Understanding Infant Foot Conditions: Causes & Treatment

Although an infant's feet are extremely small, they are very complex structures filled with small bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Most newborns are born with healthy feet, but some are not.

Clubfoot

• Clubfoot occurs in approximately one out of 1,000 births. Clubfoot is a foot that is turned to the side. In some cases, the foot is almost upside down. The leg, calf and foot are noticeably shorter and smaller than the healthy side.

Overlapping Toes

• An overlapping toe affects the fifth toe, generally referred to as the baby toe. The condition occurs when the fifth toes crosses over (or overlaps) the fourth toe. The nail bed on the affected toe is also smaller than normal.

Flexible Flat foot

• Flexible flat foot occurs in approximately 5 percent of all infants and is similar to a clubfoot as the foot is turned with the top almost touching the lower leg. This gives the foot and "up and out" appearance.