Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)
Club foot, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a deformity at birth in which the foot points down and inward. This deformity is present in 1 in 1000 children and occurs more often in males than females. The exact cause of the deformity is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be a combination of genetics, congenital conditions, and environment. Also, this deformity can affect one or both feet.
The deformity itself is not painful. However, without proper correction of this deformity, it can lead to a lifetime of disability. Therefore, treatment is often started early after birth.
Symptoms:
The top of the foot is usually twisted downwards, and inward. Aside from the foot deformity itself, the affected leg may be slightly shorter as well. The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped.
Diagnosis:
Clubfoot is often recognized visually soon after birth. X-rays of the foot and ankle should be ordered to assess the underlying bone structure.
Treatment:
The treatment for clubfoot can start 1-2 weeks after birth. The goal of the treatment is to improve the shape of the foot before walking starts. Below are treatment options for clubfoot deformity.
Club foot, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a deformity at birth in which the foot points down and inward. This deformity is present in 1 in 1000 children and occurs more often in males than females. The exact cause of the deformity is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be a combination of genetics, congenital conditions, and environment. Also, this deformity can affect one or both feet.
The deformity itself is not painful. However, without proper correction of this deformity, it can lead to a lifetime of disability. Therefore, treatment is often started early after birth.
Symptoms:
The top of the foot is usually twisted downwards, and inward. Aside from the foot deformity itself, the affected leg may be slightly shorter as well. The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped.
Diagnosis:
Clubfoot is often recognized visually soon after birth. X-rays of the foot and ankle should be ordered to assess the underlying bone structure.
Treatment:
The treatment for clubfoot can start 1-2 weeks after birth. The goal of the treatment is to improve the shape of the foot before walking starts. Below are treatment options for clubfoot deformity.
- Stretching and casting (Ponsetti Method). This is the most common treatment for clubfoot. The foot is corrected into position and placed in a cast. This process is repeated every week for several months. A minor procedure is performed at the end to lengthen the Achilles tendon.
- Surgery. If the deformity is unable to be corrected with stretching and casting, more invasive surgery is then needed. Also, if deformity is not corrected at an early age, and persists into adulthood, then surgery might be required.