Conditions affecting the bones of one’s foot, tendons, or even muscles are known as Pediatric Foot Deformities. Treating a baby’s foot pain can be really different from the treatments required to treat adults. The orthopedists who specialize in paediatrics treatment usually suggest procedures that do not require surgeries, i.e., they are non-operative in nature. The treatments are carried out with great precision so that the growth and development are not affected while preserving the growth plate.
Given below are some of the conditions that fall under the pediatric foot deformity:
Cavus Foot
A foot affected with Cavus Foot condition has an abnormally high arch, unlike a normal foot. The arch formed puts pressure on the heel and the ball of the foot which results in pain. The treatments include providing orthotic devices for cushioning, AFO (Ankle foot orthosis) braces for keeping the foot and ankle stable and a slight modification in the shoes.
Pediatric Pes Planus
Pes Planus or kid’s flat foot is a deformity that causes the arches of the feet to collapse. The entire foot’s sole can come in contact with the ground in case of a flat foot. Pes planus is a result of tendon dysfunction. The treatments include AFO braces that help with stabilizing and limiting the movement of a joint that has been damaged. Along with that, therapies including stretching exercises are recommended to help with faster healing.
Clubfoot
Clubfoot in babies happens when the foot looks twisted or rotated towards the interior. In severe cases, the affected foot might appear to be upside down. Boy babies are at a higher risk of developing clubfoot than girl babies. The treatment for clubfoot begins after a week or two of the baby’s birth. For non-surgical procedures, casting and stretching are recommended by the doctor. Positioning your child’s foot with casts and braces and helping it with stretching exercises will be the first step before deciding on any invasive surgery.
Accessory Navicular
This deformity happens when there is an extra bone or cartilage being detected above the arch on the inner side of the foot. It can cause foot pain while performing activities. The treatment includes physical therapies to help decrease the inflammation, medications that can be taken orally or can be injected, applying ice on the area affected (not directly on the skin), and putting the affected foot in a cast to decrease pressure on the area.
