The Misunderstood Disease: What You Need to Know about Club Foot

 

• The Misunderstood Disease: What You Need to Know about Club Foot

When talking about club foot, there are many things that come to mind, but none of them are good. After all, club foot can be described as an abnormal turning inwards or outwards of the foot at the ankle (World Health Organization). But what many don’t know is that this deformity and others like it are treatable and often curable, provided you seek treatment right away and manage it correctly.

Introduction

Club foot is a condition where the foot and ankle are turned inward, causing a person to walk on their toes or on the outside of their feet. Doctors believe that club foot is caused by one of three possible occurrences: tight ligaments in the uterus, intrauterine constraint from a twin or other pregnancy complication, or injury to the developing fetus during development. Symptoms can vary in severity and may include an inability to balance on one foot, pain, stiffness and difficulty walking.

Causes

Club foot is a common birth defect that affects the way the foot turns inward. The exact cause of club foot isn't known, but it can be associated with other problems during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. It's also more common in boys and girls whose mothers had diabetes while pregnant. Treatment: Early treatment for club foot includes casting, which immobilizes the foot for up to three months so that tendons and muscles can grow stronger. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Symptoms

Club foot is a birth defect where the baby's foot is turned inward and downward. This can sometimes cause the heel of the foot to face forward instead of being in line with the toes. The deformity prevents many from walking, which can lead to other complications. In severe cases, surgery may be needed for the baby to walk normally. Milder cases often correct themselves by age 3-4 years old, but more severe cases might not be corrected until adulthood.

Risks

Club foot poses a number of risks for those afflicted. These include the possibility of surgery, problems with mobility, and social stigma. However, with the right treatment and care, club foot can be a manageable condition that doesn’t hold you back.

How it’s Treated

There are two main treatment options for club foot. The first is a surgery called the Ponseti Method, which has been around since 1947. In this procedure, doctors separate the bones in the foot that have fused together, put them back into their original position, and then hold them there with metal pins or screws. The second option is an operation known as Lisfranc surgery, which is used when the arch of the foot collapses because of a high arch. During this procedure, doctors will fix the broken bones and remove any extra pieces that might be causing problems. Sometimes, both procedures are needed if both feet are affected by club foot.

Preventative Measures

It is important to note that the prevention of club foot can be done by ensuring adequate nutrition and exercise during pregnancy. These factors will help in the development of the child. If a child does contract club foot, it is important for them to see a doctor as soon as possible. The most common treatments are casting or surgery. Casting works best for children with mild cases, while surgery is more effective for children with severe cases. Surgery involves cutting the fibrous tissue connecting the muscles and nerves at the back of the heel so that they work together properly.

Club foot usually appears in babies born to mothers who were pregnant for nine months or longer, but some people acquire it later in life due to trauma or other reasons.

If you suspect someone has this disease, you should contact their primary care physician right away.

Living With a Club Foot

You may wonder if living with a club foot is difficult. It is not! In fact, most people with clubfoot lead a normal life and have no difficulties or limitations. However, if you have trouble walking or standing for long periods of time, consult your doctor for physical therapy.