Congenital and acquired foot deformities offer a range of treatment options. In most cases, physicians will recommend starting with conservative methods before considering surgical intervention, both in children and adults.
Two effective non-surgical treatments for foot deformities such as hammertoe, clubfoot, flat feet, pes cavus, and plantar fasciitis are plaster casts and foot strapping.
Request an AppointmentPlaster Casts
Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity that causes the foot to turn inward or downward. It’s important to begin treatment immediately after birth, and over the past few decades, the Ponsetti method has become one of the most successful treatments. This method involves stretching the foot and applying plaster casts.
In this approach, a doctor gently manipulates the clubfoot and places it in a cast that extends from the toes to the upper thigh. The casts are changed weekly or semi-weekly, with each new cast gradually repositioning the foot toward normal alignment. This method is used almost universally for children born with clubfoot.
Foot Strapping
Acquired foot deformities, such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, can cause significant discomfort if left untreated. One simple, yet effective, treatment option is foot strapping, which can help alleviate symptoms and improve foot function.
Foot strapping is commonly used by athletes to lift the arch of the foot and reduce the tension on the plantar fascia ligaments.
Foot strapping can help:
- Support the healing process after foot injury
- Improve foot biomechanics
- Relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis
- Reduce the risk of injury during athletic activities
By applying strapping along the ball of the foot and around the heel, foot strapping can limit excessive stretching and help prevent the tearing of the plantar fascia. The success of this treatment depends on the severity of the condition. To determine if foot strapping is right for you, consult a podiatrist.