Saddle Bone Deformity

Saddle bone deformity, also referred to as a saddle joint deformity, is a deformation of the bones in the foot. The type of bone deformation that affects the area of the big toe and the middle of the foot can cause lumps on the top of the foot and cause discomfort and/or pain while walking. Saddle bone deformity can be congenital or acquired.

Saddle bone deformity of the foot can be present at birth. Genetics play a big role in this type of structural anomaly. Children born with conditions affecting the lower limbs and feet may be more prone to developing a saddle bone deformity. For example, children born with spina bifida are at an increased risk of developing a variety of foot and ankle problems. Other malformations of the foot can also cause saddle bone deformity (Rampal & Giuliano, 2020).

Saddle bone deformity can be acquired due to injury or as a result of stress to the bones and soft tissues of the foot. The deformity can be the result of medical conditions, such as arthritis. As the joints of the arthritis affected foot move the rest of the body is put under stress, resulting in structural changes in the foot (Swaroop & Dias, 2011).

Another condition which can occur in addition to the saddle bone deformity are other anatomical deformities of the foot. For example, the bunions, the bony growths at the base of the 1st toe, can occur. People with saddle bone deformities are more likely to develop a bunion on their 1st toe. In addition to the bunion, people with saddle bone deformities may also have flat feet or high arches which can put additional strain on the rest of the foot. These can all have an impact on how a person moves around and can cause additional discomfort.

For children suffering from this form of foot deformity, early identification and treatment are crucial to alleviate the long term pain and limitations of this condition. For individuals already affected by this form of foot deformity, knowing the causes of this condition, and the other related foot deformities and conditions can aid in their understanding of the condition and ensure the best possible treatment. And, by seeking the best possible treatment, patients suffering from this condition can look forward to a life of normal mobility.

The deformity can also affect individuals in many ways and can greatly decrease an individual’s quality of life. A person with a saddle bone deformity of the foot may not be able to participate in physical activities that they once enjoyed, including playing sports and going for walks or runs with family and friends. In some cases, the deformity can cause an individual to develop arthritis in the knees and/or hips. As a result, a person with a deformity of the foot can experience a great deal of pain. It is hoped that, by learning about the causes and effects of a saddle bone deformity of the foot, individuals with the condition can find ways to increase their level of mobility and to help improve their quality of life.

Another symptom that affects people with saddle bone deformity is having difficulty putting weight on their feet. Due to pain and instability in the foot, some individuals with the condition are unable to walk or stand for long periods of time. This can lead to increased weakness of the foot and surrounding muscles due to lack of use. Many individuals with the condition experience decreased mobility due to pain and are unable to participate in activities that they previously enjoyed (Daniel & Brenner, 2006).

One aspect of this deformity that can be quite a problem is the change in gait that people experience when walking with a foot that is not functioning normally. The majority of people with this type of deformity in their foot will experience some form of pain that needs to be alleviated and as a result may adapt their gait in an attempt to reduce the pain experienced in their foot. This can result in individuals with this type of deformity experiencing an unstable gait which can increase the risk of falls in certain circumstances. In an attempt to reduce the pain experienced in their foot, individuals with this type of deformity may place more weight on their other leg when walking or even alter their body mechanics in some form in order to reduce the pain experienced in their foot. This can cause even simple tasks such as going to the grocery store to become a problem and climbing stairs can be a real challenge for some people. (Haug et al. 2009)

Symptoms of Saddle Deformity of the Foot can impact a person’s quality of life in so many ways. For individuals experiencing pain and mobility difficulty, doing simple things for work, play or socializing can become a great challenge. The affected individual may often be forced to alter their daily activities and this can result in feeling helpless, frustrated and possibly even cause feelings of isolation and depression. Many of the patients that I have encountered with this foot condition have related their decreased quality of life due to the deformity. They cannot participate in activities of recreational sports. They cannot walk with their family and friends. They are unable to go to work due to pain, and this makes them very unhappy. In fact, many of these individuals have reported decreased in their overall mental health, stating that they are often depressed and anxious. Some have even reported a great deal of fear due to the altered gait. The individual with Saddle Deformity is extremely concerned with falling. The individual with Saddle Deformity of the foot has a great deal of difficulty walking due to severe pain and subsequent altered gait. As a result of this, he/she is afraid to be active. The individual is concerned that if he/she goes out for a walk that he/she will fall. This fear is so pronounced that it causes the individual great amounts of anxiety and even that of depression.

There is evidence to suggest that there is a decline in the mental well-being of individuals with various physical disabilities. Often individuals with physical disabilities experience anxiety and fear regarding physical activity due to the perceived difficulty or danger of such activity. The individual’s fear or apprehension may prevent them from participating in various physical activities, as a result of which they may become isolated. As a result of being isolated from their peers, and lack of participation in physical activities, they may experience symptoms of depression (Daniel & Brenner, 2006).

There are many different ways to treat a foot that has developed a Saddle Bone Deformity. There are non-surgical treatments and there are also surgical methods to repair the foot and relieve pain and discomfort. Each of the methods to treat a foot with a Saddle Bone Deformity have their own goals for the treatment, and each of the methods has their own different degree of success for treating the condition. Each of the methods to treat a Saddle Bone Deformity can also have their own different risks and complications as well.

Non-surgical methods for treating a Saddle Bone Deformity are usually the first step towards relieving pain and discomfort for individuals suffering from this foot condition. Many individuals with a Saddle Bone Deformity are prescribed with orthotic devices, which can include custom shoe inserts, that can be worn in shoes to help provide support to the foot and take pressure off of areas of the foot that can become painful when walking. In addition to using orthotic devices, physical therapy can also be a useful method for treating a Saddle Bone Deformity as it can help to stretch out the foot as well as strengthen up the muscles and ligaments in the foot. Furthermore, physical therapy can teach a variety of different exercises that can help to alleviate pain and discomfort in the foot as well as in other parts of the body as well. Some individuals with a Saddle Bone Deformity may be prescribed with anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce pain and swelling. It is worth noting that while these types of non-surgical methods for treating a Saddle Bone Deformity can provide relief for individuals with this condition, they are not a cure for the condition. Instead, non-surgical methods are more suitable for individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of a Saddle Bone Deformity who are looking to delay surgery for as long as possible.

Surgical corrections are then available for more severe deformities and cases where non-surgical measures have not brought relief from pain. These surgical corrections often involve rearranging of the bones of the foot in an attempt to create a foot that functions better and causes less pain. While surgical corrections of foot deformities are generally safe, all surgical procedures have potential complications and some complications can be quite serious. These possible complications must be weighed against the potential benefits of surgery by both the patient and the health care team in order to reach a determination as to whether or not surgical correction is in the best interest of the individual.

The long-term effects of untreated saddle bone deformity can cause patients to suffer from chronic pain which can affect their daily lives. The degree of pain that sufferers of saddle bone deformity experience can decrease as their mobility decreases. In addition, people with this foot deformity can also suffer from other problems such as depression and anxiety. These are two of the main mental health problems that affect people who are unable to participate in physical activities. Many patients also experience additional problems with other parts of their body as a result of the abnormal structure of their foot. Some of the additional problems that patients can develop include arthritis and joint pain in the knees and hips. These problems can develop as a result of the way in which a person’s body is aligned.

Early intervention is vital in the management of a child’s foot. In many cases non-surgical treatment can be used to alleviate the problems caused by a Saddle Bone Deformity and help the child to return to an active lifestyle.

As advances are made in both the surgical and non-surgical methods of treating Deformity of the Saddle Bone, patients can continue to expect improved management and successful treatment of their Foot problem. A greater understanding of the deformity is helping healthcare providers to work with their patients and provide care that is specifically targeted to meet the needs of that individual. This effective management of the Saddle Bone Deformity allows for improved mobility of patients affected by this condition.

Citations:

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