Clubfoot: Understanding the Common Congenital Foot Deformity

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot (or feet) is twisted out of shape or position. It’s a bit of a shock to see at first, but rest assured that with proper treatment, your child can lead an active and healthy life.

Fortunately, a licensed podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and curate an effective treatment plan. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a foot doctor, then call Mountain Spring Podiatry to get in touch with a member of our team.

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a common congenital deformity that affects approximately 1 in every 1,000 live births. In this condition, one or both of a baby’s feet are rotated inward and/or downward with the toes pointing towards the opposite leg. The foot might appear as if it’s turned sideways and often has a high arch, or the heel points downward.

What causes clubfoot?

While the exact cause of clubfoot is not fully understood, we do know of some factors that influence its development.

The first is genetic predisposition. Clubfoot can run in families, suggesting a hereditary component. If a parent or sibling has clubfoot, the likelihood of another child being born with the condition increases.

There are also environmental factors, especially in the womb. Certain conditions during pregnancy, such as limited amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), can restrict fetal movement and lead to club foot.

Finally, clubfoot is sometimes associated with neuromuscular disorders such as spina bifida, which affect muscle function and can lead to abnormal positioning of the feet.

Diagnosing clubfoot

Clubfoot is typically diagnosed at birth based on the appearance of the foot. However, it can be detected before birth through prenatal ultrasound as well. Early diagnosis is crucial for starting treatment as soon as possible and significantly improving outcomes.

What are your treatment options?

While living with clubfoot can seem daunting, there are treatment options available. The goal of treatment is to enable the child to walk normally by improving the foot’s position, function, and appearance.

• THE Ponseti Method: This non-surgical approach is the most common and widely accepted treatment for clubfoot, and it involves a series of steps:

1. Manipulating and casting the baby’s foot to gradually correct the position.
2. Changing the cast weekly for several weeks.
3. Wearing a brace to prevent recurrence.

• THE French Functional Method: This is another non-surgical option which focuses on daily physical therapy. This includes stretching and manipulating the foot. This approach also uses taping to keep feet in a corrected position and splints to maintain the correction.
• Surgical Intervention: If non-surgical methods are not successful, surgical intervention may be necessary. The goal is to correct the foot’s position by lengthening or releasing tight tendons and ligaments. This procedure involves releasing tight structures around the foot and ankle to allow for better positioning.

It’s important to consult with a licensed foot specialist before jumping to conclusions. If you suspect you or your child has clubfoot, then call Mountain Spring Podiatry to schedule a convenient appointment.

Mountain Spring Podiatry is proud to offer everything from foot care to sophisticated treatment options. Give us a call or message to get in touch!