What is Clubfoot?

Clubfoot is also known as talipes. It is an abnormality in the foot usually present at birth. In this condition, your baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position, and the tissues connecting the muscles to the bone are shorter than usual.

Clubfoot is common in babies and affects one or two children in every 1,000 live births. The development of clubfoot begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, and by the time the baby is born, the foot is already stiff. However, fifty percent of children affected by clubfoot will have it in both feet.

What are the causes of Clubfoot?

The exact cause of clubfoot remains unknown. However, as the baby is developing in the womb, the tendons (tissues) at the front and back of the foot fail to grow at the same pace as the rest of the foot resulting in the shortening and causing deformity. Anyhow, there are some risk factors associated with this condition. These include:

• A family history of Clubfoot
• Mothers with the habit of smoking increase the chances of this deformity in their babies
• Clubfoot is most common among baby boys, it also affects baby girls
• Being born with other medical conditions like spina bifida or a joint condition called arthrogryposis

What are the symptoms of Clubfoot?

Clubfoot does not cause pain in the affected area. However, the symptoms might vary according to the severity. The common symptoms include:

• A foot that turns inward and downward, with toes pointing toward the opposite foot.
• The clubfoot may be smaller than the other foot (up to ½ inch shorter).
• The heel on the clubfoot may be smaller than normal.
• In severe cases, the clubfoot may be twisted upside down.
• The calf muscle on the leg with the clubfoot will be slightly smaller.

How is Clubfoot diagnosed?

In most cases, clubfoot is diagnosed after the birth of the child. The doctor physically examines the baby and based on that examination; the doctor detects the condition of clubfoot. However, clubfoot in babies can also be detected while the baby is in the womb during an ultrasound scan of the pregnant mother. Even if clubfoot is discovered in utero, there is nothing that can be done to correct it until after the baby is born.

What are the treatment criteria of Clubfoot?

It is important to treat clubfoot at the right time as it can cause further deformities and severity in the condition. The treatment criteria include:

• The Ponseti Method: The ponseti method is most widely used in treating the clubfoot. The doctor (or orthopaedic specialist) will stretch your baby’s foot toward the correct position and then place a cast on it to hold it there. Every week or so, the doctor will remove the cast, stretch the foot further toward the correct position, and re-cast it. This will continue until the foot is fully in the correct position (usually several months).
  Sometimes, the doctor will also need to clip a portion of the Achilles tendon that connects your baby’s heel to his or her calf muscle. Doing so will allow the tendon to grow to a normal length. If this is required, the doctor will do the clipping before putting on your baby’s final cast.
  Once the final cast is off, your baby will probably need to wear special shoes and possibly a brace. He or she will not have to wear these things forever. It could be several months or even a few years. You will also need to continue doing stretching exercises with your baby.
• Surgery: In severe cases of clubfoot, the doctor might need to perform surgery on your child’s foot/feet, The orthopaedic surgeon will work on treating the tendons and may also need to realign the bones and joints. After the surgery, your baby will have to wear a cast and the doctor may prescribe a brace or a special shoe for a few days until once the cast is removed.

In rare cases, clubfoot is not completely recovered. Most of the babies with clubfoot can lead a normal and active life after the right treatment.

At Saudi German Hospital, our team of orthopaedic paediatricians are well-qualified and well trained in their field. They will ensure that your child receives the best treatment and medical care and return to their home happy and healthy.