CLUB FOOT Clubfoot is a deformity (birth defect) in which a baby’s foot or feet turn inward. When you look at their foot, the bottom often faces sideways or even up. Another name for club foot is talipes equinovarus. Club foot is a common congenital condition. About 1 out of every 1,000 newborns will have clubfoot. Clubfoot occurs because of an issue with child’s tendons, the tissues that connect muscle to bone. The tendons in baby’s leg and foot are shorter and tighter than they should be. That causes the foot to twist. About half of babies with clubfoot have an issue with both feet. Extensive surgery used to be the main treatment to correct clubfoot. But today, healthcare providers typically use a combination of nonsurgical methods and a minor procedure. TYPES OF CLUB FOOT There are two types of clubfoot: 1). Isolated or idiopathic clubfoot: This is the most common type. If a child has clubfoot with no other medical issues, it’s called isolated clubfoot. Idiopathic means that the cause of clubfoot isn’t known. 2). Nonisolated clubfoot: Nonisolated clubfoot happens along with other health conditions. These conditions include arthrogryposis (a joint problem) and spina bifida (a neural tube disorder). Neural tube defects are issues with a baby’s brain, spine and spinal. SYMPTOMS OF CLUBFOOT The most common sign of clubfoot is one or both feet turning inward. Baby’s foot faces the opposite leg. You may also notice that their foot has a: Kidney shape. Deep crease on the inside. Higher arch than normal (called cavus foot deformity). OTHER SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE A smaller calf muscle in the affected leg. Shorter foot. Ankle stiffness. Lack of full range of motion in their foot. CAUSES OF CLUBFOOT 1). Genetics: Genes tell your child’s body how to look, grow and function. A problem with one or more genes (which are passed down from parents to children) could result in clubfoot. 2). Environment: Drug use and smoking during pregnancy may raise the risk of having a baby with a birth defect like clubfoot. TREATMENT OF CLUBFOOT Treatments include: 1). Ponseti method: Stretches and casts on the child’s leg to correct the curve. 2). French method: Stretches and splints on their leg to correct the curve. 3).Bracing: Uses special shoes to keep their foot at the proper angle. 4).Surgery: May be an option if other methods don’t work.