What is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot is the most common musculoskeletal birth defect.
It’s a condition where the babies foot is twisted in an abnormal shape and position.
This happens due to short ligaments and muscles in the foot.The foot is excessively turned inwards.It’s also known as talipes equino varus.
What Causes it?
May be positional.It is more common than the congenital type .Can be corrected with gentle dorsiflexion.Your doctor will show you the manoeuvres.
Can there be other problems?
It’s a birth defect of unknown etiology
May be isolated.
Or Associated with spina bifida , cerebral palsy,Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
Meningomyelocele
What risk factors can Mother have?
- Oligohydramnios
- Teratogenic agents
- Uterus constriction rings
How common is it?
It’s more common in males.
50%cases may be bilateral.
Almost 1.2 babies in every 1000 may be affected.
50%cases may be bilateral.
Almost 1.2 babies in every 1000 may be affected.
How to make the child have a better life?
The best practices nowadays involve the ponseti method.
This involves:
*Series of manipulation
*Series of casting
*Percutaneous Achilles tenotomy
*Bracing.
These if done properly can help 98% of babies with club foot.
The Casting has the most obvious visible effect on the deformity.
But bracing has to be done long-term by parents at home at night.
Needs patience and parents motivation and sincerity.
Lack of adequate bracing can cause high relapse rate due to inadequate bracing.
Bracing lasts for 4 to 5 years.Has to be done every night.Properly done bracing for the right amount of time is most crucial for long-term success.
What problems occur, if not corrected ?
- Restricted mobility and difficulty walking.
- One and a half-size smaller shoe size.
- Poor self-imageArthritis.
- Poorly developed calf muscles
Birth defects if treated early can be corrected.A lot depends on motivation and dedication of parents.
I believe there’s always hope .No one knows all the answers .
What do you think ?
Comment below to let me know.
Omg who knew it was more common in guys?!?! Learn something new every day!
Very informative. Thanks for sharing. I have friends with kids who have had to deal with this.
I love being educated to medical/health terminologies. Keep them coming!
Great article, I didnt know it was more common in males. Thanks for sharing!
I’d say very interesting too. Who knew? It’s good to know there are options.
Interesting post! I never heard of club foot. I need to keep this information in my mind!
I had never heard of this type of birth defect but learning something new everyday. This was informative
Wow, I never heard of club foot. This is such an interesting post. Thank you for this share.
I don’t know if I had what they term club feet when I was born but my my feet were not in the correct position. I wore braces on my legs and my mom did occupational therapy to avoid surgery. Everything luckily worked out.
Thank you Rose for sharing your story.Your patents obviously did the right thing for you
I’ve know a few families with children that had a club foot. I never knew there were many causes. Interesting read.
Thanks Cynthia
I had no idea that club foot could be corrected. I’ll have to keep this information in mind. Thank you for sharing.
Didn’t know about club foot until now. Great info. Thanks!
Interesting. My kids don’t have it, but this is great information to know. Just in case.
I thought it was a foot massage technique! Oh thank you for letting us know, very helpful!