Structural and functional disorders in children’s feet, motor development, and preventive approaches in early life

Abstract

Pediatric podiatry addresses structural and functional disorders of the foot in children (0-18 years), which are crucial for motor and postural development and overall health. Children's feet, which are constantly evolving until the age of 14, have tissue plasticity that favors early corrections but also makes them vulnerable to deformities such as flexible flat feet (physiological in infants, resolves spontaneously in >90% of cases), clubfoot (requires early Ponseti method), and adducted metatarsus (90% spontaneous resolution in flexible cases). . Gait abnormalities (intra/extraversion, idiopathic toe walking) are usually normal transient variants. Early detection is vital: persistent pain, limping, visible deformities, or asymmetrical shoe wear require evaluation. Diagnosis combines physical examination (toe walking test, alignment analysis) and imaging (X-ray, MRI) to differentiate physiological variants from pathologies (e.g., tarsal coalition in rigid flatfoot). Key preventive strategies include the use of appropriate footwear, motor stimulation, and good postural/hygienic habits. Multidisciplinary intervention (podiatrist, orthopedist, physical therapist) should take advantage of the window of childhood plasticity (<7 years), prioritizing conservative approaches (orthotics, exercises) over surgical ones. Annual checkups starting at 3-4 years of age optimize prognoses and prevent complications in adulthood.