The Different Foot Deformities Throughout Life’s Stages

The world of foot deformities expands well beyond bunions, hammertoes, and senior citizens. Interestingly, foot deformities can affect people of all ages, and we at The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland have observed certain conditions are more prevalent in specific age groups.

Today, we’ll break down both the genetics and evolution of foot structure by outlining the conditions that deviate from the foot-norm, from birth to the golden years.

Childhood and Adolescence:

• Metatarsus adductus: This condition causes the front part of the foot to turn inward. It's often seen in infants and toddlers and usually corrects itself over time.

• Flat foot: This condition, characterized by a flattened arch, is common in children and adolescents. It often improves as children grow and develop.

• Sever's disease: This condition affects the growth plate in the heel bone and is common in active children and adolescents.

Adulthood:

• Bunions: These bony bumps at the bottom of the big toe are more common in adults, especially in women. They can be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or genetic predisposition.

• Hammertoes: These are curled toes that can be tender and painful. They are often associated with wearing improperly fitting footwear or underlying foot conditions.

• Haglund's deformity: This condition involves a bony growth at the back of the heel bone, often caused by wearing shoes with a tight heel counter (such as work boots).

Older Adults:

While there is no exclusive deformity experienced by seniors, the stiffness from arthritis is known to affect the structure of the foot over time. Other deformities, especially bunions, typically worsen with age. In fact, bunions were the most common deformity in older adults, according to a 2021 NIH study.

Factors Contributing to Foot Deformities

Most deformities are acquired throughout time. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes (even for children), participating in high-impact activities, and obesity can increase the risk.

There is even evidence that deformity is gender-related. For instance, high heels boost the risk of bunions, and for men, work boots have been reported to be a causal factor for Haglund’s deformity.

Want to say goodbye to foot problems? Contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, at (410) 761-3501 to schedule your initial appointment. We look forward to meeting you!