By Dr. Louis J. DeCaro, DPM
The E foot type is a common foot type presenting to podiatry offices. The E foot type causes the foot to both pronate from the rearfoot and forefoot. The significant amount of pronation causes torqueing forces on the body from the time of first steps. While the forefoot varus position and hence pronation may not fully present until around the age of 6 or 7 (6/7 is forefoot maturity) it is common for symptoms to present. Symptoms however are not always “pain-based.” The E foot type at an early age (especially in those with developmental delays) present with poor posture and overall gross motor weakness. This can delay natural milestones of running and walking significant distances. As well the core and hips can suffer. At around the age of 4-6 this can then present as “growing pains” in the lower legs. This is very common and commonly left un-treated for the sake of blaming it on “growing pains.” In fact often the forefoot is maturing and with that forefoot varus maturation comes torque force on the LE leading to “growing pains in the legs” which are actually biomechanically caused. We often see Severs 8-12 yo with an E foot type and then many children/teens with shin splints who play running sports from the ages of 11-19. Throughout all the childhood ages however poor endurance, fatigue of running/walking, and slow “out of the blocks” are common chief complaints without the pain. As well irregular running styles with significant leg motion can be seen in children who are involved in running sports. All of these painful and non-painful symptoms should be treated with an orthotic. Later in life in the adult stages this foot type cacn cause frequent knee and or hip pain as well.
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