What is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) is a condition in which the child is born with the foot turned inwards and pointing down; either one or both feet may be affected. If left untreated, the condition causes the patient to walk painfully on the top of the foot.
What Causes Clubfoot?
The majority of clubfoot cases are hereditary and result from abnormal development of the muscles, tendons and bones while the baby is forming in the uterus.
What Cures Clubfoot?
To achieve and maintain as normal a foot as possible, the treatment has to be continued over a period of months.
Correction of foot position:
Maintaining correction:
Correction of foot position:
- Manipulation and casting: Slowly stretching the tightened muscles and holding the foot in an improved position with a cast.
- Surgery: If the foot is too rigid, the tight or shortened tendons may need to be lengthened or released. Casts are applied after surgery and remain on for 4-6 weeks.
Maintaining correction:
- Fitted foot splints and orthopedic shoes are important to maintain the correction.
