Our experience in the podological analysis of children with motor disorders (20 cases)

Abstract

Introduction and Importance: Pediatric patients with neuromotor disorders frequently experience various podiatric conditions. The effectiveness and implications of treatments like orthotics and insoles in this  demographic are not thoroughly understood, highlighting a significant gap in podiatric research and clinical practice.
Case Presentation: This observational study analyzed 20 pediatric patients with neuromotor disorders. The focus was on common foot conditions such as ingrown toenails and hyperhidrosis, and their association with treatments like orthotics, insoles, and surgical interventions like Achilles tendon lengthening.
Clinical Discussion: Statistical analysis using chi-square tests revealed significant associations. Notably, orthotic use was linked to a higher incidence of ingrown toenails (χ² = 5.69, p = 0.017). In contrast, insole usage correlated with increased hyperhidrosis (χ² = 4.44, p = 0.035). Additionally, a significant tendency for orthotic use was observed in patients who underwent Achilles tendon lengthening (χ² = 8.15, p = 0.017). The study also highlighted the prevalence of brittle nails and hyperkeratosis among the participants.
Conclusion: The findings emphasize the critical role of podiatrists in the management of foot conditions in pediatric neuromotor disorder patients. While interventions like orthotics are generally beneficial, they may also exacerbate or contribute to other conditions, necessitating regular and careful podiatric monitoring. The study advocates for future research with larger sample sizes and controlled study designs to further validate and expand upon these observations.