Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity in babies caused by inward turning of the central bones of the feet. Treatment includes stretching, exercising, or using a long leg cast. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases. The condition is usually successfully treated in childhood, but foot support with an orthotic may be needed in adulthood.
Metatarsus adductus is a foot deformity that usually affects babies at birth. The central bones of the feet of children with metatarsals turn inward, causing the deformity. While the condition is thought to be caused by the way the baby is positioned in the uterus, the exact cause is still not fully understood. Treatments for the condition include stretching, exercising, or using a long leg cast.
Metatarsus adductus disease is relatively common. On average, one in a thousand children will suffer from it. The vast majority of babies born with the disease will not experience long-term effects, as only about 15% will require corrective treatment. The body can usually correct the problem without treating metatarsal adductus, although a stretching routine is sometimes necessary. In severe cases, metatarsal adductus surgery may be the only option.
Other potential causes include hereditary conditions and where a baby sleeps. Children who suffer from this condition may also have an increased chance of developing certain hip problems, although whether this is a cause or an effect is not yet clear. Once the treatment is successful, the chance of a recurrence is quite small, although not impossible.
Diagnosing metatarsus adductus is usually a straightforward process because it’s easy to see. For this reason, a doctor will physically examine your child to confirm that the metatarsus primus adductus is the problem. Once the diagnosis is made, an orthopedic surgeon may be asked to view the foot to see if surgery will be needed. The treatment that follows will depend on the age of the child, the severity of the condition and the parents’ preferences.
One of the most common treatments for metatarsal adductus is the use of a cast. Sometimes a long leg cast is used if stretching or other exercises are unable to fix the problem. Long leg casts run from the upper thigh down to the foot and need to be replaced regularly, usually every one to two weeks. The purpose of a cast is to help stretch the muscles in your feet, which can help the bones straighten.
Adult metatarsal adductus is rare because the disease is almost always successfully treated when the patient is a child. If the condition goes untreated, however, adult treatment may include foot support with an orthotic. With some patients, the foot deformity may not cause significant problems and treatment is usually not needed in this case.
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