Clubfoot

What is clubfoot?

Newborn babies sometimes have clubfoot, a deformity that makes one or both of their feet turn inward. In some infants, clubfoot twists the bottom of their foot sideways or upward.

Diagnosis of clubfoot usually occurs after your baby is born, although an obstetrician might discover the condition during your prenatal ultrasound. Clubfoot can affect one foot or both, and boys are more likely to have this condition than girls.

A baby born with clubfoot won't be in pain. However, the condition can cause permanent disability without expert treatment. The Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center team has specialized expertise in treating infants and young children with clubfoot to prevent disability and enable your child to be physically active.

The reasons why some children get clubfoot aren't fully understood, but genetics is likely to be a key factor. If there's a history of clubfoot in your family, your baby might have an increased risk of developing the condition too. Environmental factors may also play a role.

What forms does clubfoot take?

There are two types of clubfoot:

Isolated (idiopathic) clubfoot

Isolated clubfoot is the type that affects most children. It occurs in babies that don't have any underlying medical problems.

Non-isolated clubfoot

Non-isolated clubfoot affects children who have underlying neuromuscular disorders. This type of clubfoot is sometimes resistant to treatment and may require a more invasive approach.

How is clubfoot treated?

When treating clubfoot, the Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center team aims to realign your child's foot so their sole meets the ground. This enables your child to stand and walk without any problems.

To begin with, your provider might use nonsurgical approaches such as the Ponseti method to correct your child's clubfoot. Ponseti consists of gentle foot stretches and casting to realign your child's foot and enable it to grow properly. Your baby needs to begin Ponseti treatment shortly after they're born for the best results.

Bracing is also effective for clubfoot. Children usually need to wear their brace full time over several years for optimal results. Over this time, your provider at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center monitors the alignment of your child's feet to make sure they're healthy and developing properly.

Would my child need surgery for clubfoot?

Nonsurgical treatments for clubfoot are usually effective in correcting the problem. Some children might need surgery to release tendons at the back of their ankle if they're too tight, as this can affect the foot alignment.

Children with severe or recurring clubfoot might require major reconstructive surgery. This involves releasing soft tissue structures in your child's foot and stabilizing the joints with pins.

If your child has clubfoot, get them expert help by calling Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center today or book an appointment online.