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How To Correct Foot Deformities in Children?

Dr. Rajiv Singh 90% (53 ratings)
DNB (Pediatrics), MBBS
Pediatrician, Ghaziabad  •  17 years experience
How To Correct Foot Deformities in Children?

As babies develop in the mother's womb, there can be many factors, which could hamper normal growth in the embryo. These can result in deformities within the physiology of the baby. One area is bone tissue growth, which in early stages is still cartilage, and can manifest within the baby as deformed feet.

The incidence of deformed feet in infants, although not very common, is still prevalent enough to warrant certain fields of study as to why they happen and their remedies.

Reasons for foot deformities in infants

Some of the reasons for foot deformities within infants are mentioned below:

1. Genetic or hereditary problems - Some problems are passed from one generation to the other, although it may not manifest in the older generations.

2. Infections to the mother during pregnancy - If the mother contracted a disease during pregnancy or had an infection, it can have adverse effects on the developments of the baby and cause deformities.

3. Side effects of medications - If the mother was under medication, side effects of certain medications can cause hormonal imbalances resulting in deformities.

4. Hormonal imbalances - Certain hormonal imbalances present in the mother's body due to overlooked problems may cause issues with the baby's development and result in foot or other physical deformities.

Correction of Foot Deformities

Most corrective measures for foot deformities entail surgery as severe problems can be only corrected through that. These measures may also include other methods such as physiotherapy, massages, and training.

Let's look at some of the techniques, which are used to correct deformities, either in combinations or as standalone techniques.

  • Corrective surgery - This is the most common and usually the most recommended course of action as anything above mild deformities will have to be corrected through surgeries. Most surgeries entail lengthy recuperating periods and follow ups.
  • Corrective footwear - Milder foot deformities can be corrected with special footwear or setting devices such as special braces and supports to correct the problems.
  • Physiotherapy - Certain forms of physiotherapy are effective in correcting mild forms of deformities. However, this tool is usually deployed in conjunction with surgeries to speed up the healing process
  • Exercises - Certain deformities can only be changed with the help of exercise over a long period of time and cannot be fixed quickly even via surgery and thus, will need special care for long periods of time.


Related Tip: Early Childhood Trauma - Reasons and Diagnosis

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