According to medical researchers, congenital malformations of the soles of the feet (especially monkeys) have become more common in children in recent years. What are the real reasons for this? Are there any treatment options?
Ahror JURAEV, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, answers the following questions:
- Defects in the soles of children's feet can be caused by hereditary or genetic problems. Dehydration during pregnancy often results in congenital malformations when the baby is misplaced and squeezed in the womb. It can also be caused by the mother suffering from various infectious diseases during pregnancy, severe depression, and poor nutrition. That is, a poor lifestyle can adversely affect the development of the fetus in the womb.
At 16 weeks of gestation, a baby’s foot monkey can be detected by an ultrasound scan. After the birth of a child, various anatomical diseases of the toes (for example, shortness of the toes, adhesions - syndactria, poor development of the palmar bones) are observed. In this case, the neonatologist can diagnose the baby with congenital malformations and advise on treatment measures. Timely treatment can prevent long-term illness.
Ankle flexion is a common condition in which the toes of both feet (below the ankle) face each other and the heel is round. In a very strongly developed monkey, the child leans on the outer edge of the toe, even on the inner surface. If a child is diagnosed with congenital anemia, the child should be treated as soon as possible. Special plaster casts are used to correct the curvature of the legs. Physiotherapeutic treatments are prescribed to strengthen the leg muscles. If these methods do not help, the child will be treated surgically when he is 1,5-2 years old.
In fact, there are exogenous and endogenous causes of congenital diseases in children. Exogenous (external) causes may include deterioration of the environmental condition, chemical treatment of food, as well as the mother's taking various antibiotics during pregnancy and intense stress. Anemia, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal and endocrine diseases, and metabolic disorders are endogenous (internal) causes.
To prevent birth defects in the unborn child, the mother should take care of herself during pregnancy, follow a daily routine, spend more time in the fresh air, avoid stress, eat properly and take medication under medical supervision. If the congenital malformation is not treated in time, surgical resection of the sole of the foot is used. It is recommended to wear special orthopedic shoes after treatment, children should be under constant dispensary supervision.
Many parents are interested in how to treat monkeys at home. The advice is that in this case it is better to consult an orthopedist. The doctor will determine how severe or mild the defects in your child’s soles are and prescribe treatment. He or she may then recommend an additional set of massage exercises. First of all, the child should wear orthopedic shoes. At the same time, he should try to walk barefoot on the sand, in the meadow, or on the sofa cushions in the house. This puts pressure on the soles of the feet and the muscles, and massages occur naturally.
Exercising for 3-4 year olds, such as cycling and swimming, can also help. If you follow the doctor's instructions on time and pay attention to additional exercises, your child will be able to solve the problems of the soles of the feet.
