Foot deformities in children can be present at birth or develop at a later age and become problematic. Generally, they are congenital in nature with both or one of the parents having had the same or similar condition. Fortunately, these deformities can be treated. The following are some of the most common conditions that children develop:

Curled toes

What is a curled toe?

Common digital deformities are underlapping toes, overlapping toes, flexed or contracted toes, and mallet toes. As the deformity becomes more rigid, surgery will likely be required if correction of the deformity is the goal.

What causes underlapping and overlapping toes?

The age of the patient, degree of the deformity, and symptoms determine treatment. For underlapping toes, when the deformity is flexible in nature, a simple release of the tendon in the bottom of the toe will allow for straightening of the toe.  For overlapping toes (when one toe lies adjacently above the other), effective treatment depends upon how early the diagnosis is made.

What are treatment options for underlapping and overlapping toes?

In infancy, passive stretching and adhesive taping is commonly used. When surgical correction is warranted, a skin plasty is required to release the contracture of the skin associated with the deformity. Additionally, a tendon release and a release of the soft tissues of the joint at the base of the fifth toe may be required.

What are hammertoes and mallet toes?

Another common digital deformity is contracture of the toes in the formation of hammer toes and mallet toes. Please refer to the section on hammertoes for a more in-depth description. Mallet toes are a result of contracture of the last joint in the toe. In the pediatric population, it is often flexible and painless. Over time, the deformity becomes rigid and a callus may form on the skin overlying the joint at the end of the toe.

How to treat a mallet toe?

Conservative treatment consists of padding and strapping toes into a corrected position. If the deformity is flexible, a simple release of the tendon in the bottom of the toe will allow straightening of the toe. When the deformity is rigid, surgical correction requires the removal of a small section of bone in the last joint of the toe.

Pediatric Flatfeet

What is pediatric flatfeet?

A flatfoot deformity is where the arch on the inside border of the foot is more flat than normal. Flatfeet can occur in all age groups but appear most commonly in children. It is very important that children with flatfoot deformity be evaluated by a podiatrist to determine treatment to prevent future pain or deformity in their feet.

How to Diagnose flatfeet?

During an examination, a podiatrist is looking for abnormal structure or function of the foot and lower extremities, which could lead to either problems during childhood or adulthood. If a child has a mild flatfoot deformity with no symptoms (complaints in pain in the foot), then, generally no treatment is recommended other than possibly yearly check-ups by the podiatrist. However, if the child has moderate to severe flatfoot deformities, then treatment is indicated.

What are treatment options for flatfeet?

Treatment can start with supportive shoes and custom-molded orthotics to be able to control the exact abnormal motions. Orthotics also limit the abnormal flat arch shape to help approve the appearance and function of the foot

Source: Podiatry Today, https://www.podiatrytoday.com/pediatric-flatfoot-when-do-you-treat-it