Splayfoot (medical term: pes transversoplanus) is a foot deformity in which the middle bones are wider apart than normal. This makes the foot appear wider. A splayfoot usually develops due to changes in the metatarsus, but can also occur together with other foot deformities. For example, people with hallux valgus often also suffer from splayfoot.
You can find further information and selected splayfoot specialists here.
As a rule, those affected do not even notice their splayfoot. This foot deformity remains completely asymptomatic for a long time.
At an advanced stage, however, there is occasional pain in the midfoot: The heads of the metatarsal bones can hurt when walking.
A characteristic feature of splayfoot is the splaying of the metatarsus. This splaying develops in particular due to
Splayfoot is particularly common in combination with "torticollis"(hallux valgus). With hallux valgus, the big toe is increasingly turned inwards. This can also be caused by shoes that are too tight.
Generally speaking, however, the human midfoot and forefoot also naturally have a great variability in width.
In splayfoot, the metatarsal bones move outwards and the foot appears wider © Henrie | AdobeStock
A splayfoot is diagnosed on the basis of the orthopaedic image.
As a result of instability on the outer edges of the midfoot, the first and fifth toes become increasingly misaligned. This shifts the main load when walking to the middle metatarsal bones, whose metatarsal heads also change painfully under the load.
Below the toes, a pronounced callus formation with claw or claw toes occurs in the metatarsal area. X-rays show a greater distance between the metatarsal bones than normal - an additional indication of metatarsal splayfoot.
Most patients with splayfoot have no symptoms for a long time. Special treatment is therefore not necessary in many cases. However, to prevent the symptoms from developing later, doctors recommend so-called splayfoot supports. These serve to compress the front metatarsal area in order to prevent the metatarsal bones from spreading further.
If the splayfoot becomes symptomatic, i.e. pain occurs in the area of the metatarsal heads, special insoles can help. Insoles can also be used as a longer-term therapy option.
An accompanying hallux valgus is often surgically repaired in order to stabilize the metatarsal at its outer edges. This allows the patient to put more weight on the metatarsus again. This restores physiological function as best as possible.
After treatment, the patient should have their foot checked regularly by their orthopaedic surgeon. They will advise you on further treatment options, such as surgical correction of the splayfoot.
Overall, splayfoot is considered to be easily treatable. This applies both to treatment with insoles and to possible surgical correction.
Nevertheless, it is also worth making sure you wear the right shoes and maintain a normal weight. This relieves pressure on the metatarsus and reduces the risk of splayfoot or its worsening.
With its delicate bone and joint structure, the foot falls within the remit of orthopaedic specialists. Some orthopaedists specialize in the foot skeleton and its surgical correction.
Orthopaedic centers for foot surgery are the right place to go if a symptomatic splayfoot needs to be operated on. In addition to orthopaedics and surgery, other (non-medical) specialist disciplines can be helpful with splayfoot, e.g.
They promote foot mobility and counteract further deterioration of the splayfoot.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
