What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)
- Talipes
- Talipes Equinovarus
What is Clubfoot? (Definition/Background Information)
- Clubfoot is a congenital (present at birth) deformity in which an infant’s foot is twisted inward and out of position
- Researchers believe that Clubfoot may be linked with certain congenital skeletal abnormalities, such as spina bifida. However, the underlying cause of this condition is unknown
- Clubfoot can usually be treated with nonsurgical methods, which begin right after birth
- The prognosis of infants with Clubfoot is usually good, if detected and properly treated early
Who gets Clubfoot? (Age and Sex Distribution)
- Clubfoot is a congenital condition that affects a newborn child
- Male infants are more likely to develop Clubfoot than female infants
- No ethnic or racial preference is seen
What are the Risk Factors for Clubfoot? (Predisposing Factors)
Common risk factors of Clubfoot include:
- A child, whose mother has a family history of the condition and smokes during pregnancy, has a 20 times higher risk of developing Clubfoot
- Family history of the disorder
- Clubfoot is more common in male children than female children
- Low amounts of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the womb (oligohydramnios) may increase the risk
- Women who develop an infection or use illegal drugs during pregnancy
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.
Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.
What are the Causes of Clubfoot? (Etiology)
- The underlying cause of Clubfoot is unknown
- Researchers believe that this condition may be linked to certain congenital skeletal abnormalities such as spina bifida
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Clubfoot?
Common signs and symptoms of Clubfoot include:
- The foot appears to be twisted inward and downward and is difficult for a physician to set properly in its correct position
- The size of the calf muscle and foot may appear to be smaller than normal
- Inability to walk properly
- The condition can affect either one foot or both feet
How is Clubfoot Diagnosed?
Clubfoot is diagnosed using the following tools:
- The deformity is usually identified during a thorough physical examination right after birth
- X-ray of the foot: A physician may order an x-ray to help determine the severity of the deformity. However, an X-ray of the foot is not always necessary
What are the possible Complications of Clubfoot?
Complications of Clubfoot usually do not occur until after the child begins to stand and walk. If Clubfoot is properly treated, a high percentage of children do not experience any serious complications. However, the child still may have difficulty with the following:
- Limited mobility
- Disproportionate shoe size in which the affected foot is smaller than the unaffected foot
If left untreated, more serious complications of Clubfoot may occur that may include:
- Development of arthritis
- Social stigma: The child may suffer from low self-esteem due to the foot abnormality later in life
- Abnormal gait when walking may prevent the calf muscles from growing properly, leading to the formation of sores and calluses on the feet
How is Clubfoot Treated?
The most common method to treat Clubfoot is nonsurgical treatments that are aimed at improving the appearance of the child’s foot and to prevent any long-term complications.
Nonsurgical treatment methods for Clubfoot include:
- Correct the deformity by using a combination of stretching and casting design (known as the Ponseti method), to increase flexibility within the foot
- Once the foot is in its proper position, the child is required to continuously wear a special foot brace for 3 months
- After 3 months, the child is required to wear the brace at night and during naps for approximately another 3 years
- The French method (also known as the functional or physical therapy method) is another nonsurgical method to correct the abnormality by incorporating stretching, mobilization, and taping. This method is usually performed by a physical therapist specialized in this kind of treatment
If conservative methods are not successful in correcting Clubfoot, the physician may recommend a surgery.
- Anterior tibial tendon transfer: This surgical procedure involves lengthening the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle
How can Clubfoot be Prevented?
- Currently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent Clubfoot
- Active research is currently being performed to identify tissue abnormalities and congenital causes responsible for Clubfoot. This has the possibility to lead to improved treatment methods and preventative techniques
- Pregnant women may also decrease their unborn child’s risk of developing a congenital birth defect, such as Clubfoot, by not smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs during pregnancy
What is the Prognosis of Clubfoot? (Outcomes/Resolutions)
- The prognosis of infants with Clubfoot is usually good, if detected early and treated appropriately
- Without treatment, the condition will most likely cause permanent disability and pain for the child
- A healthcare professional will likely recommend several visits to the clinic over the next few years in order to monitor the growth and development of the child’s foot
Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Clubfoot:
Approximately 1 out of every 1,000 infants born develop Clubfoot.
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