Clubfoot refers to a mild to severe defect of the foot occurring in newborns. According to the March of Dimes, clubfoot is one of the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 4,000 births annually. Clubfoot is not life-threatening; however, it can continue to worsen if left untreated. If your newborn is diagnosed with clubfoot, educating yourself about the causes and available treatment can help to ensure that your child receives the proper course of care.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The most common symptom of clubfoot is a downward pointing of one or both feet. The affected foot or feet may also twist inward and cannot be straightened manually. Clubfoot can be diagnosed at birth or as early as the fourth month of fetal development, according to the March of Dimes. In cases where the defect is not detected until birth, clubfoot is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and x-rays may be taken to determine its severity.
Causes
There is no specific known cause for clubfoot. According to the March of Dimes, the majority of scientific research seems to indicate that there is a correlation between the occurrence of clubfoot and certain environmental and genetic factors. Having one child born with clubfoot is thought to significantly increase the risk for subsequent births. In some cases, clubfoot may occur in conjunction with other more serious birth defects such as spina bifida.
Treatment
Until recently, the most common methods of treating and correcting clubfoot were serial casting and surgery. According to Pregnancy Today, the most commonly accepted treatment is Ponseti method. The foot is stretched and placed in a cast that extends above the knee. The cast is removed and reapplied three to five times, with the foot being stretched farther each time. The Achilles tendon is lengthened surgically and once it heals, the cast is removed. Children treated with this method typically wear a corrective brace for up to two years.
Effects
While clubfoot is not a painful condition, it can have potentially significant long-term effects if left untreated. According to the March of Dimes, clubfoot can affect your baby's ability to stand or walk. If the ankle remains twisted inward, the foot's range of motion is restricted, which can prevent the leg from growing properly. Walking for an extended period of time on clubfeet can potentially result in arthritis, infection or permanent disability.
Prevention
There are certain preventative measure you can take to potentially reduce your child's risk for developing clubfoot. The March of Dimes recommends avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke while pregnant, as smoking can increase your risk by approximately 20 percent. Even if you have no obvious risk factors, you may consider consulting a genetic counselor to determine the potential for clubfoot.
