Discovering that your child has metatarsus adductus (MTA) can be overwhelming.
Our goal is to offer guidance to help you and your child through their MTA journey and provide support along the way.
On this page you will find:
- What is Metatarsus Adductus?
- Why Does it Happen?
- How is Metatarsus Adductus Detected?
- Treatment of Metatarsus Adductus
- How Will Metatarsus Adductus Affect My Child?
- Sharing the News
- Support
- Resources
What is Metatarsus Adductus?
MTA is a common foot condition in babies and young children, affecting 1 in 1000 live births, where the front part of the foot and the toes turn in. In unaffected babies, the outside edge of the foot is straight; in – babies with MTA, the outside edge of the foot curves inwards, giving the sole of the foot a ‘bean’ like appearance. The heel and ankle are unaffected.
MTA can affect one or both feet. It causes no pain and often gets better as a child grows.
The following webinar is An introduction to the different types of Clubfoot and includes information on Metatarsus Adductus
Why Does it Happen?
There is no evidence to show the condition runs in families and, in many cases, it is thought to be caused by the baby being squashed in the uterus (womb) towards the end of pregnancy.
How is Metatarsus Adductus Detected?
MTA is usually diagnosed by a midwife or other health professionals looking at the foot when the child is born. Sometimes, in very mild cases, it only becomes noticeable when a child learns to walk as it may cause in-toeing or ‘pigeon-toes’. Your health professional will be able to tell the difference between MTA and other possible issues with the feet.
Some hospitals may also offer a hip examination following a diagnosis of MTA.
Treatment of Metatarsus Adductus
Most MTA feet are flexible, not fixed into position and, in most babies, the condition improves itself, without medical treatment and resolves fully by the time a child is around three years old.
Occasionally there is some tightness and the front of the foot does not fully correct on its own, in which case you will be shown stretching exercises to help get the foot into a straighter position. If necessary, a special boot can be used to keep the foot in position following stretching.
If the foot is stiff and does not improve on its own, plaster casting may be used to help move the foot into a more normal position. Other options will include shoe inserts or a special brace.
In very rare cases, when the condition is severe and not improving with other treatment, surgery may be recommended. If your child does require surgery, Steps have produced a downloadable guide – Preparing For Your Child’s Surgery to help parents and carers prepare themselves and their child for a hospital admission.
How Will Metatarsus Adductus Affect My Child?
Most cases of MTA will get better without treatment. If treatment is required, it has a high success rate resulting in normal looking and well-functioning feet.
In very rare cases where the condition is difficult to treat, foot pain or foot abnormalities can be present in later life, however, it is very rare to see this condition in the adult population.
Sharing the News
When and how you tell close family, friends and other relatives about your child’s condition is a very personal decision which will be impacted by how and when the diagnosis occurred, the individual prognosis for your child and the potential treatments available.
There is no right or wrong way or time to share the news, however, being well informed about the condition and having the opportunity to connect with other parents who can understand what you are feeling will likely help.
Once you do share the news, your relatives and friends will probably want to know how they can support you and your child, so take advantage of the experiences being shared by other parents, to help you feel better equipped to answer such questions and get the support that is right for you.
Support
Steps is here to offer emotional and practical support.
The Steps closed Facebook Group is a friendly and safe way of discussing your worries, sharing tips and finding emotional support. Our Family Contact Service identifies someone else who has been through a similar situation and who’s happy to talk about their experiences, on a one-to-one basis, to offer support.
You can reach out to Steps with your questions, concerns and requests via email info@steps-charity.org.uk or leave a voicemail message on 01925 750271 and one of the team will be in touch.
All our MTA links and related resources can be found below
