Newborn babies are prone to various orthopedic problems. Some of the common foot and toe conditions include clubfoot, flatfoot, overlapping toes, metatarsus adductus, polydactyly, and congenital vertical talus.
Most of these foot deformities are treated nonsurgically. In many cases, they can simply be observed. However, it’s important to understand the deformity to ensure appropriate treatment is being provided.
Clubfoot is a condition that causes a newborn baby’s feet to be twisted, pointing down and inward. Approximately 1 to 4 babies in 1,000 are born with clubfoot. Boys have clubfeet nearly twice as often as girls. Clubfoot doesn’t cause a baby pain. Still, it can cause long-term problems, affecting their ability to walk.
When clubfoot is properly treated with stretching exercises, casts, and/or surgery, the deformity can often be corrected in early childhood.
Metatarsus adductus is a common congenital foot condition. It’s seen in about 1% to 2% of all newborns. This condition causes the baby’s toes and forefoot to point inward, making it difficult to straighten them. The appearance of the baby’s sole will likely resemble a bean shape.
Mild cases often resolve on their own, but more severe cases may need casts, splints, or corrective shoes. Surgery is rarely needed for the metatarsus adductus.
Polydactyly means your baby has an extra toe or toes. This condition is actually fairly common. Though it can run in the family, sometimes polydactyly occurs without any family history. Around 1 in 1,000 babies are born with polydactyly. The treatment of polydactyly of the foot depends on where and how the extra toe or toes are connected.
If there’s no bone and the toe is poorly formed, a clip can be put on it to stop blood flow, which will cause it to fall off.
Better-formed toes are surgically removed once the baby is about 1 year old before they begin to walk.
Congenital vertical talus is an uncommon cause of a type of flatfoot in newborns. It’s often associated with other congenital or chromosomal abnormalities. The appearance of a baby’s foot with this condition is a sole that looks like the bottom of a rocking chair.
The treatment for vertical talus is similar to the treatment for clubfoot, using stretching exercises, casts, and, if necessary, surgery.
It’s important to note that most of these conditions are treatable and can be corrected with proper care and attention. If you suspect that your newborn baby has any of these conditions, it’s best to consult a pediatrician or an orthopedic specialist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
