Overlapping toes in newborn
It can happen that some newborns are born with some overlapping toes . Often parents are told not to worry and wait for everything to resolve itself.
But is it really like that?
In this article, you will discover the importance of timely intervention and the consequences of not treating this problem.
1. The newborn's foot: introduction
The newborn's foot is extremely malleable and flexible throughout pregnancy.
In fact, the baby must be able to stay curled up inside its mother for a good 9 months.
However, it may happen that the uterus is too narrow for the size of the baby and in this case muscle contractures and stiffness may occur.
Being able to recognize and resolve them right away will allow the child to better develop his posture and future walking.
2. Types of positional malformations of the newborn's foot
If the baby keeps his head rotated for a long time inside the mother's womb, myogenic torticollis may occur.
But if he keeps his feet in a forced position, what can happen? There are two main problems.
Positional clubfoot
When the entire foot is held in a constricted position , that is, internally rotated , during intrauterine life, the baby may be born with positional clubfoot .
This problem is solvable and improves over the course of months. However, it is advisable to visit a pediatric osteopath who will verify the presence or absence of contractures in the lower limbs and will resolve them.
For more information on positional clubfoot you can read my article about it.
Overlapping toes
The second problem is overlapping toes .
Typically, when the foot is crushed laterally and internally rotated, the toes may appear to overlap.
Unfortunately, it is often said that this problem resolves itself, but often it does not and can cause problems when the child begins to find his balance to walk.
3. What causes overlapping toes?
As we saw in the previous chapter, overlapping toes are due to a forced and incorrect position of the newborn while in the mother's womb.
This can happen for:
- Low amniotic fluid;
- Malformations of the uterus;
- Incorrect positions assumed by the child for no apparent reason.
4. How to notice and solve them?
The problem will certainly be evident from birth because it will be possible to notice that the toes are overlapped.
You can also try to notice if the child tends to bend the toes downwards , that is, curl them. In fact, this is a symptom of the presence of contractures in the foot muscles and joint stiffness. Furthermore, it often happens that the child rotates the foot inwards several times during the day.
The best way to intervene is to contact a pediatric osteopath right away. This way he or she can check the muscles and joints and intervene.
In my experience , through delicate treatments of the foot muscles from the first weeks of life, in 3-4 sessions I was able to resolve the contractures and stiffness of the calf, foot and leg. In this way the foot is able to grow optimally and the child's posture is not compromised in any way.
I also always teach the parents of my little patients osteo-massage of the lower limbs so that they can practice these delicate massages at home too.
5. Don't underestimate the problem of overlapping toes
Often in the hospital they tend to downplay the problem of overlapping toes or positional clubfoot.
It is said that they go away on their own as people grow older.
This may be true for mild contractures and stiffnesses, but not for moderate or severe ones.
Failure to intervene promptly will risk negatively influencing the child's foot support and postural development.
In my osteo-massage video course you can also find the section on lower limb massages.
The benefits of this massage are:
- Resolution of rigidity caused by intrauterine malpositions (internally rotated or externally rotated feet, flexed or overlapping toes, etc.);
- Improved mobility of the foot, ankle, knees, hips and pelvis;
- A development of correct foot support and optimal posture .
In addition to this, you can also learn Osteo-massage for the back, belly and mouth. All in one video course!