Calcaneal foot

For a calcaneal foot (lat. pes calcaneus), the foot of the affected child is bent upwards and the sole of the foot is directed outwards. Inadequate calf musculature means that only the heel touches the ground when walking. In severe cases, the back of the foot reaches up to the shin. With lighter shapes, the forefoot rests on the floor, but it can hardly take any load. It is not possible to unroll the foot. The gait pattern is heavily altered by the calcaneus foot, which forces the knees, hips and pelvis into an unnatural posture.

This is a relatively common foot deformity that is typically congenital. In addition to hereditary influence, a forced posture in the womb can also be responsible for the formation of the calcaneal foot. However, calcaneal foot usually corrects itself for a baby a few weeks after birth. Serious calcaneal foot requiring treatment is often found in children with a underlying neurological disease (e.g. spina bifida).

Causes of acquired calcaneal foot are nerve and tendon damage, which – even in adults – occur due to an accident or surgery.