Orthopedic mat for children with clubfoot

In her interesting and concise account, Anastasia talks, among other things, about how to motivate a child to exercise on an orthopedic mat. I think a parent's personal example applies not only to mats but to many other aspects of life. With the experience and approach of our customers, we can suggest some more interesting ways how to motivate a child to exercise on a mat:

Children's orthopedic mats: what's in them and how to choose them

Remember the feeling of walking barefoot on sand, stones or grass! After this natural massage, a feeling of lightness remains. Each foot is a projection of our body, and massaging the soles of our feet improves blood circulation and energizes our body. When a natural terrain is not possible, orthopedic mats are the best solution.

The arch and foot are shaped as we age. As your child's foot grows, it not only enlarges but also forms its correct position.

The children's orthopedic mat is a special product for the proper development of the child's foot, made of different materials that imitate natural surfaces: grass, pebbles, sea sand, etc. Indications for the prescription:

• flat feet;
• disorders of foot function;
• foot deformities or progressive foot disease;
• Anomalies in the development of the child's gait, early onset of walking.

The effect of the mat is based on a pressure relief. The elements are applied to the surface of the feet while walking barefoot, standing, hopping in place, or moving from one place to another on the mat. The courses start with 3 minutes and gradually get longer.

Types of massage mats

An adult can preview different products, but a pediatric orthopedist will recommend the right model for a child. A distinction is made between:

1. Mats – These are individual mat models with massage elements and bars of different heights and shapes to support work on specific areas of the foot.
2 jigsaw puzzles - This is a set in the form of jigsaw puzzles in various configurations. They simply connect together to form a single massage area that is easy to snap together and disassemble.
3 hemispheres (Hedgehog and balance discs are air-filled rubber cushions with massage spikes on one side. They not only train the muscles, but also the equilibrium system and coordination.

At what age should you start training?

It should be said right away that there are no contraindications for training on a massage cushion. However, many parents are curious about the age at which children can start using an orthopedic mat. Experts believe that the earlier massage is introduced, the lower the risk of musculoskeletal problems. Training on an orthopedic mat is possible from the first year of life. Once the child begins to walk steadily, the exercises can be gradually introduced. For young children, 3 to 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day is sufficient. As the child gets older, the duration of walking on the massage surfaces can be increased.

Regularity of movement – recommendations

However, in order to achieve the desired results, it is important to organize children's exercises on the orthopedic mat in the right way. Systematic exercises will help to achieve the fastest effect. Duration and regularity of exercises depend on the nature of the problem and the degree of impairment of the musculoskeletal system. The doctor determines the optimal schedule and type of exercises. As a rule, it is advisable to set aside time for the exercises every day. In addition, the exercises are tailored to the different areas of the foot, so that the positive results can be accelerated.

Even simply walking on an orthopedic mat gives positive results. Various massages on the foot improve blood circulation and help to relax the muscles. However, a greater therapeutic effect can be achieved faster if the exercises are structured. For children there are special exercises on a massage mat for different areas of the foot. However, you should always start with a warm-up. It should always be done in a relaxed posture. The main goal is to stimulate blood circulation and warm up the muscles, which increases their flexibility and prepares them for the effort. The following exercises can help you warm up:

• step ups. While standing, shift your weight to different parts of your body. Vary the pivot point (toe, heel, outer rib);
• displacement of the support. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. During the exercise, slowly rotate your torso and shift your weight onto your toes, outer rib, left heel, and back onto your right foot;
• Slide;
• ,To ski'.

Set aside 1 to 3 minutes for each exercise. After warming up, you can increase the load and massage different areas of the foot.

Exercises for the toes. They help strengthen muscles and joints. Initially recommended to be performed sitting, and only at the appropriate level of training for the child - standing. Exercises in 2 total: 'heel' and 'shaft'. For the first exercise, spread your toes and hold for up to 10 seconds, then relax. Perform 5-10 repetitions. 'Wave' - the supporting leg stands still while the other leg glides gently on the orthopedic mat, then the feet are switched. The total number of repetitions is 10-20 times. With the appropriate level of training, you can begin to move a few meters (2 to 10) on the mat.

This is an interesting solution:

Regular exercise with an orthopedic mat not only improves the health of children's feet, but also the health of the whole body. With colds and fever, a foot massage helps to reduce the swelling in the nose.

When a child is lethargic and immobile, 5 minutes on the mat will give them a boost of energy because the nerve endings on their feet are responsible for their mood.

Head of the Ortix training center, specialist in orthopedics, general practitioner

Which orthopedic mat is the best for kids?

Determining the right massager for a child should be done by a professional, taking into account the developmental features of children's feet. However, there are a number of nuances that affect the effectiveness of the exercises. The presence of different massage zones increases the degree of acupuncture on the foot. The stimulation takes place on hard surfaces, the relaxation on soft ones. The safest models are those made from natural materials. Synthetic products are attractive in price, but inferior in quality. The following recommendations from the VyborExpert project will make your purchase easier:

• The cheapest mat is the Orthodon Rigid Turtle Set (ORTO 25CHJ);
• The choice of users – Orthodon Set 2 Baby (ORTO 25M);
• Most interesting model for children from 3 years old - Ortho Puzzle Mix Sea 8pcs;
• Best option in terms of effectiveness for Clubfoot, Flatfoot - Orthodone Set #10 Assorted (10 Puzzles).

Without a doctor's recommendation, it is difficult to know which model is right for your child. Each has its own set of finishes, degree of firmness, which affects the effectiveness of treatment and prevention. The rating will answer the questions of how to choose a children's orthopedic mat and what to look for when buying it.

Indications for using an orthopedic mat

Before you stock up on an orthopedic mat, be sure to consult and get advice from your podiatrist. He or she will advise you on the best and most appropriate mat for your particular case. An orthopedic mat is usually prescribed in the following cases:

• flat feet;
• Impaired foot function;
• abnormal loading of the foot;
• foot deformity or active development of an abnormality;
• gait abnormalities;

However, the contraindications to using a massage mat should not be overlooked. These include athlete's foot and various skin injuries.

The orthopedic mat has a raised surface that creates a series of bumps of a particular shape and size. These interact with the foot when the child performs exercises on the mat. In order to achieve an optimal effect, the massage mat should be used regularly and as instructed by the orthopaedist.

Classification of orthopedic mats

In order to choose the most suitable model, one must decide on the type and purpose of the mat. There are several types of orthopedic massage products:

• Mats are a type of products that have a raised surface with protrusions of different heights and shapes. They act on the foot and stimulate the microcirculation of the foot muscles, which has a positive effect on the overall fitness of the child;
• Jigsaw puzzles are small pieces with form locks that can be used to assemble a massage mat of the desired shape and size. The main feature of puzzles is that they can be used to create surfaces with different reliefs;
• Hemispheres or shims are three-dimensional figures filled with helium or air, which have a relief surface with convex parts. When you need maximum contact with your foot, this is the ideal solution. The main feature of these hemispheres is that they have an additional effect on the vestibular apparatus, thereby improving the child's coordination;
• The acupuncture massage mat is a type of orthopedic product, that is, a small mattress made of cotton fabric filled with coconut fibers, on which the needles lie close together. It improves blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, tissue nutrition, etc.

This is achieved through reflex stimulation of the skin on the back or neck. An acupuncture massage mat can relieve irritability and fatigue as well as muscle tension.

The Kuznetsov applicator is a yoga mat or a large mat that covers a large part of the body. If you are looking for a specific pressure point, you can use a belt or back roller.

Such products are made of plastic or fabric. On the surface of such a mat there are round or square modules with needle-shaped spikes. These needles are made of special medical polystyrene. They can be single or double. These mats differ in the height and frequency of the spikes: the higher the values, the more firmly the mat adheres to the body.

Foot and toe corrector

Which model is suitable? Modular orthopedic mat ORTODON Wave (rigid). Modular orthopedic mat ORTODON Spikes (soft). 0 reviews. 1 375. Massage ball to strengthen the foot muscles. 'Correction of valgus foot position involves the prescription of orthoses (shoes, the choice of which is very wide). I found them a little small and bought a few different Ortho-mat puzzles. The diagnosis:

X-shaped knee deformity that mimics natural surfaces. The Wave mat strengthens the ankle muscles in varus and valgus foot alignment. Orthopedic puzzle mats are useful not only for children's feet, because there are many If your child has a valgus foot, you should pay attention to the features of the foot. Orthopedic insoles (ortheses), medium and rigid. An orthopedic insole supports the treatment of existing foot deformities. There are different types of insoles to train different types of feet.

Abduction splint for the big toe

Hammer toe deformity as a result of changes in the transverse arch of the foot can be corrected by walking on rigid sea floor mats, hammer toe deformity as a result, orthopedic mats are used not only in the complex treatment of foot deformities (flatfoot, bunions, varus or valgus). The human foot was originally designed for walking on uneven ground:

Which elements of an orthopedic ORTO massage mat should I choose for my child?

The ORTODON mat range consists of a total of 20 modules of different properties and strength. Depending on the degree of hardness, they can be divided into 3 types:

Acupuncture Massage Mats.

These products consist of a pad with soft padding onto which special spiked applicators are glued or sewn.

Acupuncture mats are quite compact and lightweight. The large number of spikes allows for simultaneous impact on a large number of biologically active points.
The acupuncture mat can be used lying down or as a foot massage.

By combining different principles of action on the nerve endings and muscles of the back, this mat enables an improvement in well-being.

Eskulap orthopedic salons in Rostov-on-Don, Azov and Bataisk offer to buy children's foot massage mats, orthopedic mats with different zones and acupuncture mats at reasonable prices.

Which orthopedic mats are there?

Today we have easy access to modern materials: hypoallergenic, hygienic, with excellent cushioning properties. And they are in no way inferior to natural materials: stone, wood, cork oak bark. And it's hard to argue which pebbles on a mat are better: the brightly colored plastic pebbles or those from the sea and river? The choice here is more a matter of personal preference.

The terrain plays an important role: it is advisable to run on different surfaces so that the muscles and ligaments of the foot are subjected to different loads. It's also fun and enjoyable to run over bumps or spikes, not just bumps and bumps. For both children and adults.

How to choose an orthopedic mat?

Buyers are often guided by practical considerations. This is where the Puzzle massage mats come in handy. These mats are easy to clean and easy to store. You can buy as many parts as you need. The different reliefs can be combined with each other. These mats are durable and will not wear out. Ortek puzzle mats are fun to put together. They are the best-selling massagers in the range.

Another important factor: what you like :) Take a mat that the person who will train on it likes.

Where do you put a foot massage mat? And what to do if there is not enough space in the apartment?

From experience: You can put it in front of the sink. Then the whole family climbs on it and enjoys a foot massage while brushing their teeth in the morning and in the evening. Everyone in the family will have their own favorite terrain: some like a spiked puzzle resting on a longitudinal arch, others like ticklish grass, others like pretty skittles, and still others like tough stuff.

If you have enough space to practice, you can buy more puzzles - these can form a winding adventure path or a large rectangular mat.

If you are more interested in the green theme, you can opt for a natural gravel massage mat. Picture this: Not so long ago, those rocks you placed on your personal bouldering mat were warmed by the sun and licked off by a wave of salt. Choosing a pebble or wooden mat can also depend on whether you want the new accessory to blend in harmoniously with the existing interior.

Types of massage mats

In order to choose the right massage mat, one must first decide on the best type. There are the following basic types of these products:

• Mats. Individual products that have protrusions of different shapes and heights. These protrusions provide the necessary force that is applied to specific areas of the foot. This stimulates micro-contractions in the foot muscles, which has a positive effect.
• puzzle. A set of small pieces with contoured latches on the edges that can be used to assemble a massage pad with the desired finish and shape. They make it possible to create a covering that connects surfaces with different textures. They make it possible to play with children in a playful way.
• balls (hedgehogs) and balance discs. Volumetric forms filled with gel or air with convex massage elements. The shape of the elements ensures the best possible contact with the foot for maximum benefit. Another benefit of the movement is the development of the organ of balance and the improvement of coordination.

How to choose a massage mat

In order to get the maximum benefit and not interfere with the use of the product, you need to know how to choose a children's orthopedic mat. There are several important aspects to consider, including the age of the child. Exercising on an orthopedic mat can cause discomfort and mild soreness that young children do not tolerate well. The smaller the child, the softer the mat should be. Rubber mats are best for children up to 3 years old. For children over 3 years old, silicone mats are a good choice.

Before you buy any product, you should sit your child on the mat to see how comfortable it is for them. A bright and colorful design helps spark interest in exercise in young children.

The material of the mat must be elastic enough to provide sufficient depth for the foot. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the material is easy to clean and dry. It must not give off an unpleasant, pungent odor and must not rub off on the feet during training. The raised parts of the mat should be sufficiently hard and firmly attached to the floor.

• orthopedic mat.
• Perseus Ortho mat.
• Orthoses for valgus in children.
• A child begins to have clubfoot between the ages of 1 and 5.
• orthopedic shoes.
• orthopedic articles for children.
• Shoes for children's valgus feet.
• The child's foot is misaligned.