Clubfoot is a congenital foot defect present in about one of every 1,000 live births, according to MedlinePlus. Although clubfoot doesn't cause children pain, the incorrect positioning of the affected foot can cause problems when the child begins to walk. As a result, clubfoot is usually treated as soon as possible after birth.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, clubfoot causes the top of the foot to be twisted downward and inward. The severity of the condition varies and may affect one or both feet. The affected foot and that leg's calf also tend to be smaller than normal. If a child with clubfoot begins to walk without receiving effective treatment, the abnormal orientation of the foot can lead to complications such as an awkward gait, sores and calluses on the foot and a lack of calf muscle growth.
Causes
According to the March of Dimes, scientists are not sure what causes clubfoot, although they believe that the condition is likely precipitated by a combination of various genetic and environmental factors. Clubfoot is not the result of the baby's positioning in the womb. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a baby is twice as likely to have clubfoot if a parent or sibling also has clubfoot.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Clubfoot treatment should begin as soon as possible after birth. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most cases of clubfoot can be treated using a technique called the Ponseti method, in which a doctor gently stretches the foot toward the correct position and then applies a cast to keep the foot in place. The foot is repositioned and fit with a new cast every week for several weeks. Once the foot reaches the correct position, the child wears a brace at night for two years to maintain the new position and prevent the clubfoot from recurring.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be required to treat some cases of clubfoot, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can correct the clubfoot by lengthening the tendons, which may allow the foot to achieve better positioning. The procedure is usually not performed until the child is 9 to 12 months old. After surgery, the child wears a brace for about year to ensure that the clubfoot does not return.
Prognosis
According to the March of Dimes, most cases of clubfoot can be successfully treated. Children who get effective treatment for clubfoot can wear regular shoes and walk and run like other children. The main lasting impact of clubfoot is that the affected foot typically remains 1 to 1 1/2 shoe sizes smaller than the other foot. The accompanying calf is also a bit smaller than normal.
Prevention
The Mayo Clinic says clubfoot cannot be specifically prevented, because the cause of the defect is still unknown. Expectant mothers can take general steps to reduce the risk of birth defects such as clubfoot by refraining from smoking or drinking alcohol and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
