Foot deformities in children

Foot disorders are a frequent cause of consultation in pediatric orthopaedics. The vast majority correspond to conditions that don't constitute pathology and usually don't need treatment, such as flexible flat foot. On the other hand, there are pathological deformities that will require a proper study and treatment. According to their morphology we can classify them in cavo-varus, plano-valgus and miscellaneous. Its origin can be congenital or acquired and due to various etiologies, highlighting clubfoot, metatarsus adductus, juvenile hallux valgus and those secondary to neuromuscular diseases, among others. Knowing the natural history of each deformity allows us to decide the most appropriate time for each treatment. Patient's morbility and perinatal history is very important, as well as their level of physical and/or sports activity. Physical exam should include gait obsevation, lower limbs, ankles and feet. In the foot, each segment should be analyzed separately (forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot) and their joints. It ' s very important to distinguish between rigid and flexible deformities. Treatments include observation (benign and self-limited conditions), adequate footwear, insoles, orthosis, corrective casting, soft tissue surgery and bone surgery; all complemented by an adequate functional and sports rehabilitation program.