Has your baby’s foot taken on a curved, “C-shaped” appearance, or have you noticed your toddler walking with their toes turned inward? Metatarsus adductus is one of the most common congenital foot conditions in infants, and the good news is that early, attentive care often leads to excellent outcomes.
Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, bring more than 20 years of experience caring for little feet across the Houston area. Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists has been voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012, a 14-year streak that reflects the trust local families place in our team.
What Is Metatarsus Adductus?
Metatarsus adductus is a congenital deformity of the foot in which the forefoot curves inward, giving the foot a “C” shape. The condition develops at the midfoot, where the long bones (metatarsals) deviate from their normal alignment. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is generally linked to positioning and pressure inside the womb, and a genetic component may also play a role.
Signs and Diagnosis
Diagnosing metatarsus adductus is usually straightforward and clinical. During a gentle exam, our team looks for telltale features that confirm the condition.
- The foot points inward compared to the lower leg
- The inner border of the foot appears concave, while the outer border looks convex
- A high arch may be present
- A visible gap often separates the big toe from the smaller toes
Non-Operative Treatment
Most children respond beautifully to conservative care. Mild, flexible cases are often managed with stretching exercises, strengthening routines, braces, custom orthotics, or special straight-last or reverse-last shoes.
When the curvature is more pronounced, serial casting may be recommended. A soft plaster cast gently guides the foot into alignment and is changed every 7 to 14 days. Once the deformity is corrected, casting continues for about half that additional time to hold the new position. Treatment is most effective before a child begins walking, but meaningful improvement is still very possible after that milestone.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is reserved for rigid deformities or cases that have not responded to non-operative care. The right procedure depends on your child’s age and the severity of the curvature. Less involved cases may be corrected with soft-tissue releases or tendon transfers, while more pronounced deformities may require bony repositioning. After surgery, braces, orthotics, or orthopedic shoes help maintain alignment during healing.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Metatarsus Adductus in The Woodlands, TX?
Families across The Woodlands and Magnolia turn to Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists because our care blends advanced clinical expertise with the warm, reassuring atmosphere children need. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are board-certified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and our practice has been recognized as The Woodlands’ Best Podiatrist for 14 consecutive years. Personalized, patient-centered care is at the heart of everything we do.
Schedule Your Child’s Consultation Today
Early evaluation makes a meaningful difference in correcting metatarsus adductus, and Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists is here to guide your family from diagnosis through long-term comfort.
Whether your child needs gentle stretching, casting, or more advanced care, our compassionate team will design a plan tailored to their needs. Call our The Woodlands office at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956 to schedule a consultation today.