Medical diagnoses in children can be tough to deal with for both the parent and the child, especially if it is a condition that will follow the child through their life. One such condition that is congenital – or present at birth – is called clubfoot.

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a general term that is used to describe a foot that is in a permanent unnatural position. The severity can vary from mild to acute and, in nearly half of affected infants, both feet are affected. Any of the following could result in a clubfoot diagnosis:

  • The foot points downwards.
  • The front of the foot is rotated inward towards the other foot.
  • The foot turns in, and in extreme cases, the bottom of the foot points up.

Nowadays, clubfoot can be detected during an ultrasound while the baby is still in utero. That means parents can prepare for treatment even before the baby is born. With early treatment, most children who are born with clubfoot can lead active, healthy lives. Since they’re off their feet, clubfoot is typically painless for babies. However, treatment should start as soon as possible as delayed treatment can lead to significant issues and disabilities as the child develops.

Untreated clubfoot won’t straighten itself out and symptoms will have an increasingly negative impact on the child’s mobility and activity as they grow. Early intervention from medical experts can help overcome those issues.

How is clubfoot treated?

The first line of defense is nonsurgical treatment such as casting or splinting the affected foot. The most widely used treatment is called the Ponseti method, which can begin right after birth. This method stretches the ligaments, joint capsules, and tendons with gentle pressure. After each stretch, a plaster cast is applied. In rare cases of clubfoot, surgery may eventually be the solution. Parents of infants born with clubfoot can rest assured that, with the proper treatment, their baby’s feet will become typical in appearance and function.

Are you expecting an infant with clubfoot? We are here for you at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas keeps up-to-date on all the latest podiatric health issues and can treat podiatric issues for all ages. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area: (860) 632-5499.

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