Some children are born with a condition known as metatarsus adductus, which is a turning inward of the feet. The inside of the foot appears caved in and the outside more rounded. While it may be alarming to look at, this condition generally diminishes in a few years. Although no cause has been determined for metatarsus adductus, some experts believe it to be a result of the fetus being tightly packed inside the uterus before birth. The metatarsus is a collection of bones in the midfoot, known as the five metatarsals. These bones connect the toes to the heel. A podiatrist can properly examine your baby’s feet and determine which form of metatarsus is present. In flexible metatarsus, the foot can be straightened manually, and some stretching exercises may help. The condition may continue until the child is between 1 and 2 years old. In non-flexible metatarsus, the foot stays in a curved position. In this case, fittings for braces and special shoes may be required. In rare cases, surgery to reposition the foot may be suggested. A podiatrist can monitor your child’s case and prescribe appropriate treatment. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.