What should I do if my baby’s feet turn outward?

When the baby is just born, the appearance needs to be carefully checked in order to detect some problems in time. The limbs are the most common parts of newborn problems. Among them, the appearance of the feet is very obvious. Typical symptoms such as valgus of the foot, also known as hallux valgus, is a great obstacle to the development of the baby's feet. Long-term corrective treatment is required. Let’s see what to do if your baby’s feet are turned outward? I hope everyone can understand it.

Hallux valgus, also known as clubfoot, is a developmental deformity that can be detected in children at birth. Clubfoot can occur on one or both feet. During development, the tendons and ligaments (posterior and deep) of the foot fail to develop in sync with the development of other tendons and ligaments in the foot. As a result, these tendons and ligaments pull the posterior and medial side of the foot downward, causing the foot to twist downward and inward. As a result, the bones of the foot are placed in abnormal positions. The foot turns inward, becomes stiff, and cannot return to its normal position.

Treatment:

1. Manual therapy - After several weeks of manual therapy, the bones of the foot are restored to a nearly normal position, and the foot deformity is gradually corrected.

2. Plaster - After each manual treatment, the foot and calf are cast for 5-7 days to maintain the position of the foot.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the foot is corrected to the correct position.

4. To completely correct the foot, doctors usually cut the Achilles tendon. This minor surgery is performed under local anesthesia and takes only 10 minutes.

5. Bracing - As soon as the last cast is removed, your child will be fitted with a wearable brace:

a. Wear it for 3 months, 23 hours a day.

b. Wear it every time you sleep for the next 2 to 4 years.

Bracing is a key part of treatment. Even if your child's foot appears to have returned to normal, if they don't wear it at every bedtime, their foot may turn back around, even after more than two and a half years of orthotics.