Question
Parent Inquiry: An 8-month-old child has been diagnosed with flatfoot and has undergone 4 days of rehabilitation and foot binding treatment, but the treatment was paused due to the child’s cold. The parent inquires whether treatment can be continued without rehabilitation and whether casting is necessary. The child also has low muscle tone. What have been the past treatments and their effectiveness?
Answer
For mild hallux valgus, it is recommended to switch to comfortable shoes that fit the foot type and avoid friction on the bursa. For flatfoot patients, corrective insoles can be used to stabilize the arch. For patients with gastrocnemius scar contracture, Achilles tendon stretching can be used to alleviate the progression of hallux valgus. For severe hallux valgus, consider corrective surgery to narrow the forefoot width, and it is suggested to wear round-toed sports shoes postoperatively to prevent recurrence. For hallux valgus caused by rheumatoid arthritis, rapid treatment can be achieved through first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion surgery and excision of the second through fifth metatarsal heads.