About this topic
With clubfoot, the foot is turned inward and downward at the ankle. A child may be born with this problem in one foot or in both feet. The deformity may be mild. Other times, it is so bad it looks like the foot is turned upside down. The foot, calf, and leg may be smaller than the other leg. The foot may be flexible or fixed in one position. It is important that treatment begins as soon as possible after a child is born. This will help make sure there are not any problems when the child starts walking. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- If your child is wearing casts:
- Check your childs toes a few times a day. Make sure the toes are warm and pink.
- Keep your child's cast dry.
- Be sure your child wears the brace as instructed by your doctor. It is important to follow these instructions exactly. If you do not, the problem may come back.
What follow-up care is needed?
You will need to make visits to the doctor often. The doctor will need to change your childs cast or check the braces. Be sure to keep these visits. If the casts and braces do not help the problem, your child may need to have surgery. The doctor may send your child to physical therapy (PT). ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Most often, drugs are not needed for this problem. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Treatment for clubfoot is most often done as an infant so there are no limits on activity. If your child needs treatment when older, walking and physical activity may be limited during the treatment. ‚
What problems could happen?
- The problem may come back if the braces are not worn as instructed by your doctor.
- Even with treatment, the clubfoot may be 1 to 1 1/2 shoe sizes smaller than the other foot.
- If not treated, may lead to problems walking and pain.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing to be done to prevent this problem. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Your child is in pain
- Toes swell, change color, bleed, or become cold
- Your child has a cast and you can no longer see the toes coming out of the cast
- Cast comes off
- Your child has a brace and you see red marks or open areas on the skin
- Foot starts to turn in again after treatment
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my child's cast or brace.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has more pain or if the toes are cool or blue.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child wears a brace and has red marks on the skin.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00255 ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/265/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚