5 Most Common Foot Deformities and How to Care for Them

Foot deformities are a group of acquired and congenital conditions, including muscular imbalances and structural abnormalities that affect the functions of the foot. Deformed feet generally cause people to develop mobility issues, leading to weakness, weight gain, or heart conditions.

Caring for foot conditions and seeking specialist care are essential in managing and improving your health. Suppose you or a family member suffer from these concerns. There are measures you can take to mitigate its side effects. 

1. High Arch Feet or Cavus Foot Deformity

People with this condition have feet that are abnormally elevated, which causes the foot to bear weight on the foot’s ball and heel.

In general, foot pain is prevalent among the US population. It adversely impacts a person’s physical function and their quality of life.

High arch feet decrease weight distribution across the entire foot and increase pressure on specific areas. It is rare for young children to have this condition, but it can occur at any age and impact one or both feet.

There are various causes for cavus foot deformities, which can be associated with another health condition or injury. It includes neuromuscular, congenital, and developmental origins. For instance, a foot deformity can develop from a neurologic illness such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy. 

2. Bunions or Hallux Valgus Deformity

Approximately 87 percent of American adults suffer from painful feet at some point in their life. Meanwhile, 33 percent of older adults experience stiffness, foot pain, or aching feet.

Hallux Valgus or bunions are among the most common foot conditions. It is characterized by a painful lump adjacent to the big toe. Usually, standing for long periods and narrow shows worsens the pain from a bunion.

Bunion deformities occur from long-term pressure on the metatarsophalangeal or big toe joint. As time goes by, the alignment of this joint becomes disrupted, resulting in a bony bump.

Approximately one in three Americans suffer from bunions which affect one or both feet. However, there are instances where infants develop congenital foot deformities. For example, congenital hallux valgus cases refer to babies born with deformities.

Other bunions include the bunionette or tailor’s bunion and the adolescent hallux valgus. A bunionette occurs when the lump develops outside the little (pinky) toe’s base. Meanwhile, an adolescent hallux valgus happens when teens or tweens aged 10 to 15 suffer from bunions.

3. Rocker-Bottom or Charcot Foot Deformity

This deformity is a severe diabetes complication primarily stemming from nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy. It involves the progressive weakening of the ankle or foot soft tissues, joints, and bones.

Aside from diabetes, untreated foot, and ankle sprains or fractures can cause Charcot foot. As the patient continues using the injured foot, it can cause trauma to the affected site. When this happens, the bone eventually loses calcium and other minerals, promoting bone health.

As the deformity of the foot progresses, it can weaken the bones to the point that they fracture or dislocate. As the joints eventually collapse from degeneration and repetitive trauma, the foot can deform and take an unusual shape. 

This condition can result in ulcers and foot sores, and bone infections. If left untreated, it can also lead to amputation.

4. Tight Calf or Equinus Deformity of Foot

It is a foot condition where it becomes challenging to pull the foot and ankle up. Patients suffering from this condition lose their ankle and foot joint’s upward range of motion. As a result, it may alter their walking or gait and cause knee or hip pain and issues in mobility.

Generally, tightness of the calf muscles or the Achilles tendon frequently causes equinus deformities. There are also cases where people who frequently wear high-heeled footwear or use crutches for an extended time develop this foot deformity. Other factors which influence this condition include having a shorter leg than the other and diabetes.

In addition, a person may develop it if a bone fragment or bone restricts their ankle’s movement. It may include accidents such as an ankle or foot injury. In rare cases, muscular spasms in the calf can trigger the equinus, which can be a warning sign of an underlying neurologic concern.

5. Flat Foot Deformity

Having flat feet or a flatfoot condition occurs when one or both feet have minimum or lack an arch. Patients with this deformity press the pads of their feet into the ground when they stand. Usually, the arch is not visible in the foot, but it can appear when they lift the foot.

Generally, people have flat feet at birth but form by age six. However, approximately 20 percent of children still have flatfoot conditions by the time they are adults. It can develop due to an untreated injury or age stresses.

This foot deformity is usually harmless and painless. But a special evaluation may be warranted if flatfeet is causing you unnecessary pain and limiting your mobility. Its symptoms include foot pain, particularly in the arch or heel area. In some cases, swelling may develop inside the ankle joints.

Conservative Care Remedies for Foot Conditions

Patients with this condition can manage it with conservative care to mitigate its side effects. This kind of nonsurgical treatment won’t fix a bony lump or realign the feet that already exist. However, if your foot condition is minor, it can prevent it from developing worse health complications.

Various remedies are available to patients with a deformed foot, depending on their condition's cause, type, and severity. 

For instance, regular stretching exercises or physical therapy can increase the flexibility of the foot’s connective tissues and tight muscles. It also improves the range of motion and alleviates discomfort associated with it.

In addition, strengthening exercises target the lower leg and specific foot muscles, which can help improve muscle stability and balance. It reinforces weakened muscles to provide better support for foot deformities and help restore proper foot mechanics.

Likewise, changing your footwear can play a significant role in caring for foot conditions. It provides cushioning and proper support and accommodates the feet’s unique needs. For instance, deformities often necessitate additional support to maintain foot alignment and reduce pressure on affected areas.

Patients may look for shoes with supportive, firm soles and excellent arch support. This way, it can promote stability and mitigate excessive supination and pronation.

On the other hand, custom orthotics can cater to the specific needs of a patient’s foot concern. These specially designed devices or inserts can correct alignment, support, reduce pain, and improve overall foot function.

Orthotics can also improve gait patterns and correct abnormal movement patterns caused by foot deformities in adults. They help reduce excessive motion, ensure proper weight distribution, and promote more efficient movement.

Some orthotic devices are also designed with shock-absorbing properties. They can help minimize impact forces that come with walking or physical activities. It reduces the strain or pressure on the foot and lower extremities, enhancing comfort and minimizing the likelihood of injuries. 

Improve Your Quality of Life With Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists

Suppose you or a loved one are dealing with foot deformities and seeking specialized care. You can reach out to Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists. With their expertise in podiatry and orthopedics, they can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment to help improve your condition.

If you want dedicated professionals to guide you through a customized treatment plan, you can schedule a consultation with us.