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Clubfoot (Talipes) Is A Congenital Foot Deformity

By Allan Chan

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Published: 15Mar2010
Word count: 448
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Exact causes of clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) is yet unknown. It is an unknown birth defect (congenital). Some believe this involves many diverse factors (multifactorial trait).

Most clubfeet are resultant to abnormal muscle development, bones, and tendons. This is while the fetus is being formed in the uterus in the first three months of pregnancy (mostly on the eighth to twelfth week). Environmental and genetic conditions influence this abnormality.

Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) occurs twice as much in males (than females). It may occur bilaterally (meaning both feet) in 50% of all cases. If both of the parents of an affected child are normal, it is only 2-5% likely that their next child will have clubfoot as well. clubfoot accompanies other risks such as spina bifida, tethered cord, cerebral palsy, and arthrogryposis; all of which are neurogenic conditions. Connective tissue disorders and mechanical conditions are also accompanied risks. With severe clubfoot, early corrective surgeries are recommended.

Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) can be diagnosed early so it's important to have your newborn undergo initial physical testing and examination. Most often, its diagnosis can be done prenatally, during the 16th week of pregnancy, by ultrasound. If diagnosed positively for clubfoot, immediately get an appointment from a pediatric othopaedic center to get more information about the condition and available treatments.

If ignored, clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) will never go away and worse, may become aggravated over time. Further bone changes are expected as the young child (or baby) develops and matures. If uncorrected, clubfoot can be very disabling to an older child and or adult. This abnormality will cause affected persons to walk on the outside part of the foot. This is very difficult especially for weight balance.

Treatment for clubfoot differs but usually starts immediately once diagnosed. It is best to correct clubfoot promptly, most especially soon after birth. Treatments are designed according to the age of your child, his or her medical and health condition, and family medical history. With sever clubfoot, the patient's tolerance and family preferences will be the main deciding factor on what treatment to take, especially where surgery is the most probable option. In every treatment, the goal is to correct the deformity as soon as possible and as much as possible. Hopefully, with success, the child may be able to grow normally and conduct himself normally.

Aside from corrective surgery, another treatment may be plaster casting and serial manipulation (a method developed by Dr Ignacio Ponseti in the 1940's. Here, foot tendons and ligaments are slowly stretched on a regular basis (preferably weekly). Then a plaster cast is placed to keep the improved feet in place and to soften ligaments. This is an effective treatment for clubfoot (talipes equinovarus).

Allan is the founder Foot-Care.org. You can read up on many helpful information on bunion, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis that on this website. They even have a foot health forum which you can use for free to ask podiatrists on foot related questions.

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