Understanding Common Foot Deformities

There are many kinds of deformities that lead to aberrations from the normal foot. It is quite a common problem. One type of deformation that can be found is the clubfoot, medically called Talipes Equinovarus. Occurring in one of every 1000 births, and affecting boys twice as often as girls, the cause of the clubfoot is unknown. In clubfoot, the foot is turned to the side, making the deformed foot, calf, and leg smaller and shorter than the foot, calf, and leg on the baby's normal side. Such a deformation must be treated immediately or it can lead to greater problems as the child gets older and starts to walk.

A more serious but rare deformity of the foot is cleft foot, or partial adactyly. In this rare inherited deformity, a cleft extends into the foot, causing a "split" or "lobster claw." Treatment involves surgical correction, which will improve both the function and appearance of the foot.
Another deformation of the foot is called cavus foot. In cavus foot, the foot has an unnaturally high arch, causing too much weight to be placed on the ball and heel of the foot when standing.

Cavus foot can lead to other problems and deformities, including hammertoes, calluses, and ankle sprains. It can be caused by a variety of medical conditions including cerebral palsy or stroke, or can be a hereditary structural abnormality. Orthotic devices, specialty shoes, and even foot and ankle braces are some of the treatments used to treat cavus foot. Surgery will be used as a last resort.

Shortening of the metatarsal bones, or toes, is yet another common deformity of the foot that can be found in many people. Usually, the shortest metatarsal found in such a deformity will be on the fourth toe of both feet. This shortening of the fourth toe can cause pain and rubbing in shoes and also can be unpleasant to look at. The most common treatment for shortening of the metatarsal bone is surgery to lengthen the bone.

Some other foot deformities are less severe. One, called calcaneovalgus, involves the foot bending sharply at the ankle, causing the foot to turn upward and outward, sometimes even touching the shinbone. Usually no treatment is necessary in a baby born with condition, as it will correct itself. In another deformity of the foot called metatarsus adductus, the front part of the foot turns inward, causing a child to walk with his toes turned inward. This is also a condition that usually corrects itself as the child grows, although specialty shoes may be necessary for a period of time to assist in walking.