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. ‚
What are the causes?
The cause of clubfoot is unknown. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Clubfoot is more common if you have a family member who also has had a clubfoot. Slightly more males have this problem and it is more common if your baby also has spina bifida. Smoking while pregnant may increase the risk of having a baby with this problem. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will be able to diagnose this problem just by looking at the child. Sometimes, a clubfoot is seen before the baby is born if the mother has an ultrasound test during pregnancy. The doctor may order x-rays. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There are different ways to treat a club foot. Your doctor will decide the best way to treat your child. It is important for treatment to begin soon after a baby is born. It is also important that casts and braces are worn as ordered by the doctor. ‚
- Stretching and casting
- The doctor will gently stretch your childs foot and put it in the correct position. The foot is put into a cast.
- Each week, the doctor takes off the cast and does more stretching. Then, a new cast is put in place.
- It often takes between 5 and 10 casts to get good foot position.
- The final cast will stay on for 3 weeks.
- Brace
- After getting good foot position, your baby will wear a special brace. This brace will be worn nearly all the time at first.
- Later, your child may only need to wear the brace while sleeping.
- Surgery
- Some very bad cases need surgery to fix the foot position.
- It may also need to be done if if the casts or brace does not work.
- This is most often done in the first year of life.
- Even with the use of casts or a brace, the heel cord may also need to be released or loosened.
What drugs may be needed?
Most often, drugs are not needed for this problem. ‚
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. ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚