ClubFoot Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Clubfoot or crooked foot is a foot deformity that is usually present from birth. This condition can be mild or severe. If you have clubfoot, it will be difficult for your child to walk normally, so the doctor will recommend immediate treatment after birth.

Usually, clubfoot can be treated without surgery. Although sometimes a follow-up surgery is needed at a later date.

Reason

The exact cause of clubfoot is not known. However, this condition can be caused by a combination of genetics and environment.

Symptom

Symptoms of clubfoot are as follows:

• The top of the foot is usually turned downward and inward, giving it a curved appearance.
• The feet may appear as if they are upside down.
• The calf muscle in the affected leg is usually smaller.
• The affected leg may be 1 centimeter shorter than the other leg.

Clubfoot usually does not cause discomfort. However, symptoms will occur if there is long-term impaired leg function.

Diagnosis

Doctors can recognize clubfoot just by looking at the shape and position of a newborn’s feet.

The condition of clubfoot can even be known since the baby is in the womb, through an ultrasound examination. While the problem can’t be treated before the baby is born, it can give you time to learn more about clubfoot and consult an expert, such as a genetic counselor or orthopedic surgeon.

Treatment

Your baby’s bones, joints, and tendons are still very flexible. Therefore, treatment of clubfoot should be started in the first week or two after birth. The goal is to improve the appearance and working of the feet before the baby learns to walk. It is also important to prevent long-term disability.

Treatment options for clubfoot are:

• Stretching and cast (Ponseti method)
• Operation