Clubfoot

Clubfoot is a term given to foot deformities that are present from birth (congenital) that cause your baby’s foot to be twisted out of shape or position. The tissues linking the muscles to the bone (tendons) in clubfoot are shorter than normal. Clubfoot is a reasonably common birth abnormality that normally occurs as an isolated issue in a healthy newborn. Clubfoot is a condition that can be mild or severe and it is usually found in children. Because clubfoot makes it difficult for your child to walk normally, doctors usually recommend treating it as soon as possible after birth.

If your child has clubfoot, here’s what it might look like:

• The top of the foot is usually twisted downward and inward
• The legs form the shape of a C and make your foot or leg slightly shorter
• The foot may be turned so severely that it actually looks as if it’s upside down
• The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped

Though it might look that the clubfoot might cause pain and discomfort but that is not the case, in fact, it does not cause any discomfort or pain.

The exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, it may be the result of genetics and environment. 

Risk factors include:

• Family history
• Congenital conditions
• Environment.- smoking and drinking 
• Amniotic fluid deficiency during pregnancy

Clubfoot is a condition that can be easily recognized by doctors soon after birth by just looking at the shape and position of the newborn’s foot. Occasionally, the doctor may even request an X-ray to determine and fully understand how severe the clubfoot is.

Newborn joints and tendons are very soft and flexible making it easy for the doctors to treat and fix clubfoot.

• Enhance the appearance and function of your child’s foot before he or she learns to walk 
• Helps to avoid long-term impairments
• Stretching and casting are two treatment possibilities (Ponseti method)
• Surgery