When Mom discovers that the child has asymmetrical folds on the legs, she is noticeably anxious. If, in addition, she heard that this is a sign that there is some disturbance in the hip joint, then a woman may begin to panic. Do not do this, although ignoring it is also unacceptable.
The asymmetry of skin folds can be in babies who are absolutely healthy. But only a doctor can determine whether this is a deviation or a norm. Therefore, if there is even the slightest suspicion, it is necessary to consult with him.
Reasons for the appearance
Before receiving an extract from a maternity hospital, a young mother needs to learn how to properly care for her baby. Here she will be assisted by a neonatologist and medical staff.
Care must be taken to care for the navel and to cleanse the nose and ears.
Asymmetric folds on the legs of an infant can be detected by bending its limbs. You need to look at the groin and knees. In the case of the abnormality of the little one, the suspicion immediately arises that he has dysplasia. That is why asymmetries need to be traced even when the baby was discharged from the hospital.
A similar situation will be observed if the hip joints are not sufficiently developed. To diagnose the tots, you need to turn it over on the tummy and try to straighten its legs as much as possible. To begin with, you should pay attention to the length of the limb. If the newborn has asymmetric folds on the legs, this will indicate that during the development of the crumbs there was some kind of pathology even before birth.
The clinical picture can be considered aggravated if there is some tension when trying to breed the limbs. In addition, a characteristic click is heard in the legs.
The solution to the orthopedic problem in babies is real if mothers and fathers contact a doctor in a timely manner. Otherwise, dysplasia will worsen, and this will lead to some inconvenience in walking. In the future, the child may develop lameness, which will remain for life.
What is dysplasia?
In some babies, at the time of birth, the structure of the hip joint is still immature. The joint ligaments are too elastic. And only by the year will the periarticular ligaments and joint finally form.
If in some peanuts, the joints develop correctly and at the right time, then others have some slowdown in development. Doctors call this condition immaturity of the joint. Asymmetric folds on the legs of the baby (the photo fully reflects the picture of what is happening) and may be a symptom of this borderline state between the norm and pathology.
If the joint is immature, this can later go into a developmental disorder, that is, dysplasia. Therefore, you can not postpone a visit to the doctor so that the diagnosis is established in a timely manner and treatment is started.
There are practically no clear criteria in the diagnosis of the described disease. To confirm or exclude the diagnosis, it is necessary to do an ultrasound, and, possibly, radiography. But some symptoms may be seen by the mother herself:
- if she bends the legs in the hip and knee joints, one knee will be slightly higher than the other;
- there is some asymmetry of the inguinal, popliteal and gluteal folds;
- if mom takes the thigh crumbs sideways, there is a restriction.
When a mother finds at least one of these symptoms in her child, a visit to the orthopedist is required!
Symptoms of Dysplasia
During the first twelve months of the baby's life, it is necessary to show the orthopedist at least three times. For this, 1, 3 and 6 months of the life of the peanut are intended. If there is a need, then it is necessary to assemble a commission to listen to its authoritative opinion. The members of this commission will carefully examine the folds and length of the limbs. Also, the dynamics with which the general development of the child occurs is not ignored.
It is possible to diagnose dysplasia in babies only by taking into account the analysis of the presence of other symptoms:
- In some situations, the asymmetry of the folds is an innate feature of the crumbs. The way the hip joint is located has absolutely no effect. But the final conclusion is made solely on the basis of x-ray results.
- Different limb lengths can be observed when cramps occur from time to time. They negatively affect muscle tone, which is why a violation of the position of the folds occurs. The result is clearly visible changes in symmetry.
How to diagnose at home?
Moms and dads are required to pay special attention to their baby and from time to time conduct a special examination:
- if adults try to bring their legs together, they see how different the folds on the legs are;
- mother tries to put her baby on her tummy, and he immediately begins to cry; In addition, the baby wants to quickly change the pose;
- if you carefully study the folds on the legs, you can find asymmetrical folds on the legs in the child, that is, there is no similarity in the groin and knees;
- on one leg the folds are deeper than on the other.
If there is at least one of these signs, the child should urgently show an orthopedist.
About prevention and treatment
Why the baby has asymmetrical folds on the legs, that is, because of which dysplasia occurs, has not been clarified to the end even now. But doctors are convinced that if there is a genetic predisposition and pathology of pregnancy, the risk of its occurrence will increase. The reasons are as follows: first birth, large baby, pelvic presentation.
For the purpose of prevention, and also if the hip joint is immature, simple methods are enough. The doctor can prescribe massage, wide swaddling and special exercises that will be necessary in such a situation.
Dysplasia is detected already in the first weeks of the life of the peanut. Therefore, the treatment started on time in a short period of time will give a positive result.
Late folds
But there are cases when the mother discovers asymmetric femoral folds on the legs of the baby much later, by about three or six months. Tight swaddling and improper care act as a provocateur of the disease. Therefore, it is not necessary to swaddle the baby's legs very tight. After all, by doing so, mothers limit their mobility and fix the joints in the wrong position.
The sooner the disease is detected, the easier it is to fight it. Do not neglect the mandatory examinations of an orthopedist, which are usually assigned to children in the first, third and sixth months. If this happens and the diagnosis of dysplasia is confirmed, do not despair. It is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner, due to which the pean, growing up, will be spared from serious problems.
Prevention
There are cases when, with the growing up of the baby, his joint is set without outside help. This will happen, possibly due to the constant presence in a position that will contribute to the reduction. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional actions that will accelerate healing.
Doctors say that reduction itself can happen only in children who are not yet three months old. Infants should not be swaddled tightly, because in this case the risk of harm to health will increase. You need to swaddle in a certain way: pass a thick diaper between the legs of the baby, for securing which a second copy will be needed.
If asymmetrical folds are found on the legs of the baby in front or behind, suitable as a prophylaxis against dysplasia are special gymnastic exercises that parents and the child should do daily. Gymnastics consists in circular movements of the pelvis and legs. During this period of development, babies have very flexible bones, so the reduction can happen by itself. Moms and dads will forever forget about a difficult diagnosis.
Do not forget about the orthopedist!
So, parents saw asymmetrical folds on the legs of the baby. Do not panic right away. If the disease - dysplasia - was not diagnosed until the baby reaches three months of age, the possibility of self-reduction increases. Parents need to resort exclusively to the method of free swaddling. Gymnastics will work well.
Pediatricians advise twice during the first six months of the baby's life to come to an appointment with an orthopedist. This can help determine the pathology at the very beginning of development. The sooner this happens, the more likely it is to achieve a positive result in a short time. If dysplasia is not treated, the child may have problems not only while sitting, but also while walking.
What should moms and dads do when dysplasia is detected?
Of course, most parents are upset when at some point they discover asymmetrical folds on the legs of the baby in the back or in front. But it turns out that there is nothing wrong with dysplasia, especially if you turn to the doctor in time. Parents should carefully listen to his recommendations and adhere to them in the future. The course of treatment is usually selected for each baby separately. There are general options.
The examination may not reveal violations. So, asymmetric folds on the legs of the baby in front or behind can occur against the background of the individual characteristics of the baby.
To get rid of hypertonicity, you need to do massage and apply electrophoresis. Only a doctor can determine how intense the effect should be and the time that the course should last. A positive result can be seen after therapy, which lasts only ten days.
If the diagnosis - dysplasia - is confirmed, it is the orthopedist who can correctly choose the treatment methodology. In this case, it is important enough that this doctor can control every stage of it.
When mom or dad notice that the child has asymmetrical folds on the legs, you should immediately make an appointment with a specialist. Only he will carry out the necessary diagnostic measures and select the necessary course of treatment in such a situation.
About therapeutic measures
If the disease has a mild form, the peanut should be worn for massage, due to which muscle hypertonicity is significantly reduced. Only when the muscles begin to act correctly, doctors will note the norm. The doctor should carefully examine each little one and assign the number of sessions. They will remove the pathology that will adversely affect the gait of the growing baby.
If the folds are uneven, then sometimes, in more complex cases, Pavlik's stirrups or Freyk’s tires will come to the rescue. Thanks to them, it is possible to fix the lower extremities in the required position. At the first stage of treatment, it will be enough to slightly part the legs and bend them slightly. Parents need to understand: it is very important for the health of the child to diagnose the disease as early as possible. Because soon the treatment will begin, which will give a good result. So, the baby will continue the correct development and growth.
In conclusion
An important point from this article has already become clear: in order to detect asymmetrical folds on the legs of a child, parents do not have to be doctors. You just need to really love your baby and do everything that is necessary for his hygiene and health.
Folds are an ideal place for diaper rash to appear there. When conducting prophylaxis, you need to remember that all the folds on the baby's body must be kept clean. As an additional measure, lubricate them with hypoallergenic baby oil or petroleum jelly.
If your mother is concerned about a situation, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Parents, remember: it is better to spend three or four days on unnecessary examinations than to treat neglected health problems of your beloved baby for many years.