Metatarsus adductus is one of the most common foot conditions in children. It is characterised by an irregular curvature of the forefoot, usually identified at birth. The congenital foot deformity, typically seen in newborns, involves adduction of the metatarsals at the Lisfranc joint, as detailed in Marshall et al 2018’s research study.
Metatarsus adductus can be confused with clubfoot, where one or both feet rotate inward and downward. However, the two conditions are very different and metatarsus adductus typically corrects itself with natural growth and development.
However, in the case of Sever’s disease, the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel plate during calcification, resulting in discomfort or pain. Sever’s disease typically occurs in children aged between eight and 15. Children that are taller or heavier in weight than average have an increased likelihood of developing Sever’s disease.
The most apparent symptom of metatarsus adductus is indicated by a curvature of the feet and is usually prominent when a baby is first born. Your child’s foot may appear more curved under the foot and more rounded at the top. In the majority of patients we see and treat, metatarsus adductus is painless and goes away over time as part of natural growth.
Unfortunately, there are no known causes for metatarsus adductus. There is no correlation to support the scientific theory that suggests if a fetus is packed tightly in the womb during gestation, the posture of the fetus can cause abnormal development in the feet. Currently, there is also no supporting evidence to indicate maternal age at birth, gestational age at birth or birth order causes the onset of metatarsus adductus.
In some cases of metatarsus adductus, no treatment is necessary. However, if the condition does not improve after the first year of your child’s life, we may recommend braces or a cast to support the development of your child’s foot muscles and ligaments.
Our Footfocus Podiatry Approach
Our 5-step process is designed entirely for you and your ongoing foot health and general wellbeing:
Step 1: You talk, we listen. We want to get the fullest understanding possible of what issues you are experiencing, and how they might be related. No detail is too small.
Step 2: We’ll assess your foot and leg using a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques.
Step 3: Throughout the diagnostic process, we’ll let you see what’s happening and why, and explain our findings in simple, plain English.
Step 4: We start doing our job and getting you better. This might include multiple treatments and different techniques, so we will keep you informed every step of the way.
Step 5: We stay with you, supporting you through recovery and moving you into preventative foot care, keeping the spring in your step for years to come.
If you are looking for proactive advice on how to prevent future conditions that may affect your child’s overall health, book a Podiatry appointment. We make it our mission to ensure your child has the freedom to move, grow and play!
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