According to the "Canadian Medical Association Journal," children experience many foot problems that may remain permanent if not corrected in time. Children need to be observed closely as they grow to make sure their feet are developing normally. The earlier foot deformities are discovered, the higher the chances these deformities can be corrected or managed.
Club Foot
The CMAJ describes club foot as one of the most common foot problems in children. It is also known as congenital talipes equinovarus, or CTEV. According to the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, the whole foot is turned inward, and the toes point downward. Another foot deformity, positional talipes equinovarus, is caused as a result of the baby's position in the womb before birth, and is easier to correct. Unlike CTEV, there is no deformation or abnormality of the bones or muscles. The Children, Youth and Women's Health Service states that one in every 1,000 births will have an occurrence of CTEV, with boys having a higher incidence than girls.
Flat Foot
According to the CMAJ, one of the most common foot problems in children is flat foot, or pes planovalgus, also called pediatric foot. Flat foot is not noticed until the child begins to stand and bear weight. According to Foot Health Facts, there are various forms of flat foot but they all have one common characteristic: the arch of the foot is partially or totally collapsed. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic flat foot cases occur; symptomatic cases result in pain and limitation of activity for the sufferer.
Overlapping Toes
Another common foot problem in children is overlapping toes, according to the CMAJ. The condition id congenital, or present at birth, but is more clearly noticeable as the child grows. The most common case of overlapping toes has the second toe overriding the third toe. The treatment for overlapping toes is simply to strap down the toe into the correct position over a period of months.
