About valgus calcaneus

What is valgus calcaneus?

Clubfoot is a general term used to describe a group of deformities of the ankles and/or feet that are usually present at birth (congenital). The defect may be mild or severe and may affect one or both of the ankles and/or feet. Different forms of clubfoot may include talipes equinovarus in which the foot is turned inward and downward; calcaneal valgus in which the foot is angled at the heel with the toes pointing upward and outward; and metatarsus varus in which the front of the foot is turned inward. If not corrected, affected individuals may develop an unusual manner of walking (gait) in which weight is placed on the side of the foot (lateral) rather than on the sole. Clubfoot may be caused by a combination of hereditary and other factors (e.g., environment) and may occur as an isolated condition or due to a number of different underlying disorders.

What are the symptoms for valgus calcaneus?

The valgus calcaneus is one of the most common Foot deformities in children (problem with the shape of the foot) wherein the foot points upward and outward. In extreme cases, the top of the foot touches the front of the lower leg. Calcaneovalgus causes the baby no Pain and often goes away on its own.

Signs and symptoms:
1. The condition is congenital, meaning your child was born with it. It may affect one or both feet.
2. Calcaneovalgus foot is obvious at birth. The foot is usually partially corrected, so the foot can be brought to the “normal” 90 degrees ankle position.
3. It can present as unilateral or bilateral and it may be associated with other conditions, namely: posterior-medial bowing of the tibia which leads to the leg is curved and shorter in the affected site, vertical talus where the talus bone is not in its correct position causing the entire foot to look deformed, muscle imbalance or nerve injury usually seen in older children.
4. The foot is markedly dorsiflexed, with the dorsum of the foot resting against the anterior tibia.
5. The hindfoot is held in the valgus and, occasionally, a contracture of the anterior muscles (dorsiflexors) is present.
6. The deformity usually is supple, and the foot can be passively plantarflexed easily.

Symptoms
Foot points upward and outward,In extreme cases, the top of the foot touches the front of the lower leg
Conditions
The forefoot is dorsiflexed and abducted and the heel is in a valgus position
Drugs
Physical therapy,Steroid therapy,Rehabilitation,Surgery

What are the causes for valgus calcaneus?

Babies with this condition are born with their foot and ankle excessively bent up, where the toes are usually touching the shin. This deformity may also present in older children, but is usually a manifestation of another condition.
Causes
1. Although the true cause of valgus calcaneus foot is undetermined, the theory is that this is part of intrauterine “packaging” disorder. In other words, it reflects the baby's foot position in the womb.
The cause of clubfoot is unknown (idiopathic), but it may be a combination of genetics and environment.
2. In calcaneal valgus, the foot is in extreme dorsiflexion, with the dorsal surface touching the anterior shin.
3. This condition is perhaps the most common non-serious foot condition seen in the newborn nursery.
4. Intrauterine positioning generally causes this deformity.
5. Mild calcaneal valgus occurs in up to 30% of newborns.
6. Severe calcaneal valgus is seen in 1 per 1,000 newborns.

Valgus calcaneus foot is obvious at birth. The foot is usually partially corrected, so the foot can be brought to the “normal” 90 degrees ankle position. It can present as unilateral or bilateral, and it may be associated with other conditions, namely: posterior-medial bowing of the tibia, which leads to the leg being curved and shorter in the affected site, vertical talus where the talus bone is not in its correct position causing the entire foot to look deformed, muscle imbalance or nerve injury usually seen in older children.

Symptoms
Foot points upward and outward,In extreme cases, the top of the foot touches the front of the lower leg
Conditions
The forefoot is dorsiflexed and abducted and the heel is in a valgus position
Drugs
Physical therapy,Steroid therapy,Rehabilitation,Surgery

What are the treatments for valgus calcaneus?

Calcaneus valgus is a condition that occurs in the newborn due to the intrauterine position. It is typically unilateral. The forefoot is dorsiflexed and abducted, and the heel is in a valgus position. There is reduced motion at the ankle. An external tibial torsion may occur as compensation for the foot position, and in some cases, there is an externally rotated tibia. The fibular head may be posterior, with increased tension in the ipsilateral peroneus longus muscle and iliotibial band, as well as restricted ipsilateral sacroiliac mechanics.

Congenital calcaneus valgus typically resolves with conservative treatment such as manipulation and stimulation. As with many other congenital molding deformities, growth plays a role in the resolution of the problem. However, if muscle imbalances and dysfunction are not addressed, the deformity may actually worsen with growth.
1. In most cases, this foot abnormality resolves without treatment.
2. Occasionally, plantarflexion-inversion casting is used in infants if a spontaneous resolution is not seen w/in the first few months of life.
3. It is difficult to determine how much pain or excessive shoe wear should be tolerated.
Surgical Treatment:
4. Results of surgery in the treatment of flexible flatfoot are extremely difficult to assess.
5. Older children may need a calcaneal elongation osteotomy in addition to tendon transfer & plantar fascia release.
6. Children over 10 years of age may require triple arthrodesis.

Symptoms
Foot points upward and outward,In extreme cases, the top of the foot touches the front of the lower leg
Conditions
The forefoot is dorsiflexed and abducted and the heel is in a valgus position
Drugs
Physical therapy,Steroid therapy,Rehabilitation,Surgery

What are the risk factors for valgus calcaneus?

The valgus calcaneus is also called a clubfoot in infants. Babies with this condition are born with their foot and ankle excessively bent up, where the toes are usually touching the shin. This deformity may also present in older children, but is usually a manifestation of another condition.
Causes
Although the true cause of valgus calcaneus foot is undetermined, the theory is that this is part of intrauterine “packaging” disorder, in other words, it reflects the baby's foot position in the womb.

Boys are about twice as likely to develop clubfoot than girls are.
Risk factors include:
1. Family history: If either of the parents or their other children have had clubfoot, the baby is more likely to have it as well.
2. Congenital conditions: In some cases, clubfoot can be associated with other abnormalities of the skeleton that are present at birth (congenital), such as spina bifida.
3. Environment: Smoking during pregnancy can significantly increase the baby's risk of clubfoot.
4. Not enough amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Too little of the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb may increase the risk of clubfoot.

Symptoms
Foot points upward and outward,In extreme cases, the top of the foot touches the front of the lower leg
Conditions
The forefoot is dorsiflexed and abducted and the heel is in a valgus position
Drugs
Physical therapy,Steroid therapy,Rehabilitation,Surgery

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