What is propeller foot syndrome?

Propeller foot syndrome is a torsion deformity that usually occurs when one of the longest bones in the leg, the tibia and femur, rotates outward, preventing the foot from pointing straight ahead and out. with the body. This is in contrast to the more common torsion deformity known as pigeon's foot, in which the foot points inward.

Propeller feet can occur in one or both legs. In many young children, the condition is temporary and short-term when learning to walk, but for many it can last into adolescence or sometimes into adulthood. Flat feet can also cause propeller feet.

In adults, the condition of the propeller foot can be checked by standing naturally with the feet about 30 cm apart. Look down at the position of your toes, if they're pointing outward instead of straight ahead, you're most likely having a propeller. Or you can check by lying on your back on a flat surface, to see if the foot turns out with the knee.

Propeller syndrome causes the feet to not point directly forward and outward relative to the body.

There are a number of common causes of protrusion of the feet in children, including: family history of foot problems, fetal position in the uterus before birth, and foot position in infancy. birth, flat feet.

In adults, propeller foot syndrome can result from injuries to the legs, hips, ankles, or feet, muscle strains in the legs or hips, poor posture, or a sedentary lifestyle that leads to pelvic dislocation. anterior or forward-facing pelvis. Anterior pelvic dislocation causes the hip muscles to tighten, which rotates the femur outward and can lead to a propeller-like pattern.

Propeller syndrome can be mild and usually does not cause pain or discomfort, nor does it usually interfere with the ability to walk, run, or move. However, if the condition is severe and causes pain and imbalance, a doctor should be seen and treated.

Our bodies are designed around a simple structural support system that distributes forces around the joints. Joints are responsible for supporting and supporting the flexible movement of people. However, having the feet point out affects that joint activity. When moving, the thrust will go through the midfoot instead of the ankle joint, increasing the strain on the foot and knee.

In people with duck foot syndrome, the tibia and femur are turned laterally, which means that the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments inside the knee will be stretched when moving. If stretched repeatedly, the ligament can tear or break completely.

As a result, people with duck foot syndrome are more likely to experience tibia strains (MTSS or shin splints), plantar fasciitis, or middle knee pain. When protrusion of the foot becomes severe and left unchecked, it can cause other conditions such as: muscle atrophy in the legs and buttocks, knee injuries, ankle injuries, flat feet, leg pain, damage to the piriformis muscle (a small muscle located deep in the buttocks), which can lead to sciatica.

In addition to being more prone to injury, propeller foot syndrome also causes reduced performance in runners, causing them to run slower because their feet turn outward and lose propulsion when moving.

Mild duck foot syndrome can often be resolved with home treatment. First of all, pay more attention to the way your foot is placed when walking or standing, try to adjust the foot straight forward.

Orthopedic insoles that support and elevate the arch of the foot can be used. They will help stabilize the heel and improve alignment.

Hamstring and hip stretching exercises are also helpful for people with mild spondylolisthesis.

Here are some easy stretches you can try at home.

Against the wall: Place a footrest or several thick books about 60 cm from the wall. Stand on a foot support, but let your heel drop to the back edge. Stand so that the arch of the foot is on the support but the heel is not. Extend your arms and lean against the wall to support your body. Lift your feet up and down, stretching your feet and calves in turn.

Tennis ball: Sit on the floor with your legs spread out in front of you. Place a tennis ball under your calf and roll it back and forth for about 2 minutes. Increase your stretch by flexing your feet while continuing to roll the ball. Repeat with the other leg. Repeat several times a day.

Piriformis stretch: Lie on your back and bend your knees so that your feet are on the floor hip-width apart. Cross one leg over the other with the ankle pressed into the thigh just above the knee. Gently press down with your ankles and hold for 60 seconds. You should feel a slight stretch throughout your thighs, hips, and lower back. Repeat on the other side.

If you have duck foot syndrome and experience pain, discomfort, or lack of movement, contact your doctor for an evaluation. A medical professional can determine if your condition is caused by a muscle strain or by an outward rotation of the tibia or femur. This can help determine which exercises are most effective.

If a bone deformity or femoral condyle fracture is found, your doctor may recommend surgery.