What is Clubfoot
Clubfoot is a congenital condition which causes the foot to turn inward and to point down. More common in boys, the cause of clubfoot is unknown however it can be hereditary. Though a clubfoot will not affect a child’s development at birth, it will cause complications as the child learns to walk.
At the Orlando Orthopaedic Center, our pediatric orthopaedic specialist uses cutting-edge technology to treat cases of clubfoot. If you are looking for treatment options for clubfoot correction, turn to the experts at the Orlando Orthopaedic Center.
Clubfoot symptoms are generally visible immediately; the foot will be turned inward and down, in some cases the foot and calf muscle may be smaller than average. Because a clubfoot is present at birth, it is often identified during an infant’s initial physical examination or even before birth, during an ultrasound.
How Does Clubfoot Correction Work?
Casting is generally and often used for clubfoot treatment. The cast is removed weekly to allow for stretching and continued improvement of the position of the foot. Once the foot is in the correct position, a final cast is put in place for roughly three weeks. Finally, the infant is fitted with a brace which is worn, at rest, for as many as three years. An outpatient procedure which releases a tense Achilles tendon is sometimes required as well. In very severe cases, surgery is performed to correct the clubfoot.
Because there have been reports in some cases of a clubfoot returning, children who suffer from clubfoot should be monitored by a pediatric orthopaedic specialist until the foot is completely developed.
At the Orlando Orthopaedic Center, our pediatric orthopaedic specialist treats children suffering from a host of orthopaedic conditions including clubfoot. No matter the severity; our specialist is here to help your child, and your family, through every step of the diagnosis, treatment and recovery process. If you are interested in learning more about clubfoot correction, schedule a consultation with our pediatric orthopaedic specialist today.
