Podological Analysis in Children with Neuromotor Disabilities

Abstract

Background. Pediatric patients with neuromotor disorders often present with a variety of podiatric conditions. Despite the use of treatments like orthotics and insoles, the effectiveness of these interventions in managing associated foot problems is not well understood.

Aim. This study aims to evaluate common podiatric issues in children with neuromotor disorders and to assess the associations between these conditions and various interventions, such as orthotics, insoles, and surgeries.

Methods. An observational study was conducted with 20 pediatric patients (aged 4–16 years) diagnosed with neuromotor disorders, including cerebral palsy, idiopathic toe walking, and genetic syndromes. Podiatric conditions such as ingrown toenails, hyperhidrosis, and toe walking were documented. Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationships between treatments and podiatric conditions

Results. Orthotic use was significantly associated with ingrown toenails (χ² = 5.69, p = 0.017). Insole usage was linked to increased hyperhidrosis (χ² = 4.44, p = 0.035), while orthotics were more prevalent in patients who had undergone Achilles tendon lengthening (χ² = 8.15, p = 0.017). Common podiatric issues included hyperkeratosis (30%), ingrown toenails (40%), and toe walking (40%).

Conclusions. The aim of this study was to describe the podiatric issues of the foot in children with neuromotor disorders. The findings reveal a high prevalence of conditions such as ingrown toenails, hyperkeratosis, and toe walking. The study also identifies associations between these conditions and the use of orthotics, insoles, and surgical interventions, demonstrating that while these treatments are common, they may sometimes exacerbate certain conditions. This underscores the importance of regular, individualized podiatric care to manage and mitigate these issues effectively. However, further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is necessary to fully understand the impact of these interventions and develop optimized care strategies.

Keywords: neuromotor disorders; podiatric conditions; pediatric patients; foot health; podiatrists.