Clubfoot

Clubfoot

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Kids' Zone
+2
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMay 20, 2018

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.

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!