What is Club Foot? Learn more about this condition
Clubfoot is a deformity that makes a baby’s foot abnormally pointed and twisted. It doesn’t hurt the baby and can be corrected with treatment by a specialist.
This condition can affect one or both feet. This is due to the tendons that connect a baby’s leg muscles to its foot being shorter than usual.
Who is at risk of clubfoot?
There are several risk factors for this condition, such as:
- Congenital conditions, such as spina bifida. Up to 50 per cent of people with spina bifida also experience clubfoot.
- Family history, particularly a parent or parents who have clubfoot.
- Multiple gestations, meaning a baby is born as a twin or triplet.
Diagnosing a Clubfoot
Clubfoot is obvious at birth. There are three components that make up the club foot position:
- The ankle is pointing down – equinus
- The rearfoot is turned in – varus
- The forefoot curls in – metatarsus adductus
What is the impact of clubfoot?
If clubfoot is not treated, which is sadly common in developing countries that may not have the physical or financial means to access support, it can severely limit life opportunities and outcomes for people.
This can include:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Severely restricted range of movements
- Inability to carry out daily tasks
- Significant challenges caring for a family or finding and maintaining employment.
Are you suffering from this condition? One of our podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatment options are best to get you back on track. ✅
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at 44 (0) 207 101 4000. 📞
We hope you have a feetastic day! 👣☀️
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
