Club feet, according to the Pediatric Orthopedics website, is a condition that you can be born with that results in a deformation of one or both feet in an infant. When left untreated, this condition can cause severe balance, gait, and stance limitations later in life. Patients of this condition are often prescribed to physical therapy programs or scheduled for surgical intervention. Following a few easy exercises under the supervision of physical therapist, however, can help alleviate pain symptoms associated with club feet. Before starting any exercise program, speak to your medical doctor for more information.
Ponseti Method
According to the Ponseti International website, one exercise method that can be used for the treatment of club foot in children is the Ponseti Method. As the website suggests, this method is begun very early in a child's life in order to take advantage of the young bones' flexibility and fast healing properties. Ligaments and tendons are also very elastic at a young age, making the treatment more effective in comparison to subjects who wait later on in life. The main purpose of this method is to stretch the baby's feet at the ankle joint in order to move the feet to a proper anatomical position. In some instances, a cast or brace can be used to further promote this stretching technique.
French Method
Another method doctors and parents of a child with club feet can consider involves a technique called the French Method. According to the Scottish Rite Hospital, this non-surgical procedure involves daily stretching of the ankles, manual mobilization through exercise and massage, and strategic taping of the joints to promote a proper anatomical position. This method is best performed by a physical therapist very early on in a child's life. Treatment can take up to a few months to see full results, according to the hospital website.
Swimming Exercises
Since children are the likely patient population affected by club feet, incorporating an enjoyable activity during treatment while at home can be most beneficial. Using a bath or swimming pool, children can use the lower-gravitational effects offered by water to practice proper gait and foot position without pain or increased pressure on the ankle joints. Children can be held by a parent while they are introduced to the water and allowed to move their feet and legs in a walking manner. These home exercises, however, should not take the place of proper medical treatment.
