Orthopedic problems in children's toes

Problems in children's feet are not only restricted to the shape of the foot or even in the way they support it. Also the fingers can suffer malformations or disorders. In Guiainfantil.com we tell you what are the main orthopedic problems that children can suffer in the toes. 5 common disorders in t

Problems in children's feet are not only restricted to the shape of the foot or even in the way they support it. Also the fingers can suffer malformations or disorders.

In Guiainfantil.com we tell you what are the main orthopedic problems that children can suffer in the toes.

5 common disorders in the toes of children

1. Syndactyly: The fusion of the toes, which may be partial, total, simple (skin only) or complex (includes nerves) , blood vessels). It is usually not necessary to perform radiography or treatment. If there are difficulties in the growth of the fingers or problems arise with the footwear, it should be evaluated by the orthopedist and pediatrician.

2. Polydactyly: It is a frequent deformity with a hereditary tendency, usually affecting the fifth finger (the small one). As in syndactyly, they can be simple, encompass the skin or a phalanx (a piece of bone of the finger) or complex, being well developed with their tendons and blood vessels.

For treatment, the presence of other abnormalities should be ruled out with a comparative radiograph of both feet. If it is accumulated pieces of skin or a rudimentary finger without function, it can be sewn with a silk suture at birth.

If it is additional complete fingers, surgical removal is advised between six months to one year of age.

3. "Overlapped" or "clawed" or "hammered" fingers: consists of abnormal positions of the fingers (mounted or shrunk) whose treatment goes through orthopedic correctors but in the worst case and the best result is the correction with surgery.

4. Hallux valgus or "bunions": is a frequent alteration in adolescents. Associated more with women than men since the use of high heels and pointed shoes favors it. The first finger (big toe), is tucked "inward" protruding out its base where there seems to be a hard, red and painful lump. It is recommended in these cases to use well-fitting shoes, wide toe and sometimes some orthopedic device that prevents their evolution. In the most severe cases, where there is pain, you can choose to realign your finger surgically. Con 5. With regard to the absence of a finger,

it is necessary to assess which finger is absent to define the appropriate treatment. If the first finger (big toe), as its absence affects the gait and balance of the body, will be supplemented in the footwear with a special template filling that gap. As the absence of the fingers refers to the outer ones, it has less importance for walking and less is its corresponding treatment.