Clubfoot may be a deformity in which a newborn’s foot or feet are rotated internally at the ankle. In most of the cases, the foot or feet points down & inwards. it’s as if the soles of the feet face one another. In medical terms, it’s mostly referred to as talipes equinovarus (TEV).

This deformity might be mild or severe. About 50% of youngsters with clubfoot have it in both feet. If a toddler has clubfoot, he or she won’t be able to walk normally. So doctors generally recommend starting treatment as soon as possible after birth. As per the statistics of the National Institutes of Health, just one in every 1,000 infants is born with such deformities.

 

If you’re trying to find Clubfoot treatment, Dr. Ratnav Ratan is one among the best pediatric orthopedic doctor in Gurgaon. Along with him, we have Dr. Ramit Singh Sambyal who is one of the best doctor in Delhi. Here Dr. Ratan & Dr. Sambyal explains the symptoms, causes, types, treatment methods & few other necessary things that you simply should know about Clubfoot.

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This actually describes a variety of foot deformities that are easily observable at birth. In this, the baby’s foot is twisted & points downwards. The tendons are usually shorter. If one among the parents is having clubfoot, the probability of clubfoot in a newborn is 1 in 30. But if both parents are having clubfoot, the probabilities increase to 1 in 3. The probabilities of clubfoot are twice in males compared to females.

 

Symptoms-

Based on appearance & level of deformity doctor will notice clubfoot soon after your child is born. It’d also get spotted in pregnancy during an ultrasound scan. Your doctor might advise you on the foremost appropriate treatment or refer you to an orthopedist. most youngsters diagnosed with clubfoot are otherwise completely normal. After the right treatment, they will live a healthy & normal life.

 

Following are the symptoms of Clubfoot-

1. Tightened Achilles tendon due to short
2. Toes pointing
3. Abnormal shape, affected foot size are going to be
4. The heel turns inward in most
5. Underdeveloped calf
6. In severe cases, the foot might look as if it’s turned upside

 

Causes-

The reason for Clubfoot remains unknown. It’s believed that genetic factor plays a serious role in this which suggests some specific gene changes could be related to it. it’d happen due to an interruption n a neuromuscular pathway. It might even be linked with skeletal abnormalities.

Environmental factors also play a serious role. Researchers found a link between the clubfoot & maternal age. Unhealthy habit during pregnancy like smoking is another considerable reason alongside diseases like diabetes. Lesser amnionic fluid might cause such deformities.

 

Types-

Idiopathic Clubfoot- this is often the foremost common sort of clubfoot. it’s characterized by a stiff & rigid foot that’s difficult to control.

Positional Clubfoot- this is often caused if the baby is in a breech position within the uterus. Positional clubfoot is often treated & changed to a neutral position easily.

Syndrome Clubfoot- this is often a severe sort of clubfoot where chances of positive outcomes with primary treatment are low. It’s often a part of a broader & more complicated syndrome. But surgeries are often done to form it normal.

 

Treatment-

Though clubfoot may be a painless condition at birth, it can worsen with time. If not treated well, the kid may start walking in an abnormal way. This walking pattern will harden the skin of the toe. Wearing footwear also will become difficult over time. This might cause a permanent problem in severe cases.

Treatment starts after the primary week of birth. The target is to bring the foot in a normal position gradually without causing any pain to the kid.

 

Following are the treatment methods of Clubfoot-

There are both Non-surgical & Surgical treatments available for clubfoot. The doctor chooses the best applicable method as per the extent of the deformity.

 

Non-surgical method-

The Ponseti method- Ponseti is the primary method. during this manipulation of the baby’s foot is completed with hands. A cast is additionally added to hold the foot in its position & to scale back the probabilities of an extra increase within the level of deformity.

The process is done once every week. It’d take up to 10 sessions. The plaster is modified weekly & little manipulation is completed to vary the position of the foot. it’s a totally painless process. Depending upon things operation could be required. After treatment, the patient must wear special boots for two to three months. Physiotherapy is required to make sure a far better pace of recovery. This has got to be performed at an early stage & parents should follow the rules.

 

The French method- This method consists of stretching, exercise & immobilization of the foot. Besides these, physiotherapy is important. For the primary 3 months, therapy sessions are done by a knowledgeable physiotherapist & then parents can continue at home.

If the deformity level isn’t severe, this method is totally successful. albeit the issue can’t be fully corrected, the condition of the foot will certainly improve.

 

Surgical method-

In severe cases, surgery is recommended to regulate tendon & ligament. After adjusting the foot surgeon stabilizes the foot using pins & a cast to retain the form. The patient should stay 2-3 days within the hospital to avoid any complexity.

Cast is applied for 10-12 weeks to stabilize the position. After removing the cast, a splint is used which is reduced gradually once the kid starts walking