Learn About Clubfoot

What is the definition of Clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a condition that involves both the foot and lower leg in which the foot turns inward and downward. It is a congenital condition, which means it is present at birth.

What are the alternative names for Clubfoot?

Talipes equinovarus; Talipes

What are the causes of Clubfoot?

Clubfoot is the most common congenital disorder of the legs. It can range from mild and flexible to severe and rigid.

The cause is not known. Most often, it occurs by itself. But the condition may be passed down through families in some cases. Risk factors include a family history of the disorder and being male. Clubfoot can also occur as part of an underlying genetic syndrome, such as trisomy 18.

A related problem, called positional clubfoot, is not true clubfoot. It results from a normal foot positioned abnormally while the baby is in the womb. This problem is easily corrected after birth.

What are the symptoms of Clubfoot?

The physical appearance of the foot may vary. One or both feet may be affected.

The foot turns inward and downward at birth and is difficult to place in the correct position. The calf muscle and foot may be slightly smaller than normal.

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What are the current treatments for Clubfoot?

Treatment may involve moving the foot into the correct position and using a cast to keep it there. This is often done by an orthopedic specialist. Treatment should be started as early as possible, ideally, shortly after birth, when it is easiest to reshape the foot.

Gentle stretching and recasting will be done every week to improve the position of the foot. Generally, 5 to 10 casts are needed. The final cast will stay in place for 3 weeks. After the foot is in the correct position, the child will wear a special brace nearly full time for 3 months. Then, the child will wear the brace at night for 3 to 5 years.

Often, the problem is a tightened Achilles tendon, and a simple procedure is needed to release it.

Some severe cases of clubfoot will need surgery if other treatments do not work, or if the problem returns. The child should be monitored by your health care provider until the foot is fully grown.

Who are the top Clubfoot Local Doctors?
Podiatric Surgery | Orthopedics
Podiatric Surgery | Orthopedics

Quincy Physicians And Surgeons Clinic, PLLC

1118 Hampshire St, 
Quincy, IL 
 11.7 mi
Accepting New Patients

Osaretin Idusuyi is a Podiatric Surgeon and an Orthopedics provider in Quincy, Illinois. Dr. Idusuyi and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Clubfoot. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, Synovitis, Hip Replacement, and Bone Graft. Dr. Idusuyi is currently accepting new patients.

Podiatric Surgery | Orthopedics
Podiatric Surgery | Orthopedics

Mercy Clinic Surgical Specialists LLC

701 S New Ballas Rd, Suite 510, 
Saint Louis, MO 
 97.0 mi

Sandra Klein is a Podiatric Surgeon and an Orthopedics provider in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Klein and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Clubfoot. Her top areas of expertise are Foot Drop, Osteoarthritis, Clubfoot, Claw Foot, and Osteotomy.

 
 
 
 
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Orthopedics | Podiatric Surgery
Orthopedics | Podiatric Surgery

Springfield Clinic Llp

800 N 1st St, 
Springfield, IL 
 99.2 mi

Benjamin Stevens is an Orthopedics specialist and a Podiatric Surgeon in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Stevens and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Clubfoot. His top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Flat Feet, Clubfoot, Osteoarthritis, and Hip Replacement.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Clubfoot?

The outcome is usually good with treatment.

What are the possible complications of Clubfoot?

Some defects may not be completely fixed. However, treatment can improve the appearance and function of the foot. Treatment may be less successful if the clubfoot is linked to other birth disorders.

When should I contact a medical professional for Clubfoot?

If your child is being treated for clubfoot, contact your provider if:

  • The toes swell, bleed, or change color under the cast
  • The cast appears to be causing significant pain
  • The toes disappear into the cast
  • The cast slides off
  • The foot begins to turn in again after treatment
What are the latest Clubfoot Clinical Trials?
Effects of Three Phase Physical Therapy on Functional Activity in Children With Relapsed Club Foot After Ponseti Treatment

Summary: Clubfoot, or congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), is a condition where a baby is born with one or both feet twisted inward and downward due to abnormal fetal foot development. Its estimated global prevalence is 1 in 1,000 live births, varying across populations. Relapsed clubfoot, a recurrence after initial correction, may occur due to incomplete treatment, noncompliance, muscle imbalance, or na...

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Prospective Evaluation of Treatment for Clubfoot

Summary: Specific aim: To evaluate the outcome of infants who undergo one of two nonsurgical treatment interventions

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: November 06, 2023
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Martin S. Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus). In: Copel JA, D'Alton ME, Feltovich H, et al. Obstetric Imaging: Fetal Diagnosis and Care. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 64.

Warner WC, Beaty JH. Paralytic disorders. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 34.

Winell JJ, Davidson RS. The foot and toes. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 694.