Blog

What Is Varus Feet in Children?

Varus feet is a condition where the foot tilts inward due to an abnormal angulation of the bones in the foot and ankle. This results in the sole facing toward the body's midline. The deformity can affect different parts of the foot:

• Ankle Varus: An inward tilt of the talus within the ankle mortise.
• Hindfoot Varus: An inward angulation of the heel bone (calcaneus), often called supination or inversion of the subtalar joint.
• Forefoot Varus: An elevation of the inner part of the foot, also known as supination or inversion of the metatarsal plane.

Children with varus feet may show visible inward tilting while standing or walking. In mild cases, it may not cause major problems, but more severe forms can lead to walking difficulties and discomfort.

Signs of Varus Feet in Children

• Excessive inward tilt of the feet while standing or walking
• Uneven shoe wear patterns
• Frequent ankle sprains due to instability
• Pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, or legs
• Difficulty maintaining balance and coordination

varus feet gait

The Risks of Untreated Varus Feet

If left untreated, varus feet can lead to long-term issues, including:

• Postural and Gait Problems: Misalignment of the feet can lead to knee, hip, and back pain over time.
• Increased Risk of Injuries: The inward tilt increases the risk of ankle sprains and stress fractures.
• Pain and Fatigue: Children may experience discomfort, making physical activities more challenging.
• Developmental Delays: Severe cases can affect motor skill development, leading to difficulty in walking or running.

Effective Treatment Options for Varus Feet

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. The three primary options include:

1. Surgical Correction (For Severe Cases)

Surgery is typically recommended for extreme cases where varus feet significantly impairs mobility or causes chronic pain. Procedures may involve tendon transfers, bone realignment, or joint fusion to correct foot positioning. However, surgery carries risks such as long recovery times, potential complications, and high costs.

2. Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) Braces

AFO braces provide rigid support to stabilize the ankle and control excessive inward rolling. While effective, AFOs can be uncomfortable for children and may limit movement, affecting confidence and mobility.

3. Orthopedic Shoes for Kids

One of the best non-invasive solutions for mild to moderate varus feet is wearing specially designed kids' orthopedic shoes. These shoes offer:

• Structured arch support to improve foot alignment
• Firm heel cups to stabilize the ankle
• Shock-absorbing soles to reduce pressure on the feet
• Improved balance and gait correction

Why Choose PrincePard Orthopedic Shoes?

At PrincePard, we specialize in scientifically developed orthopedic shoes for kids designed by an experienced Italian orthopedic team with over 30 years of research. Our shoes feature:
High-arch corrective insoles for proper foot support
Ankle-stabilizing designs to prevent excessive inward tilting
Anti-slip soles for better stability and movement

Proven Results: Over the past 10 years, our orthopedic correction team has gathered data showing that 90% of children with varus feet who used PrincePard orthopedic shoes experienced significant improvement.

By choosing orthopedic shoes early, parents can help their children avoid invasive treatments while ensuring optimal foot health. Explore our collection at www.princepard.net to find the best solution for your child!