‘Club feet’ is used to refer to a range of congenital birth deformities wherein an infant’s foot is twisted into an unnatural position or shape. The medical terminology for this condition is talipes or talipes equinovarus, but because the sharp angle of the foot in relation to the ankle resembles a golf club the term ‘clubfoot’ became the common reference for this condition.
Although there are several sub-types of deformities that may occur with club feet the majority of cases involve the top of the baby’s foot twisting down and inward. Not only is the affected foot often shorter than the other foot but the calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped as well. While condition may look quite painful it rarely actually is, though it does make arthritis more of a risk later in life.
Clubfoot is a fairly common birth defect that is not usually indicative of underlying problems; most babies born with this condition are otherwise perfectly healthy. Club feet can range in severity and can affect one or both feet, but in all cases immediate intervention is recommended as this condition will hinder the child’s ability to walk. Treatment efforts are usually highly successful and in most cases the foot takes on a normalized appearance and function.
Scientists do not know what causes clubfoot in most cases except when the condition is caused by other congenital deformities such as spina bifida. Studies have, however, linked the occurrence of club feet to cigarette smoking during pregnancy, and it often runs in families as well. Males tend to be affected more than females.
Newborn babies have extremely flexible and
malleable bones and joints, making early treatment very desirable as the
position of the foot can be much more easily corrected. There are several ways
that this goal can be accomplished:
The Ponseti method: This treatment
uses
a cast to maintain correct positioning of the foot and
ankle for several weeks, with adjustments being made along the way until the
foot is realigned. Once the cast is removed the position is maintained through
stretching, orthotic shoes, or the use of a splint or brace while sleeping for
up to three years.
The French Method: This particular treatment
involves manipulating the feet into correct position then stabilizing the
position with tape on a daily basis for two months. After two months treatment
then occurs thrice weekly until the infant is aged six months, at which point
caregivers perform exercises daily and apply night splints until the child is
ready to walk.
Surgery: In severe cases, or when club feet fail
to respond to conservative treatments, surgery is performed to lengthen the
tendons in the lower limb to more easily allow the foot to fall into a natural
position. A brace must be worn for up to a year post surgery.
Even with early treatment there is no guarantee
that the condition will be completely corrected, but early intervention usually
enables children born with club feet to eventually wear normal shoes and lead
physically active lives.
Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat insolesfeet.com, and a guide on orthoticsfeet.com.
