Foot abnormalities in newborns are relatively rare but can cause concern for parents. Most of these conditions are not caused by disease and are highly treatable if addressed promptly. Here are the most common foot abnormalities in babies.
Clubfoot
Clubfoot, affecting 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 infants, is a congenital deformity where the ankles and feet are crooked or point inward. There are two types: positional clubfoot, caused by poor fetal positioning, and true clubfoot, involving underdeveloped musculoskeletal structures. Symptoms include a smaller calf and foot, toes pointing downward, inward-pointing forefoot, and stiffness.
Treatment involves three phases:
- Casting, ideally begun within the first weeks of life;
- Achilles tendon tenotomy to straighten the heel and tendon;
- Wearing a brace consisting of boots connected by a metal bar to prevent relapse until the baby starts walking.
Metatarsus adductus (varus)
Metatarsus adductus is a common newborn condition characterized by inward deviation of the forefoot, often resulting from fetal positioning similar to positional clubfoot. While sometimes correctable by manipulation, it can worsen without treatment.
Treatment during the first months may include: corrective splintage, targeted stretching, physiotherapy, or plaster casting.
Flatfoot
Flatfoot, or fallen arches, is typical in young infants; 97% are born with flat feet. Normally, the foot arch develops as the child grows, but in some cases, defects prevent this progress, which may hinder walking. Warning signs include abnormal shoe wear, stiff feet, difficulty walking, tiptoeing, complaints of pain in ankles or knees, and quick fatigue.
Early treatment with custom orthopedic shoes and orthotics can correct flatfoot issues. Learn more about treatment options here.
Overlapping toes
Overlapping toes at birth differ from adult hammertoes and usually resolve as the infant learns to walk. If they persist, a podiatrist might recommend a special brace or orthoplasty to correct the alignment.
The podiatrist and the health of your baby’s feet
Prompt attention to foot deformities can lead to successful correction. A podiatrist has the expertise to treat foot pain and deformities in infants. If concerned about your baby’s feet, do not hesitate to contact a PiedReseau clinic.