Valgus Foot
What are the consequences of valgus foot? All the information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this condition.
Symptoms and Causes
Valgus foot is a deformity in which the foot deviates in pronation, meaning it supports itself on the inner edge instead of distributing weight across the entire surface. As a result, the heels turn outward and the toes rotate outward, causing the foot to take on an abnormal appearance.
Depending on its characteristics, three types of valgus foot are identified:
- Talus valgus foot: In addition to being turned outward, the foot remains bent upward, touching the front part of the leg. It is usually the result of a certain position in the womb and typically corrects itself.
- Flat valgus foot: The foot rests on the inner side and the arch is flat, typically due to poor functioning of the posterior tibial tendon, the long plantar ligament, and the plantar aponeurosis.
- Equinus valgus foot: The Achilles tendon is shorter than normal, so the calf muscle stays contracted and the foot remains pointed downward. Additionally, the ankle turns outward and the toes inward.
This alteration is most commonly seen in young children, so it is advisable to monitor the feet and walking patterns from an early age. In the rare cases where valgus foot is detected in adulthood, it is often associated with other serious issues that are difficult to treat.
Symptoms
The most characteristic symptoms of valgus foot are:
- Pronated gait.
- Inward-turned ankles.
- Loss of balance.
- Difficulties with motor skills.
- Tired feet when walking.
- Foot and ankle pain.
- Occasionally, especially when detected in adults, knee, hip, or back pain.
Causes
Some of the most common causes of valgus foot include:
- Looseness of the ligaments holding the plantar arch (long plantar ligament and plantar aponeurosis).
- Relaxation of the Achilles tendon.
- Tension in the leg muscles.
- Poor stability caused by a musculoskeletal alteration.
Risk Factors
The main risk factors for developing valgus foot include:
- Genetic predisposition to ankle stiffness, muscle tension, and ligament laxity.
- Obesity or overweight.
- Wearing improper footwear.
- Delay in starting to walk.
Complications
If valgus foot is not properly treated, it can lead to complications in adulthood, such as:
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Hammer toes.
- Bunions.
- Knee osteoarthritis.
- Meniscus issues.
- Wear and tear of knee ligaments.
- Low back pain.
- Poor posture (misaligned trunk, X-shaped legs).
- Spinal deviation.
- Hip pathologies.
- Muscle and bone deterioration.
Prevention
Although valgus foot cannot be prevented, early detection is key to treating the condition from a young age and avoiding complications.
What doctor treats valgus foot?
Podiatrists are the specialists who diagnose and treat valgus foot. Pediatricians typically detect this condition during check-ups.
Diagnosis
Valgus foot is diagnosed through observation and physical examination. It is usually detected during routine health check-ups for children between the ages of four and six.
Occasionally, a gait study is requested to establish the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment
The treatment for valgus foot depends on the patient's age and characteristics, as in many cases, the deformity corrects itself by the age of six or seven. The main recommendations include:
- Wearing appropriate footwear (with laces or Velcro, flexible, heel-less, and with a rigid counter) from the moment of diagnosis to ensure proper foot development during growth.
- Custom therapeutic insoles tailored to each patient's needs: they help align the ankle and legs, provide cushioning, and prevent flat feet.
- Stretching therapy to help the foot adopt a normal shape and posture.
- Corrective splints to align the foot.
Correcting valgus foot in adults is more complex, often requiring surgery. However, a detailed study of the pros and cons, as well as the type of surgery required, is essential:
- Ligament and tendon repair.
- Osteotomy: modifying the shape and position of bones.
- Arthrodesis: fusion of the affected joints.
