Horseshoe foot is a condition in which the toes of the foot cannot be lifted when walking, and the foot often walks close to the ground, with the toes hitting the ground before the heel.
Horseshoe foot is a common deformity that affects the appearance and function of the foot and is most common in children. Common deformities include pronation of the forefoot, flexion of the ankle, inversion of the heel bone and secondary internal rotation of the distal tibia. The etiology of clubfoot is inconclusive, and is generally thought to be related to embryonic development and genetics.
Horseshoe foot has a standing posture with the toes of the feet on the ground and the heels hanging in the air, shaped like a horseshoe. It is difficult to lift and unsteady when walking. As the deformity gradually worsens, the muscles of the diseased side of the calf shrink significantly compared to those of the healthy side of the calf.
Non-surgical treatment is preferred for horseshoe foot, and the neonatal period is the best time for treatment. The general treatment method is manipulation of the foot and wearing orthopedic foot braces. Surgical treatment may be considered when the results of non-surgical treatment are unsatisfactory or when the deformity recurs.
Generally, if the deformity is evident in children over the age of 10 or in adults, bony surgery, i.e., amputation of bone to correct the deformity, may be considered.
Horseshoe foot can mostly be treated with good results if it is treated early. Therefore, if you have the above symptoms or suspect horseshoe foot, you should go to the hospital in time, complete the relevant examinations, make a clear diagnosis and then follow the doctor’s instructions for standardized treatment, so as to avoid delaying the condition.