Neonatal Assessment: Put Your Best Foot Forward

Assessment of the foot is an essential part of the newborn examination. Foot abnormalities range from an isolated deformity due to intrauterine positioning to a functional impairment due to a structural malformation. The purpose of this article is to review assessment, abnormal findings, and current treatment options of common foot deformities.

A review of literature was conducted using keywords in PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL databases from 2018 to 2023.

Although assessment techniques for the neonatal foot remain the same, recent nonsurgical treatment options are available for a variety of neonatal foot deformities. Early recognition allows for proper evaluation of foot deformities and corrective measures.

Neonatal providers equipped with knowledge of common foot problems can provide support and anticipatory guidance to families.