09/08/2018
🤓Warning! Foot education nerd out below! Keep reading to learn about this common foot deformity and how custom orthotics can help:🤓
This cast for a set of custom foot orthotics is a great example of a condition called rigid forefoot varus deformity. This is an osseous (bony) deformity causing the forefoot to supinate or angle inwards sharply relative to the rearfoot. In this case, the patient's foot had compensated for this deformity by pronating the rearfoot (the heel can be seen to angle sharply out) in order to make full foot contact during gait.
During casting we attempt to correct for any foot deformities by placing the foot in a "neutral position" where neither the forefoot or rearfoot are excessively supinated or pronated. This cast is a great example of when the osseous deformity is too rigid to correct in the casting and will have to be addressed through extra support and adjustments to the orthotic.
Individuals with this foot type have a higher risk of developing tendonitis of the muscles on the inside edge of the foot and ankle (specifically posterior tibial tendonitis), as well as increased risk of toe deformities such as bunions, arthritis of the big toe joint, and claw toes due to compensation and joint alignment issues. This foot type can also cause alignment issues further up the body such as patellofemoral syndrome (pain under the kneecap) and hip/low back issues.
Because of the rigid bony deformity, this foot type typically cannot be corrected with exercises alone and often requires orthotics to aid in supporting the foot and preventing future issues.
If your foot looks like this or you have any concerns about pain in your feet, make an appointment today. Foot pain is not normal and you don't have to live with it! 👣
