Category: Foot types

Paediatric flatfoot

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - F, Foot types, Paediatrics

Paediatric flatfoot is a common foot condition that affects children and can be classified as either flexible or rigid. Flexible flatfoot is the more common type and occurs when the arch of the foot appears flat when the child is standing, but the arch reappears when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoes. Rigid flatfoot is less common and occurs when the arch of the foot remains flattened regardless of whether the child is standing or sitting. Treatment may include:

  1. Observation and monitoring: Many cases of paediatric flatfoot will improve on their own without intervention, however; it is important for the child’s foot development to be monitored over time to ensure that it is developing properly.
  2. Foot exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help to improve foot and ankle function and reduce pain or discomfort.
  3. Orthotic devices: Custom-made shoe inserts or arch supports can provide additional support to the foot and help to improve foot posture.
  4. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve foot and ankle strength and flexibility, and may also include manual therapy or massage.

Most experts agree that the adult flatfoot always begins in childhood, and that early intervention is best. Most flat feet in children are flexible and passively correctable early in life, and the persistence of a flatfoot in childhood can result in life-long structural change. Richard O. Schuster, DPM, states that any child with a navicular drop of nine mm, with or without pain, should undergo treatment to prevent symptomatology and deformity later in life.

The recent nomenclature of adult flatfoot has changed from adult acquired flatfoot deformity to progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity, to echo the progression from its paediatric form throughout life, rather than a new adult-onset condition that arises independently.

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a severe flatfoot deformity or to address underlying structural abnormalities. However, most cases of paediatric flatfoot can be managed with conservative measures and do not require surgical intervention. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or foot specialist if your child is experiencing foot pain or difficulty with walking.

Flexible flatfoot

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - F, Foot types

Flexible flatfoot is a common foot condition that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by a flat or low arch of the foot that can be seen when standing or walking. The condition occurs when the arch of the foot does not develop properly during childhood or becomes stretched or weakened over time, causing the foot to flatten out.

Symptoms of flexible flatfoot may include pain or discomfort in the foot or ankle, particularly after standing or walking for extended periods of time. Some people may also experience muscle cramps or stiffness in the foot or leg.

In most cases, flexible flatfoot does not require treatment, as the condition does not typically cause significant pain or functional impairment. However, if symptoms are severe or affecting quality of life, treatment options may include:

  1. Foot exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help to improve foot and ankle function and reduce pain or discomfort.
  2. Orthotic devices: Custom-made shoe inserts or arch supports can provide additional support to the foot and help to improve foot posture.
  3. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve foot and ankle strength and flexibility, and may also include manual therapy or massage.
  4. Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be helpful in managing pain or inflammation associated with flexible flatfoot.

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a severely flat foot or to address underlying structural abnormalities. However, most people with flexible flatfoot can manage their symptoms with conservative measures and continue to lead active, healthy lives.

Fallen arches

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - F, Foot types

Fallen arches, also known as flat feet, is a condition in which the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole of the foot to come into contact with the ground. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of fallen arches can include pain or tenderness in the arch, heel, or ankle, as well as swelling, weakness, or stiffness in the foot. Some people with fallen arches may also experience problems with balance or foot fatigue.

Treatment for fallen arches typically involves a combination of non-surgical and surgical approaches. Non-surgical treatments may include stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices such as arch supports or custom-made shoe inserts, or over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct any structural problems in the foot or ankle.

Prevention of fallen arches can include maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive shoes with good arch support, and engaging in regular exercise to strengthen the muscles and tendons of the foot and ankle.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of fallen arches or have concerns about the health of your feet. A healthcare provider can help to diagnose the underlying cause of the condition and develop an appropriate course of treatment based on your individual needs and medical history.

Equinus

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - E, Foot types

Equinus foot is a condition in which the ankle joint is limited in its ability to bend upward, also known as dorsiflexion. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including tight calf muscles, ankle joint stiffness or injury, or neurological conditions that affect the nerves and muscles of the foot and ankle.

Equinus foot can cause a number of symptoms, including difficulty walking or running, pain in the foot or ankle, and an increased risk of falls or injuries. In severe cases, equinus foot can lead to foot deformities or chronic ankle instability.

Treatment for equinus foot typically involves a combination of stretching exercises, physical therapy, and orthotic devices, such as heel lifts or ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), that help to improve the ankle’s range of motion and support the foot and ankle during movement. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying structural problems that are causing equinus foot.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of equinus foot or have difficulty moving your ankle joint. A healthcare provider can help to diagnose the underlying cause of the condition and develop an appropriate course of treatment based on your individual needs and medical history.

Drop foot

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - D, Foot types, Neurology

Foot drop is a condition in which a person is unable to lift the front part of their foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upward).

Drop foot can be caused by a variety of conditions, including nerve injuries, muscle disorders, or neurological conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. It can also be a side effect of certain medications.

Symptoms of drop foot include difficulty lifting the foot or toes, dragging the foot while walking, and a higher risk of tripping or falling.

Treatment for drop foot depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Physical therapy exercises may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle, and assistive devices such as braces or splints may be recommended to help support the foot and prevent tripping or falling. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying issue causing drop foot.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of drop foot, as early treatment can improve outcomes and prevent further complications.

Clubfoot

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Foot types, Paediatrics

Clubfoot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a congenital condition that affects one or both feet. It is characterised by a deformity in which the foot is turned inward and downward, and the heel is elevated. The foot is also shorter and narrower than normal.

The cause of clubfoot is not well understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is not a painful condition in infants, but if left untreated, it can cause significant problems later in life, including pain, difficulty walking, and a reduced range of motion in the affected foot.

Treatment for clubfoot usually involves a combination of nonsurgical and surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition. Nonsurgical treatments may include the use of casts, braces, or orthotics, while surgery may involve releasing tight tendons or ligaments, or realigning the bones in the foot.

With early and appropriate treatment, most children with clubfoot are able to develop normal walking patterns and lead active, healthy lives.

High arched foot (pes cavus)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Foot types, H

Cavus foot, also known as high arches, is a condition in which the arch of the foot is higher than normal. This can cause increased pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time.

Cavus foot can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, trauma, or muscle imbalances. In some cases, there may be no apparent cause.

Symptoms of cavus foot can include pain or discomfort in the foot, ankle, or leg, difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, and an unstable or wobbly gait. In severe cases, the foot may develop calluses, corns, or ulcers due to the increased pressure on certain areas of the foot.

Treatment for cavus foot depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Conservative measures may include wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning, using custom orthotics or inserts to redistribute pressure on the foot, and physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the foot and ankle. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the foot and relieve pressure on the affected areas.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your foot or if you have concerns about your foot alignment or gait. A healthcare professional can diagnose cavus foot and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.