BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has reported that efforts from local providers, area nonprofits, and the South Carolina Hospital Association are making a positive difference when it comes to the number of preterm births in the state. Additionally, the state is seeing the best infant mortality rates since data on the topic was first collected. South Carolinians are having their fair share of good baby news, but even better is that most cases of metatarsus adductus do not require much, if anything, with regard to treatment.

Metatarsus adductus is a deformity where the front of an infant’s foot is bent towards the middle of that foot. The ankle and back half of the foot will be normal and unaffected by the condition. Roughly half of all babies with this deformity have it in both feet. It is important to understand that this is a different condition than clubfoot, where the ankle turns in and foot points down.

For most cases, the issue will correct itself as the children start using their feet in a normal fashion and further treatment is not needed. This is especially true when the foot is flexible and can be straightened or moved in the other direction with ease.

When your child’s foot is relatively inflexible, or the condition does not improve on its own, stretching exercises, splints, or reverse-last shoes might be used. In rare cases, a cast may be needed. Casts are most effective when used prior to your infant turning 8 months old. Surgery is even rarer and will be held off until your child is at least 4 years old.

Whenever you have any questions with regard to how your child’s feet or ankles are developing, Carolina Podiatry Group is here for you. We can educate you on such issues like metatarsus adductus or in-toeing and let you know what you can expect. Additionally, we offer a wide array of podiatric services in case your child needs foot or ankle care. Contact us through our website or by calling (803) 548-FEET for our Indian Land office or (803) 285-1411 for our Lancaster office.