Club foot, a deformity present at birth, affects the foot and ankle. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition affects one out of 1,240 newborns, and 50 percent of cases involve both feet. Symptoms include a sharp, downward angle of the foot in comparison to the ankle, twisting of the ankle, tightness of foot tendons and decreased range of motion. Treatment should begin as soon as possible for the best chance of correcting the condition.
Exercise and Stretching
Gentle manipulation of the foot and tendons often begins at birth, when the foot is most elastic, reports Ponseti International. Bones are gradually and slowly manipulated into the proper position through exercises and stretching. Each episode of stretching lasts about one minute and is followed by the placement of a holding cast. Stretching is performed on a weekly basis until foot alignment is corrected.
Casting and Bracing
A cast is placed onto the club foot to keep it in proper position after each episode of stretching and exercise. The cast runs from the toes to mid thigh. Casting is repeated for several weeks. According to MedlinePlus, between five to 10 casts are required to properly treat a club foot; the final cast is worn for three weeks followed by an orthopedic brace for three months. After the final three month of wearing the brace all the time, the child wears the corrective device at night and during nap times for up to three years. The corrective brace prevents the condition from recurring.
Surgery
Most children require a minor surgery loosening the tendon at the back of the foot. Occasionally, additional surgery may be required to repair a club foot. General anesthesia is used, and the procedure involves making small incisions into the skin near the ankle, reports MedlinePlus. A tendon in the foot may be too tight or loose, and require shortening or lengthening during the surgical procedure. The foot's bones and joints are manipulated into proper position; occasionally, pins are used to keep the foot in the correct alignment. A cast is required after surgery. If a club foot is not treated at birth, additional surgical procedures may be required in the future involving removal of the bone, or fusing two or more bones together. Initial surgery often occurs before the child is a year old and before he begins to stand. The affected foot is most likely to be slightly shorter and have a smaller calf than the unaffected foot.
