Foot problems in the adolescent.

The treatment of foot problems in the adolescent should be nonsurgical whenever possible. Surgical treatment should be considered when medical treatment does not relieve pain. Surgical corrections to prevent problems in adulthood may cause complications and lead to an undesirable outcome. This article highlights treatment for overriding fifth toe, juvenile bunion, Morton toe, Freiberg infraction, stress fractures of metatarsals, accessory navicular, tarsal coalition, plantar fascitis, pes cavus, and pes planus. Significant deformities generally require treatment before ambulation, and innocent deformities usually resolve spontaneously.