Given that the foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles as reported by the National Institutes of Health, it is not surprising that foot disorders are common. Congenital foot disorders, which are present at birth, may be classified as flexible, meaning they may correct themselves, or rigid, in which case they require treatment. The following congenital foot disorders are the most common disorders that may occur either alone or in association with other medical conditions.
Metatarsus Adductus (MTA)
Metatarsus adductus, also known as metatarsus varus, is a congential foot deformity that occurs in approximately 3 percent of births, according to an article published in "International Pediatrics." This deformity causes the front half of the foot to turn inward due to an off-center deviation at the tarso-metatarsal (where the toe bones meet the foot) joints. The cause of this condition is unknown, but the position of the baby while in the uterus and family history are contributing factors. Treatment, when needed, aims to straighten the forefoot and the heel through stretching, casts and surgery.
Talipes Equinovarus (TEV)
Talipes equinovarus, more commonly known as clubfoot, is a congenital condition involving a rigid ankle plantarflexion, a heel inversion and a metatarsus adductus as described above. Basically meaning that the foot is rotated outwards at the ankle, pointed downwards and turned inwards. The specific cause of this disorder is not known, but genetics is a factor as the article Congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot): a disorder of the foot but not the hand published in the "Journal of Anatomy" reports that 24 to 30 percent of Caucasian cases are linked to family history. Although this condition occurs alone, referred to as idiopathic clubfoot, it may also occur in association with other neurologic or neuromuscular disorders.
Congenital Vertical Talus (CVT)
Congenital vertical talus, also known as rocker-bottom foot for the classical boat shape of the foot, is a rare foot deformity that occurs equally in girls and boys. According to an article in "International Pediatrics," this disorder is idiopathic (occurs alone) in 50 percent of the cases, while the remaining 50 percent are in association with other disorders, such as arthrogryposis (a disorder involving stiff joints and abnormal muscle development), myelomeningocele (a form of spina bifida which is a malformation of the bones of the spine) and other chromosomal abnormalities. The cause of this disorder is not known and treatments, including casts and manipulations, are not always successful. Surgical treatments may be successful especially when performed early in the child's life.
Tarsal Coalitions (TC)
A tarsal coalition, the fusion of two tarsal (foot) bones, is a birth defect but it usually does not produce any signs or symptoms until later in childhood or early adolescence. Non-symptomatic conditions do not require any treatment but those who begin to feel pain can be treated with casts followed by orthopedic shoes to prevent symptoms from returning. If this treatment fails, surgery can be performed to remove the fused section, which provides relief for approximately 60 to 85 percent of patients according to "International Pediatrics."
