Children's Foot Deformities

HELPING YOUR CHILD NAVIGATE LIVING WITH A FOOT DEFORMITY

A foot deformity is readily identified by the abnormal shape of the foot, which can negatively affect the appearance and proper function of the foot and leg. Foot deformities in children are usually congenital (present at birth) rather than acquired, since acquired conditions take many years to develop. There are many types of foot deformities that affect children, which include but are not limited to the following: 


  • Metatarsus adductus—the front half of the foot is turned inward
  • Clubfoot—one or both feet are turned or twisted in and under
  • Flexible flatfoot—little or no arch under the feet when standing, but the arch appears when not standing
  • Rigid flatfoot—no arch under the feet whether sitting or standing 
  • Vertical talus—also known as “rocker bottom feet” when the soles of the feet curve out like the bottom of a rocker
  • Polydactyly—extra toes
  • Syndactyly—webbed or conjoined toes
  • Cleft foot—the foot is V shaped with missing toes 
  • Overlapping toes 
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What causes foot deformities in children?

    Congenital foot deformities can occur for a number of reasons, such as heredity, trauma during childbirth, developmental anomalies or problematic positioning of the fetus during pregnancy, and environmental toxicity (medication, chemical exposure, smoking, etc).   


    Acquired foot deformities are rarer in children, but they can develop during adolescence if the child routinely engages in high-impact physical activities, regularly wears ill-fitting shoes, and has suffered from previous foot injuries. 

  • Can I prevent my child from developing a foot deformity?

    If the foot deformity is congenital, not much can be done to prevent it. The good news is that proper prenatal care and healthy lifestyle habits (no smoking, no drinking, eating a nutritious diet, etc) effectively lower the risk of all types of health problems for both mother and child. 


    Early diagnosis and non-invasive therapies are often enough to correct most cases of foot deformities in children. More severe disfigurements may require surgery, though this is thankfully rare. 


    Your child can lower his or her chances of developing an acquired foot deformity by adhering to the following guidelines:


     • Wear shoes that fit well every day


     • Wear the proper shoes while participating in sports or exercising


     • Do regular foot strengthening and balancing exercises


     • Get enough rest for the feet after intense physical activity


     • Prevent injury but not playing through the pain


     • Get prompt rest and treatment when an injury or accident occurs


     • Eat a healthy diet and maintain a good weight

  • Can I treat my child's foot deformity at home?

    Some foot deformities are mild enough that they don’t interfere with normal function or can be outgrown in a few years, like flat feet. Other disorders may be benign, but still, need corrective treatment to ensure proper healing and development. The right remedy can only be determined after an accurate diagnosis has been made. We strongly recommend that you consult your pediatrician, so you can make the best decision for the health of your child.   

  • When should I see a doctor for my child's foot deformity?

    You should consult a pediatrician as soon as possible if you can see that your child has a foot deformity. Even benign conditions have the potential to develop into something serious with enough neglect and delays in medical treatment. Because your child is still growing, early diagnosis and corrective medical care are crucial for ensuring normal and healthy development. 

  • Can my child's foot deformity heal on its own without treatment?

    It depends on the type and severity of the foot deformity. Mild cases of flat feet usually go away on their own after a few years without any additional effort. Some children with cleft foot experience no issues with mobility and can run and play like other children with normal feet. However, if you wish to change or improve the appearance of misshapen feet (cleft foot, clubfoot, polydactyly, syndactyly, etc), it can only be done with some form of corrective treatment.    

  • Will my child experience complications from an untreated foot deformity?

    Your child’s health and quality of life can suffer if a foot deformity is allowed to become permanent from lack of treatment. Even if normal function remains unaffected, the appearance of disfigurement can exert a social and psychological cost. Potential adverse consequences from lack of treatment include but are not limited to: 


     • Permanently compromised mobility or permanent disability


     • Chronic pain


     • Arthritis


     • Problems with walking


     • Dysfunctional development of leg and foot muscles due to difficulties with walking


     • Poor self-esteem and lack of confidence 

  • What medical treatments are available for treating foot deformities in children?

    Treatments for congenital foot conditions include:


     • Braces


     • Casts


     • Splints


     • Physical therapy and manipulation (generally done in combination with casts or splints)


     • Orthotic shoes or shoe inserts


     • Surgery 



    Even if your child’s foot deformity is particularly severe, don’t fear. With specialized medical treatment and rehabilitation, your child can look forward to a healthy and active life through childhood and beyond.