Clubfoot

Clubfoot is a complex deformity of the foot that can be found in a child who is developing normally, or can be associated with other disorders, such as Spina Bifida and Hip Dysplasia (this guide also has descriptions of these disorders). A person may have only one or two clubfeet and it is identified at birth by looking at the feet. Instead of pointing straight out, a clubfoot is curved in toward their body and the toes point down. If an infant has two clubfeet, the soles of the feet face each other.

Having a clubfoot does not cause any pain to the infant but if untreated it will lead to difficulties in walking normally.

Many children who have not been treated appear to be walking on their ankles but are actually walking on the outside part of their foot. Because of this, many children develop skin infections because they are walking on a part of the foot that was not meant to be walked on.

Cause:

The cause of clubfoot is ultimately unknown. Though there appears to be a higher rate of occurrence in families where another immediate family member was also born with a clubfoot, scientists still cannot determine a direct cause for the condition.

What we do know is that clubfoot is the most common birth defect, occurring in one in 1000 births. Clubfoot is not believed to be the result of anything the mother did before or during pregnancy.

Treatment:

A clubfoot may be treated by moving the foot into the correct position and using a cast to keep it there. This is often done by an orthopedic specialist. The treatment should be started as early as possible -- ideally, shortly after birth -- when reshaping the foot is easiest.

Gentle manipulation (stretching) and recasting occurs every week to improve the position of the foot. Generally, 5 to 10 casts are needed. The final cast remains in place for 3 weeks. After the foot is in the correct position, a special brace is worn for 3 months. After 3 months of consistent use, the brace is used while the child is sleeping for an additional 3 years.

Some severe cases of clubfoot will require surgery if other treatments do not work or if the problem returns. The child should be monitored by a doctor until the foot is fully grown.

With the described treatment, a child will eventually be able to walk normally on the flat surface of their foot.

Prevention:

There is no way to prevent this genetic condition.

Children born with clubfoot CAN:

Communicate, think, feel and be understood just like anyone else.


	About Kupenda Children Ways to Contribute Photo Gallery News & Events Disabilities Schools Children in need of sponsorship Success Stories Clubfoot Microcephalus Hydrocephalus Epilepsy Autism Down syndrome Visual Impairment Effects of Polio Spina Bifida Deformed or Missing Limbs Deafness Cerebral Palsy Hip dysplasia Clubfoot Clubfoot is a complex deformity of the foot that can be found in a child who is developing normally, or can be associated with other disorders, such as Spina Bifida and Hip Dysplasia (this guide also has descriptions of these disorders). A person may have only one or two clubfeet and it is identified at birth by looking at the feet. Instead of pointing straight out, a clubfoot is curved in toward their body and the toes point down. If an infant has two clubfeet, the soles of the feet face each other. Having a clubfoot does not cause any pain to the infant but if untreated it will lead to difficulties in walking normally. Many children who have not been treated appear to be walking on their ankles but are actually walking on the outside part of their foot. Because of this, many children develop skin infections because they are walking on a part of the foot that was not meant to be walked on. Cause: The cause of clubfoot is ultimately unknown. Though there appears to be a higher rate of occurrence in families where another immediate family member was also born with a clubfoot, scientists still cannot determine a direct cause for the condition. What we do know is that clubfoot is the most common birth defect, occurring in one in 1000 births. Clubfoot is not believed to be the result of anything the mother did before or during pregnancy. Treatment: A clubfoot may be treated by moving the foot into the correct position and using a cast to keep it there. This is often done by an orthopedic specialist. The treatment should be started as early as possible -- ideally, shortly after birth -- when reshaping the foot is easiest. Gentle manipulation (stretching) and recasting occurs every week to improve the position of the foot. Generally, 5 to 10 casts are needed. The final cast remains in place for 3 weeks. After the foot is in the correct position, a special brace is worn for 3 months. After 3 months of consistent use, the brace is used while the child is sleeping for an additional 3 years. Some severe cases of clubfoot will require surgery if other treatments do not work or if the problem returns. The child should be monitored by a doctor until the foot is fully grown. With the described treatment, a child will eventually be able to walk normally on the flat surface of their foot. Prevention: There is no way to prevent this genetic condition. Children born with clubfoot CAN: Communicate, think, feel and be understood just like anyone else.