Marfan syndrome is an inheritable condition that detrimentally affects the connective tissue. Although the gene for the syndrome is known, the diagnosis is made after examinations by at least an orthopedist, ophthalmologist and cardiologist since multiple systems are affected. From a Pedorthic interest, the Marfan syndrome affects the long bones of the skeleton. Arms, legs, fingers, and toes may be disproportionately long in relation to the rest of the body. Other skeletal abnormalities include a sternum (breastbone) that is either protruding or indented, curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and flat feet. There may be weakness in the legs, numbness and toes curling into hammertoes and/or claw toes.
As people with Marfan syndrome get older, the dura often weakens and stretches, then begins to weigh on the vertebrae in the lower spine and wear away the bone surrounding the spinal cord. These changes may cause only mild discomfort or may lead to radiating pain in the abdomen or to pain, numbness or weakness of the legs.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Marfan’s
- “Is that what Abe Lincoln had?”
Symptoms:
- Back pain
- Foot pain
- Toe pain
- Numbness or weakness of the legs
Signs to look for:
- Indented or protruding sternum
- Arms, legs, fingers and toes disproportionately long in relation to the rest of the body
- Flat feet (although not all have flat feet)
- Hammer toes or claw toes
- Scoliosis
Possible Causes:
- Genetic disorder
Goals:
- Align feet, knees, legs and hips
- Create optimal balance and improve gait
- Provide arch support and control foot motion
- Footwear to make walking and exercising more comfortabl
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Shoes with stretchable uppers
- For Smart footwear, wear heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear or shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Stop wearing wear pumps and high heels
- Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Where the above shoes and arch supports do not provide enough stability, wedging and flares may be necessary
- Spot stretching with ball and ring stretcher if hammertoe rubbing
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe caps, toe crests, etc.
Activities:
- Medical treatment
- Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with bicycling and swimming (non-weight bearing)
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Marfan-association.org.uk Text: marfan.org, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
As people with Marfan syndrome get older, the dura often weakens and stretches, then begins to weigh on the vertebrae in the lower spine and wear away the bone surrounding the spinal cord. These changes may cause only mild discomfort or may lead to radiating pain in the abdomen or to pain, numbness or weakness of the legs.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Marfan’s
Symptoms:
- Back pain
- Foot pain
- Toe pain
- Numbness or weakness of the legs
Signs to look for:
- Diagnosis
- Arms, legs, fingers and toes disproportionately long in relation to the rest of the body
- Flat feet (although not all have flat feet)
- Hammer toes or claw toes
- Scoliosis
Possible Causes:
- Genetic disorder
Goals:
- Align feet, knees, legs and hips
- Create optimal balance and improve gait
- Provide arch support and control foot motion
- Footwear to make walking and exercising more comfortable
Solutions:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Shoes with stretchable uppers
- For Smart footwear, wear stability rocker soles, such as Alegria and Aetrex. For impact reduction only, wear Spira shoes
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Stop wearing wear pumps and high heels
- Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Where the above shoes and arch supports do not provide enough stability, wedging and flares may be necessary
- Spot stretching with ball and ring stretcher if hammertoe rubbing
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe gel caps, toe crests, etc.
Activities:
- Medical treatment
- Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with bicycling and swimming (non-weight bearing)
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Marfan-association.org.uk Text: marfan.org, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov