Clubfoot, aka congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a common birth defect that affects the structure and positioning of a foot in newborns. It can affect one or both feet and is more common in boys than girls. The exact cause is not fully known, but it may involve genetic or environmental factors. With timely intervention, most children with clubfoot can grow up to lead active and healthy lives.

In this blog, we will explore the complete information about clubfoot in children, including its causes, types, and effective treatment options. Learn the facts behind common myths and find out how early intervention can help your child lead an active, healthy life.

Did You Know?
Most Common Types of Clubfoot
Causes of Clubfoot in Children
Treatment of Clubfoot
Myths and Facts Related to Clubfoot
Whom to Consult
Frequently Asked Questions

Did You Know?

Clubfoot is usually visible at the time of birth and is one of the most common foot problems in newborns.
Many parents learn their baby has clubfoot during a prenatal ultrasound, often months or weeks before birth.
Boys are twice as likely to be affected by clubfoot compared to girls.
Having an older sibling with clubfoot raises the chances of a baby being born with the same condition.
Once treated, children with clubfoot can typically engage in regular daily activities, running, walking, and playing without limitations.

Most Common Types of Clubfoot

Clubfoot can be classified into three different categories mentioned below:

Idiopathic Clubfoot: This is the most common type, where the cause is not clear. It usually occurs in babies who are otherwise healthy. In this condition, the foot is twisted inward and early treatment can correct it effectively.
Neurogenic Clubfoot: This type occurs when there is a problem with the brain, spine, or nerves, such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy. The nerves that control the foot don’t work properly which leads to the twisting of the foot.
Syndromic Clubfoot: Sometimes, clubfoot happens as part of a larger syndrome or genetic condition, like arthrogryposis. These cases are often more challenging to treat and may require more intensive care.

All these conditions can be treated with the right approach and can allow better mobility and a more active life for children with clubfoot.

Causes of Clubfoot in Children

Clubfoot is usually present at birth and is classified as a congenital deformity. There are several factors contribute to its development:

Genetics: A family history of clubfoot increases the likelihood of the condition. If one parent or elder sibling has clubfoot, there is a higher chance that a child may develop it.
Environmental Factors: Maternal health factors during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of the baby being born with a clubfoot. Drug use, smoking, infections, or poor nutrition during pregnancy can contribute to the development of clubfoot in a baby.
Abnormal Development in Utero: Sometimes, clubfoot occurs due to abnormal development of muscles, tendons, and bones in the womb. This can be due to restricted movement of the foetus or insufficient amniotic fluid.
Neurological Disorders: Some cases of clubfoot are associated with neurological conditions like spina bifida, where abnormal spinal development affects the legs and feet.

Despite these risk factors, many cases of club foot occur in families with no prior history or identifiable cause.

Treatment of Clubfoot

Early intervention is key to successfully treating clubfoot. The goal of treatment is to improve the appearance and functionality of the foot to allow the child to walk normally. There are two primary approaches to clubfoot treatment:

The Ponseti Method: This is the most widely used and effective method for treating clubfoot. It involves:
Gentle manipulation and casting: The baby’s foot is carefully manipulated into a better position and then placed in a cast to hold the correction. This process is repeated weekly, gradually improving the foot’s position.
Achilles Tenotomy: If necessary, a minor surgical procedure called a tenotomy may be performed to release the Achilles tendon and improve the foot’s flexibility.
Bracing: After casting, the child is required to wear a special brace to maintain the foot's corrected position and prevent relapse. Bracing is crucial and usually continues for a few years, especially during sleep.
Surgical Treatment: In cases where the Ponseti method does not show satisfactory results or if treatment gets delayed, surgery may be recommended. Surgery of clubfoot may involve lengthening tendons, repositioning bones, or releasing tight ligaments. While surgery can correct the deformity of the foot, it carries risks of stiffness and may require follow-up procedures.

Both treatment approaches aim to give children with clubfoot a pain-free, functional foot by the time they start walking.

Myths and Facts Related to Clubfoot

There are several myths related to clubfoot but with the right information, parents and caregivers can make an informed decision.

Myths	Facts
Clubfoot is caused by improper positioning of the baby in the womb.	The exact cause is often a mix of genetic and environmental factors, not the baby’s position.
Children with clubfoot will never be able to walk normally.	With timely treatment, most children with clubfoot can walk, run, and play like other children. The Ponseti method has a high success rate.
Clubfoot is painful for the child.	Clubfoot itself is not painful. However, untreated clubfoot can lead to discomfort and mobility challenges as the child grows.
Clubfoot always requires surgery.	Most cases of clubfoot can be treated successfully without surgery using the Ponseti method. Corrective surgery is usually a last resort if conservative treatment fails.

Whom to Consult

If your child is born with clubfoot, it’s essential to consult a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon or a specialist in paediatric podiatry. Professionals at Narayana Health are trained to assess and treat clubfoot using advanced methods like the Ponseti technique. Right from initial diagnosis to long-term follow-up care, they will guide you through the treatment process.

You may also SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT with physical therapists and clubfoot specialists at Narayana Health to help your child develop strong muscles and improve foot function as they grow.

Don’t Delay— Call us @ 08068617735

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do kids get clubfoot?
A. Clubfoot can result from a mix of genetic factors, environmental influences, and tightness in the Achilles tendon.

Q. What is the treatment for clubfoot?
A. The treatment of clubfoot typically involves the Ponseti method which includes gentle casting to correct the foot's position, followed by bracing to maintain the correction.

Q. What bones are affected by clubfoot?
A. Clubfoot primarily affects the bones of the foot and ankle, including the talus, calcaneus, and metatarsals.

Q. What are the 4 components of clubfoot?
A. The four components of clubfoot are:

Equinus (downward pointing foot)
Varus (inward turning)
Adductus (inward turning of the forefoot)
Cavus (high arch)

Q. What syndromes cause clubfoot?
A. Clubfoot can be associated with syndromes like spina bifida, arthrogryposis, and certain chromosomal abnormalities.

Reference Links

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/clubfoot.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/clubfoot/symptoms-causes/syc-20350860