Metatartus Adductus Explained: Erin’s Bendy Foot!

A new year and a new worry for me.  Erin has had a wonky / bendy foot medically called metatarsus adductus. Until now the attention has been on her hips but we are now looking at her other mobility issues including her feet and hypermobility.

Erin was a late diagnosis of hip dysplasia and has since undergone multiple surgeries and casting to create a hip socket. During this time I was aware that her feet also looked different to normal.

I believed that the wonky foot and toes gripping the floor was how she compensated for her hip.  However recently her foot has begun to worry me once again.  Both the rheumatologist and her orthopaedic consultant have diagnosed metatarsus adductus and both have said it’s mild and it would resolve. 

However much of what I’ve read said it would resolve by three – I guess for Erin this would be later as her walking and mobility is a good year behind her peers.

What is metatarsus adductus (MTA)?

Metatarsus adductus is a foot condition where the front part of the foot is turned inward. The back part of the foot and ankle are normal. It may affect one or both feet. It is a fairly common condition, causes no pain, and often gets better without treatment as your child grows.

How is it diagnosed?

MTA is usually diagnosed by looking at the foot when the child is born, but sometimes only becomes apparent when the child is walking. The doctor will differentiate MTA from other possible existing foot problems.

How is MTA treated?

In the majority of cases MTA gets better on its own within the first three years of life. Stretching: parents may be given stretching exercises to help the foot move into a straighter position. The physiotherapist will guide you on how to do the stretches and how frequently. Your child may be given a boot to wear which holds the stretch for a longer period of time.
Casting: may be recommended if the foot doesn’t begin correcting on its own or if the MTA is rigid (stiff, hard to move). The casts help move the foot into position. They are changed usually weekly guided by your physiotherapist.

Our Plan

I think her bendy foot must hamper her walking and especially her gait.  I worry that she has learnt to walk badly and this will be hard to undo.  She is hypermobile and these joint problems just add to the difficulties she has.

Metatarsus adductus occurs in about 1 in 1000 births and is the most common foot deformity, its prevalence in children with DDH is about 15% so I get there is a link.  I don’t think I’ll ever stop worrying about Erin, about DDH and about walking.  It has changed my outlook on everything.  She also has such diddy feet, she is only a size 5.5 which is so small compared to her friends and even her cousin who is 15 months younger than her.

I know that Erin is one tough cookie but I would just like a nice quiet year for her.  It doesn’t seem too much to ask for.

Erin will be having regular checks on her feet now too.

*Update* Erin went on to wear orthotics as her ankle were unstable due to her hypermobility. It seems that Erin is just unlucky but over time her foot has straightened out.

Sharing is caring!