What Is Clubfoot? -Kidsorthopedic
What is Clubfoot? Clubfoot is a deformity present from birth that
severely twists the foot downward and inward, making walking difficult or
impossible.
Types Of Club Foot
Idiopathic Clubfoot A true (idiopathic) clubfoot accounts for the vast majority of cases. This type is stiff or rigid, and very hard to manipulate.
Positional Clubfoot The affected foot may be more
flexible,
with
a
condition
known
as
positional
clubfoot.
This
flexible type of club foot is caused
by
the
baby's
prenatal position in the uterus Positional
(often
breech).
clubfoot
can
easily be positioned into a neutral
(not
position by hand.
curved)
Syndrome Clubfoot A third type is syndrome clubfoot—in which the condition is part of a larger
syndrome. This type is usually more severe and difficult to treat, with less positive outcomes.
Symptoms of Clubfoot
1.
The top of the foot is usually twisted downward and inward, increasing the arch and turning the heel inward.
2.
The foot may be turned so severely that it actually looks as if it's upside down.
3.
The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped.
4.
The affected foot may be up to 1/2 inch (about 1 centimeter) shorter than the other foot.
Causes of Clubfoot 1.
Family History: If either of the parents or their other children have had clubfoot, the baby is more likely to have it as well.
2.
Congenital Conditions: In some cases, clubfoot can be associated with other
abnormalities of the skeleton that are present at birth (congenital), such as spina bifida, a serious birth defect that
occurs when the tissue surrounding the developing spinal cord of a fetus doesn't close properly.
3. Environment: If a woman with a family history of clubfoot smokes
during pregnancy, her baby's risk of the condition may be double that of nonsmokers. Also, getting
an infection or using recreational drugs during pregnancy can increase the risk of clubfoot.
4. Not Enough Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy: Too little of the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb may increase the risk of clubfoot.
Risk Factors of Club Foot 1.
Arthritis: A child with club foot is likely to develop arthritis.
2.
Poor self-image: The unusual appearance of the foot may make a child's body image a concern during the teen years.
3.
Inability to walk normally: The twist of the ankle may not allow a child to walk on the sole of the foot. To
compensate, he or she may walk on the ball of the foot, the outside of the foot or even the top of the foot in severe cases. 4.
Problems stemming from walking adjustments: Walking adjustments may prevent natural growth of the
calf muscles, cause large sores or calluses on the foot, and result in an awkward gait.
Diagnosis of Clubfoot Some orthopaedic perform ultrasound to detect clubfoot in
advance when the baby is still in the womb. However, most orthopaedic detect clubfoot by
observing the appearance and movement of the baby’s feet and legs immediately after birth.
While diagnosing clubfoot, orthopaedic focus on both appearance and movement of the
affected legs.
Treatment of Clubfoot Doctors always decide the clubfoot treatment method based on the symptoms and causes.
Treatment options include:
o Stretching and casting (Ponseti method) o Surgery
A. Stretching and casting (Ponseti method)
1. Move the baby's foot into a correct
position and then place it in a cast to hold it there. 2. Reposition and recast the baby's
foot once or twice a week for several months. 3. Perform a minor surgical procedure
to lengthen the Achilles tendon (percutaneous Achilles tenotomy) toward the end of this process.
After the shape of the baby's foot is realigned, it'll
need to be maintained by doing one or more of the following:
1.
Practice some stretching exercises with the baby.
2.
Using special shoes and braces for the baby.
3.
Make sure that the child should wear the shoes and braces as long as required usually full time for three months, and then at night
for up to three years.
B. Surgery If the child’s clubfoot is severe or doesn't respond to nonsurgical treatment, surgery is required. An orthopedic surgeon will lengthen tendons to help ease the foot into a better position. After surgery, the child will be in a cast for up to two months,
and then need to wear a brace for a year or so to prevent the clubfoot from coming back.
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