Many children are born with foot deformities requiring treatment from podiatrists. The deformities can be easy to spot, or they may be hard to see until babies start trying to walk. These three foot issues can be treated with the help of a children’s podiatrist.
Metatarsus Adductus
This foot deformity is one of the most common, among newborns, with approximately one percent of babies born with it. The deformity is easy for doctors to spot as the toes will face inward and the feet will appear to be bean shaped. Although many cases are resolved on their own, some pediatric foot problems in Kenosha, WI will need to be treated by a pediatric podiatrist.
Curly Toes
Some infants are born with a deformity known as congenital curly toes, which is when a toe is rotated abnormally. Although the toe will also be bent, the improper rotation is the main issue with this foot deformity. To alleviate the stress on the toe, a podiatrist, specializing in pediatric foot problems, will perform surgery to cut the tendon on bottom of the toe, in order to treat this condition.
Overlapping Toes
Some babies are born with toes overlapping each other, which makes it difficult to fit shoes and to learn to walk. Usually, the fifth toe on the foot, often called the “baby toe,” overlaps the fourth toe. Doctors who treat Kenosha pediatric foot problems may recommend surgery to correct this deformity, but there may be other treatments available if the toe doesn’t overlap too badly.
There are also foot issues requiring the help of an orthopedic surgeon, instead of that of podiatrists who treat pediatric foot problems. However, your child’s pediatrician can refer you to podiatrists who can treat most childhood foot problems. Podiatrists can help restore proper function so toddlers can learn to walk as normally as possible.
