Clubfoot Meaning
Clubfoot is a form of foot deformity that usually appears at birth (congenital) where the baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. In clubfoot, the tissue that connects the muscles to the bones (tendons) is shorter than usual.
Clubfoot can be mild or severe. About half of children with clubfoot have the condition in both feet.
If a child has clubfoot, it will make it more difficult for him or her to walk normally, so doctors usually recommend immediate treatment.
Generally, doctors can treat clubfoot without surgery, although sometimes children need further surgery later.
Clubfoot Symptoms
Clubfoot causes the foot to rotate so badly that it looks like it is upside down. Other symptoms include:
- The top of the foot is usually twisted downward and inward, increasing the arch and turning the heel inward.
- The feet can be rotated so badly that they actually look as if they are upside down.
- The affected leg may be slightly shorter.
- The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped.
- Instep bent downwards
Causes of Clubfoot
Clubfoot is caused by a shortened Achilles tendon, which causes the foot to turn inward and downward. The cause may be unknown (idiopathic), due to a nerve condition (neurogenic), or due to certain syndromes.
Clubfoot Risk Factors
Boys are about twice as likely to develop clubfoot as girls. In addition to gender, there are several other risk factors for a child developing clubfoot. Here’s the explanation:
- Family history
If one parent or other child has clubfoot, it is likely that the next child will also experience the same condition.
- Congenital conditions
In some cases, clubfoot may be associated with other skeletal abnormalities present at birth (congenital), such as spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not develop or close properly.
- Environment
Smoking during pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of clubfoot in children.
- Amniotic fluid during pregnancy
Not enough amniotic fluid during pregnancy can also increase the risk. Too little fluid surrounding the baby in the womb can increase the risk of clubfoot.
Clubfoot Diagnosis
Diagnosis of clubfoot requires a physical examination to confirm, then accompanied by radiological examinations such as x-rays to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will immediately recognize clubfoot as soon as the baby is born.
Most cases of clubfoot can be clearly seen before birth during a routine ultrasound examination in the 20th week of pregnancy.
While there is nothing that can be done before birth to treat it, knowing about the condition can give parents time to learn more about clubfoot by contacting appropriate health professionals, such as pediatric orthopedic surgeons and genetic counselors.
Clubfoot Complications
Clubfoot usually does not cause problems until a child begins to stand and walk. If treated and the condition is not severe, the child is likely to be able to walk normally.
However, if left untreated, clubfoot can lead to more serious problems. These can include:
- Arthritis. The child is likely to suffer from arthritis.
- Poor self-image. Unusual foot appearance may cause a child’s body image to become a concern during adolescence.
- Inability to walk normally. A twisted ankle does not allow the child to walk on the balls of his feet. To compensate, he may walk on the outside of his feet or even the top of his feet in severe cases.
- Problems that arise from gait adjustments. Clubfoot can cause sufferers to experience problems in walking, thus triggering other problems caused by the gait.
Gait adjustments can prevent the natural growth of the calf muscles, cause large sores or calluses on the feet, and result in an awkward gait.
Clubfoot Treatment
Because a baby’s bones, joints, and tendons are very flexible, clubfoot treatment usually begins in the first week or two after birth. The goal of treatment is to improve the way a child’s foot looks and works before the child begins to learn to walk.
This immediate treatment is expected to prevent long-term disability. In addition, surgery and stretching techniques recommended by doctors are other ways to treat clubfoot.
Clubfoot Prevention
Prevention of clubfoot is difficult to do because genetic factors are very dominant, so early detection and active parental involvement are usually needed because clubfoot can be caused by congenital defects due to other health conditions.
If detected early, treatment can be carried out during the golden period (1-2 weeks after birth), with the hope that the recovery rate will be more optimal.