Skeletal abnormalities in FA

Certain skeletal abnormalities are common in FA. Many people experience inversion (inward turning) of the feet, and a little over half have pes cavus — a shortened foot with a high arch. For people who are still walking, these conditions can cause painful blisters and calluses. About two-thirds of people with FA develop curvature of the spine, scoliosis, which can be painful and interfere with breathing by changing the shape of the chest cavity. These skeletal abnormalities probably occur because some muscles have weakened while others have remained strong, pulling the bones into abnormal positions.