Overview of Clubfoot Management: Straightening Children’s Feet

Causes:

Unknown in most cases. It is possibly related to genetics, muscle imbalance, or environmental factors.

Symptoms:

• Foot twisted inward with an arched sole.
• Short Achilles tendon.
• Difficulty wearing normal shoes.

Diagnosis:

• Physical examination: Assessing the foot's position and flexibility.
• X-rays: Confirming the diagnosis and severity.

Management:

• Ponseti method: The most common non-surgical approach, involving gentle stretching and serial casting to gradually correct the foot position.
• Surgery: In rare cases where casting isn't successful, surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon or other soft tissues might be needed.

Recovery:

• Casting usually lasts 3-6 months, followed by bracing for several years to maintain correction.
• Physical therapy may be recommended to build muscle strength and improve flexibility.

Precautions:

• Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
• Wearing the brace consistently is essential for optimal results.
• Early intervention and consistent follow-through are key to achieving successful outcomes.

At KM NU Hospitals, Ambur, our paediatric orthopaedic specialists have extensive experience in clubfoot management. If your child does not have straight-feet, do visit us for holistic care and attaining well-aligned feet.