Foot deformities can occur at any age, but certain conditions are more common during different life stages or in certain genders. This blog covers the causes of common ankle and foot deformities throughout life, prevention tips, and treatment options to regain your quality of life.
What Are Common Foot Deformities for Children, Adults, and Seniors?
Whether highly active or sedentary, each age group deals with ankle and foot problems. Here are some common foot deformities Synergy Health Foot and Ankle observes when people seek out podiatric care:
Children
Congenital Deformities
Common congenital deformities in children include cleft foot, clubfoot, and tarsal coalition. Synergy Health Foot and Ankle doctors specialize in correcting these issues through methods such as custom orthotics or physical therapy.
Flat Feet
In some children, the foot arch can collapse when they stand or walk. While flat feet can resolve themselves as the child grows older, they can still cause discomfort and affect the gait. Flat feet can also lead to issues like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Custom orthotics can provide support and prevent other issues from arising from flat feet.
Ingrown Toenails
This is a common problem found in children, as poorly fitting shoes can cause toenails to grow improperly, causing significant discomfort and swelling. Avoid trimming nails too short or rounding their edges when cutting.
In-Toeing
Otherwise known as pigeon-toeing, this disorder is characterized by the feet turning inwards while walking. In-toeing can develop as a child learns to walk and typically resolves with time. However, if their gait hasn't corrected itself within a few years, it's best to book an appointment with a trusted podiatrist from Synergy Health Foot and Ankle.
Ankle Sprains and Sports Injuries
Many children participate in a variety of sports, from dancing to soccer. Participating in sports puts them at risk of rolling their ankles. Recurrent ankle sprains can lead to excessive ligament scarring, making them weaker. It's crucial for a child to adequately rehabilitate the injury before resuming sports to avoid reinjury and muscular dysfunction.
Adults
Stress Fractures
Overuse and repetition can cause micro-cracks to form in the small bones of the feet. While walking or running long distances can be the culprit behind this common injury, osteoporosis can also be to blame. Athletes and those who engage in a new physical activity too quickly are particularly at risk. After confirming the diagnosis with an X-ray or MRI, a podiatrist may prescribe wearing a boot so that the bones can properly heal before bearing weight again.
Bone Spurs
Osteophytes, or bony protrusions that develop alongside the edge of a bone, can result in significant pain and become debilitating. Bone spurs can develop from overuse and extra pressure on an area of the foot over extended periods, damaging the cartilage. Orthotics, regular icing, and pain medications can help manage discomfort.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a band that connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. Typically, people can damage this tendon when running. It is a common injury in middle-aged adults who participate in basketball, tennis, or other sports that require sprinting. You can prevent this injury by stretching the calf and foot muscles properly before partaking in physical activity. Custom orthotics and physical therapy are effective treatment options.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common causes of heel pain in adults, plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue that extends from the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Causes include being overweight or excessive running and walking. Discomfort from this injury can cause an unbalanced gait, resulting in knee, back, or hip pain. Regular stretching of the fascia, supportive footwear, and custom orthotics can help correct this issue.
Elderly
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most prevalent foot disorders in older adults, which can lead to structural deformities. Low bone density is one of the leading causes of osteoarthritis. Orthotics and medication can help mitigate the discomfort caused by this degenerative condition.
Foot Pad Atrophy
As we age, the padding in our feet loses its fat tissue, leading to heel pain. Custom-fitting orthotics and proper footwear can combat discomfort.
Morton's Neuroma
About one-third of older adults develop a benign growth known as Morton's neuroma, which can cause pain and numbness in the ball of the foot. Treatment for this condition may include additional shoe padding, massage therapy, steroid injections, or surgery.
Bunions
These bony protrusions form on the inside of the big toe when the bones in the front part of the foot shift, forcing the big toe to pull inwards toward the adjacent toe. Arthritis and improper footwear can cause bunions to develop. While some bunions can be managed by changing footwear, more severe cases may require surgery.
Are Certain Foot Deformities Gender-Specific?
While age is certainly a factor playing into the development of foot problems, gender can as well. Not only can ankle and foot deformities form as a result of footwear choices, but there are also anatomical differences in men's and women's feet. Here are some common gender-related foot deformities:
Women
Bunions
Studies show that bunions are most prevalent among women. Up to 90% of people who develop bunions are female. This may be due to women having a slimmer heel than men. Women also tend to wear high heels more often than men, which can be an attributing cause.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are classified when the toes bend downwards, resembling a claw shape. This condition tends to be more prevalent in women because of certain footwear choices, like shoes that are too tight, small, or high heels. Women's sports shoes can also be to blame, as there is often a narrow toe box accompanied by motions that drive the foot into the ground.
Plantar Fasciitis
While this condition is common in both men and women, the incidence is higher in women due to an anatomically flatter foot. Women also tend to have more flexible ligaments compared to men. Women who work in environments that require extended periods of standing and walking are particularly at risk.
Morton's Neuroma
When looking at the anatomical foot structure in adults, men's feet are longer and stronger. The ratio of toe box to heel is greater in women compared to men, which makes women more prone to developing Morton's neuroma. Wearing high heels or tight-fitting sports shoes also increases the risk.
Men
Haglund's Deformity
This foot deformity is characterized by a bony protrusion along the back of the heel. Men are at risk for developing this condition due to the tendency to wear work boots with tight heels.
What Treatments Are Available for Ankle and Foot Deformities?
There are several treatment options to help minimize discomfort from ankle and foot deformities other than surgery. When you visit Synergy Health Foot and Ankle, our doctors look at treating the root cause and not just the symptoms. Treatment options may include:
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics can treat a variety of ankle and foot deformities, from plantar fasciitis to Morton's neuroma. Not only do they make adjustments to foot movement, but they also relieve pressure in problem areas.
Bracing
Some deformed foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or bunions, require splinting or bracing. Braces can help ease heel pain while adjusting the natural position of the foot.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can retrain muscles and tendons surrounding the foot deformity to relieve pressure. Physical therapy can also be a useful rehabilitation tool post-surgery to avoid relapse or injury.
No matter what your age, Synergy Health Foot and Ankle is skilled at treating a variety of foot conditions. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment, and we'll get you back on your feet in no time!
