Clubfoot – What is this disease?

Clubfoot (Talipes)

Description clubfoot

Clubfoot - foot deformity, where it is deflected inwardly from the longitudinal axis of tibia. Achilles tendon gets tough, pulls the heel inward or outward, preventing the normal setting foot. Toed foot, usually, less, leg than normal size.

The causes of clubfoot

Clubfoot is caused by muscle strain development, tendons and bones of the foot. It is present at birth. The exact cause of clubfoot is unknown. There is an opinion, In some cases, clubfoot can be inherited. It is believed, that the position of the fetus in the womb does not affect the occurrence of clubfoot.

Risk factors for clubfoot

Because the cause of clubfoot is unknown, risk factors for this disease are also not exactly clear. Nonetheless, Some of these factors may increase the chance of developing clubfoot:

• Paul: male;
• A family history of clubfoot.

The symptoms of clubfoot

Symptoms include:

• At birth, one or both legs are deployed inwardly or outwardly, and straightened;
• Shoe size is somewhat smaller, than normal;
• Calf muscle a little less, than usual.

Diagnosis Clubfoot

Clubfoot is easily diagnosed during a physical exam, and after the X-ray of the foot. The disease can be diagnosed before birth during an ultrasound study.

Treatment of clubfoot

Clubfoot can be corrected, but it is best to start treatment as early as possible – sometimes immediately after birth. Treatment includes clubfoot:

Plastering

When plastering leg manually placed in the best position, and it is applied plaster. The new composition is applied each week for 5-10 weeks. It allows you to stretch the soft tissues of the foot and change its shape.

After completion of the initial procedure gypsum appointed wearing special clamps-brace (until the child 3-4 years). Clamps allow to fix the result of gypsum and avoid relapse.

Surgery

More extensive surgery may be done in severe cases of clubfoot, to correct the deformed tendons and muscles, that can not be corrected with gypsum. If necessary, surgery is most often done in the first year of life.

Prevention of clubfoot

There is no way to prevent clubfoot, because the reason, causing it, unknown.