Summary

    – Clubfoot: 9 times out of 10 due to fetal positioning

    – Several types of clubfoot: varus, equine, talus, valgus

    – Clubfoot treatment: physiotherapy or orthopedics

    – Clubfoot follow-ups: a good acquisition of walking skills

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a congenital malformation of the foot, acquired at birth. There are different club feet, whose origin is either genetic, tissue or may have neurological origins.

There are several types of foot malformations:

    – Clubfoot,

    – the flat foot,

    – the hollow foot,

    – the hallux valgus,

    – Hallux rigidus,

    – the toe in claw,

    – hammertoe,

    – the Quintus varus.

Clubfoot: 9 times out of 10 due to the positioning of the foetus

Clubfoot is most often due to a poor position of the fetus. This deformity may also be due to neurological causes.

This condition is disabling and must be treated quickly to reduce or eliminate the difficulties associated with learning to walk.

The treatment can be surgical but not necessarily.

There are several types of clubfoot: varus, equine, talus, valgus, etc.

There are different forms of clubfoot:

    – the clubfoot varus: the sole goes inside,

    – the equine clubfoot: maintenance of a forced extension (this shape is often compared to a horse’s hoof),

    – the talus clubfoot: the foot is placed on the heel, maintained in extension towards the leg,

    – the valgus clubfoot: deviation of the foot, whose sole turns outward.

Note: it is possible to see an association of different shapes, for example, the varus clubfoot and the equinus clubfoot. A retraction of the Achilles tendon is then coupled.

There are different forms of clubfoot:

    – the clubfoot varus: the sole goes inside,

    – the equine clubfoot: maintenance of a forced extension (this shape is often compared to a horse’s hoof),

    – the talus clubfoot: the foot is placed on the heel, maintained in extension towards the leg,

    – the valgus clubfoot: deviation of the foot, whose sole turns outward.

Note: it is possible to see an association of different shapes, for example, the varus clubfoot and the equinus clubfoot. A retraction of the Achilles tendon is then coupled.

Clubfoot treatment: physiotherapy or orthopedics

Treatment of the clubfoot begins shortly after birth.

It is based on :

    – repeated physiotherapy sessions,

    – or orthopedic treatment requiring the wearing of a splint or a cast to correct the deformity.

Rehabilitation in 2 steps

The different stages of treatment :

    – for 1 month and 1/2 to 2 months: reduction of the deformity (shortly after birth),

    – for 3 months: maintenance of the reduction.

These two steps will be followed by monitoring to avoid recurrence of the deformity.

Surgery: sometimes necessary

In some cases, surgical treatment is applied.

For example, the child suffers from an equine clubfoot: the surgery allows the Achilles tendon to be repositioned (elongation).

This surgery is usually coupled with the repositioning of the heel bone.

Clubfoot follow-ups: a good acquisition of gait

Although clubfoot is an impressive malformation (in some cases more than others), it is very well cared for. The acquisition of gait, after treatment, can occur without difficulty.

However, the child may retain a more or less pronounced lameness.

Be careful! It is preferable not to push a child with clubfoot to walk too early. The early resumption of walking could lead to a recurrence of the deformity.

Where to get treatment?

You can get treatment at Darwin Foot Clinic. They use modern techniques to treat any condition involving the feet and ankles, including medical conditions requiring several areas of expertise. 

Don’t forget to share your experience with us.