Metatarsus Adductus for the Orthopedic Patient
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| Normal foot |
Metatarsus adductus |
| Image used with permission from KidsHealth® |
What is metatarsus adductus?
Metatarsus adductus is a condition of the forefoot causing it to turn inward. It may be described as flexible, which means the forefoot can be moved, or inflexible, which means the forefoot is very stiff.
Who gets metatarsus adductus?
About 1 out of 1,000 babies will have metatarsus adductus. There may be a history in your family.
What causes metatarsus adductus?
The exact cause is unknown. It may be related to the position of the baby’s feet in the womb.
What is the treatment?
About 95% of flexible metatarsus adductus will improve over a period of 2-4 months regardless of treatment. Your healthcare team may prescribe special stretching exercises you can do at home. Your care team may also recommend wearing shoes on the opposite feet to help stretch the forefoot. If the forefoot is very stiff or the home stretching exercises do not help correct the appearance of your child’ foot, casts may be applied to help position the foot. sometimes casting is followed by wearing special shoes. In very severe cases, surgery may be necessary, but this is rare.
What is the outcome?
Metatarsus adductus will not interfere with normal development. Your child will be able to participate in any activity they desire without restrictions or limitations.
Weekdays:
215-590-1527 if your cast was placed in our Philadelphia, Princeton or Voorhees sites.
If your cast was placed in our King of Prussia office, call 215-590-6919.
Nights, weekends, and holidays:
Call 215-590-1000 and ask the operator to page the orthopedic resident on call.
Reviewed April 2024 by Alison Lehman, PA-C