Metatarsus adductus is a foot deformity. The bones in the middle of the foot bend in toward the body.

Metatarsus adductus is thought to occur as a result of the infant's position inside the uterus.

This is a relatively common disease affecting about one out of every 1,000 to 2,000 live births. Risk factors may include a condition called oligohydramnios in which the mother does not produce enough amniotic fluid in the uterus.

• The front of the foot is bent inward (toward the midline) at the instep.
• The back of the foot and the ankles are normal. With a clubfoot, which is a different deformity, the foot will be pointed down and the ankle turned in as well.

Physical examination is all that is needed to diagnose metatarsus adductus.

Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity. In most children, the problem corrects itself as normal use of the feet develops. Such cases do not need any treatment.

Stretching exercises may be needed when the problem does not go away with normal use of the foot. These are done if the foot can be easily moved into a normal position.

Rarely, this disease causes a rigid deformity that cannot be corrected with stretching exercises. In these cases, casting and even surgery may be needed. Other conditions may need to be considered in these children. A pediatric orthopaedic surgeon should be involved in treating more severe deformities.

The outcome is excellent. Nearly all patients eventually have a normal looking, fully functional foot.

Developmental dislocation of the hip may be associated with a small number of infants with metatarsus adductus.

Call your health care provider if you are concerned about the appearance or flexibility of your infant's feet.