Club Foot Specialists in Maharashtra
Club foot, medically termed congenital talipes equinovarus, is a birth defect in which a baby's foot is twisted out of its normal shape or position, with the fo…
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What is Club Foot?
Club foot, medically termed congenital talipes equinovarus, is a birth defect in which a baby's foot is twisted out of its normal shape or position, with the foot typically turned inward and downward. It results from abnormal development of the muscles, tendons, and bones of the foot during pregnancy and is usually apparent immediately at birth. It can affect one or both feet and, while not painful in infancy, requires prompt treatment to allow normal walking and prevent long-term disability if left uncorrected. With early treatment, the vast majority of children go on to walk normally.
Moderate
Uncommon — affects approximately 1 in 1,000 live births, more common in boys
No
Causes of Club Foot
The exact cause is not fully understood but is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors affecting fetal limb development. Risk factors include a family history of club foot, being male, and associated conditions such as spina bifida or other neuromuscular disorders. In many cases, it occurs as an isolated finding without any identifiable underlying cause.
Symptoms of Club Foot
Foot turned inward and downward at birth, the top of the foot usually twisted so it faces where the sole should, a smaller and shorter affected foot and calf compared to the unaffected side, limited flexibility and range of motion in the ankle, foot appearing rigid and difficult to move into normal position
Treatment & Types of Club Foot in Maharashtra
The Ponseti method, involving gentle manipulation and serial casting of the foot over several weeks to gradually correct its position, is the standard first-line treatment and highly effective when started shortly after birth. A minor procedure to release a tight Achilles tendon is often needed as part of the process, followed by long-term use of a foot abduction brace to maintain correction. Surgery is reserved for severe or resistant cases that do not respond to casting.
Club foot, or congenital talipes equinovarus, is classified by severity as postural (mild, flexible, and often correctable with minimal treatment) or structural/rigid (more significant deformity requiring the standard Ponseti casting protocol), and by extent as unilateral (one foot affected) or bilateral (both feet affected).
Orthopedics Specialists in Maharashtra (0)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can club foot be corrected without surgery?
Yes, the Ponseti method of gentle manipulation and serial casting successfully corrects the vast majority of cases without major surgery, especially when started shortly after birth.
Will my child be able to walk normally?
With early treatment, the vast majority of children with club foot go on to walk normally and participate fully in physical activities.
Is club foot painful for the baby?
No, club foot itself isn't painful in infancy, though it does need prompt treatment to prevent long-term walking difficulty and disability.
How long does the casting process take?
Weekly cast changes typically continue for several weeks, often followed by a minor procedure to release a tight Achilles tendon.
Does the brace need to be worn for a long time after casting?
Yes, a foot abduction brace is typically worn full-time for a few months and then part-time, often through several years, to maintain the correction achieved with casting.