Club Foot Treatment

Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which one or both of the baby’s feet can become twisted or deformed. The foot might appear to be pointing downward and inward toward the ground. This health condition may affect one or both feet of the baby. A physical examination can help in identifying this congenital disorder.

The Ponseti method is a popular approach for gradually improving foot posture. It involves casting, stretching, and gentle foot manipulation. To stretch the taut Achilles tendon, the child may require an Achilles tenotomy. It is a minor surgical procedure following the casting. At night the child’s foot or feet should be covered with braces with a bar or boots to maintain the correct position.

Sometimes surgery is required. To improve foot function and enable the child to walk normally as they grow, early treatment is crucial. Regular follow-up sessions are crucial for monitoring progress and evaluating development. With early intervention and consistent care, most children can regain normal function of the foot and mobility.

Types of Clubfoot

This can be classified into three main types. These are listed below:

1. Idiopathic

• This is the most prevalent kind, and its cause is unknown. This type of clubfoot affects kids without any other health conditions.

2. Syndromic

• This form of clubfoot mostly arises as a component of a larger syndrome or links to a non-neurological condition like dwarfism. Treatment may be more difficult because of underlying medical issues.

3. Neurogenic

• A spinal cord abnormality like cerebral palsy, or other neurologic disorders is the cause of this kind of clubfoot. These primary conditions may make it more challenging to treat.

Symptoms of Clubfoot

This is a birth defect that is characterized by an inward rotation of the ankle and foot. Symptoms include:

1. Foot Position

• The twisted foot or feet are the most obvious symptom. The foot may have a club-like inward and downward point. As a result, the angle of the foot appears directed toward the ground.

2. Foot Shape

• In comparison to a normal foot, the baby’s foot may appear smaller than usual and may have a distinct form. When the kid turns the heel inward, the foot shape changes into a high arch.

3. Difficulty Moving

• The child may have difficulty moving the affected foot or feet. It might be hard for them to put weight on their feet. And they might not be able to move their feet in the normal motion.

4. Uneven Legs

• In comparison to the opposite foot or leg, the afflicted foot may appear thinner or shorter. As the kid gets older, this uneven appearance may make standing or walking challenging.

5. Changes in the Skin 

• The twisted position may make the skin of the affected foot look stretched or wrinkled. In more severe situations, this may be more apparent.

6. Discomfort

• While clubfoot does not usually cause pain, the abnormal position might create discomfort or difficulty when the youngster begins to walk or wear shoes.

Causes of Clubfoot

Researchers do not fully understand the specific cause of clubfoot. However, they think various variables contribute to it.

a) Genetics

• This disorder can be passed down in families. If this condition affects a parent or sibling, then there is a higher chance that a baby might be born with this health condition. Researchers think that a few genetic factors increase the likelihood of developing a clubfoot.

b) Abnormal Fetal Position

• Foot development during pregnancy may be impacted by the baby’s position in the womb. Talipes Equinovarus may develop if the baby’s feet are compressed or positioned incorrectly during pregnancy.

c) Lack of Amniotic Fluid

• Amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus in the womb. Clubfoot may result from oligohydramnios, a condition in which there is insufficient water. This problem can restrict the baby’s movement.

d) Environmental Factors

• Although they are not as well defined, some environmental factors and pregnancy complications may be involved. These may include problems such as infections, specific medications, or maternal smoking.

Procedure of Club Foot Treatment

1) Diagnosis

The distinctive way the foot is twisted is examined during a physical examination to identify clubfoot at birth.

Prenatal diagnosis

• A normal ultrasound can identify deformity between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.
• It is possible to diagnose clubfoot in roughly 10% of cases as early as 13 weeks of pregnancy. 
• Healthcare providers can diagnose eighty percent of talipes by the 24-week mark.
• A doctor can use the shape and location of the baby’s foot to diagnose clubfoot.

Other tests

• X-rays
• CT scans

2) First Assessment

A healthcare specialist performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of clubfoot and look for any additional associated problems.

3) Casting

After being gently manipulated into the correct posture, the foot is gradually stretched and reshaped over the course of several weeks using a series of plaster casts.

4) Tenotomy

If after casting the Achilles tendon remains tight, a small process known as a tenotomy may be performed to stretch the foot. The foot is further corrected as a result.

5) Bracing

To keep the foot in place and stop it from twisting back, the baby is put on special braces after the foot has been corrected. After a few months of constant use, the braces are eventually only worn at night.

6) Follow-up

To evaluate progress, make necessary treatment adjustments, and guarantee appropriate foot growth and development, it is imperative to schedule regular follow-up sessions with the orthopedic specialist.

7) Monitoring and Long-term Care

The majority of clubfoot cases can be successfully treated with initial care.  Also, proper monitoring may be necessary to manage any residual issues or recurrence of the deformity as the child gets older.