– Pain in the foot and ankle.
– Excessive wear on the inside of the shoe.
– Fatigue and tiredness in the feet when walking or standing.
– Pain in the knees, hips and back due to misalignment of the foot.
– Appearance of other pathologies such as bunions, claw toes and plantar fasciitis.
Diagnosis of Valgus Foot
Diagnosis of valgus foot begins with a physical evaluation by a podiatrist. This process may include:
– Medical history: Review of the patient’s medical history and current symptoms.
– Physical Examination: Visual inspection and palpation of the foot to assess alignment and arch.
– Biomechanical study: Gait analysis and plantar pressure distribution.
– Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays or MRI to evaluate the bone structure and soft tissues of the foot.
Prevention and Care
Although it is not always possible to prevent valgus foot, some measures can help manage symptoms and prevent complications:
– Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with good support and cushioning.
– Regular Exercises: Maintain strength and flexibility of the foot and ankle muscles.
– Weight Control: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the load on the feet.
– Regular Consultations: Visit the podiatrist for periodic evaluations and treatment adjustments.
Treatment Options
Treatment of valgus foot depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms presented. Options include:
Conservative Treatments
– Orthopedic Insoles: Customized to provide support and correct foot alignment.
– Proper Footwear: Shoes with good support and cushioning to reduce pressure on the foot.
– Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve stability.
– Medications: Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Surgical Interventions
– Osteotomy: Surgery to realign the bones of the foot.
– Arthrodesis: Fusion of joints to stabilize the foot.
– Reconstructive Techniques: Procedures to reconstruct and balance the muscles and ligaments of the foot.
The best care in foot surgery and podiatry
Clínica San Román combines experience with the latest technology to offer you the highest quality treatments in podiatry and foot surgery.
