Club Foot (CTEV)
(A correctable entity not corrected in time - is the fault of the parents and attending doctor).
CLUB FOOT (CTEV)
(A correctable entity not corrected in time - is the fault of the parents and attending doctor).
Clubfoot describes a range of foot abnormalities usually (congenital) in which the babies foot is twisted out of shape or position not causing any pain although. The tissues connecting the muscles to bone (tendons ) are shorter than usual.
It can be mild or severe & half of the children with club-foot have it in both feet.
SYMPTOMS
If your child has clubfoot, the foot may look like:
1. It may be turned so severely that is looks as if it is inverted.
2. Leg appears thinner.
3. Calf muscles are usually under developed.
4. The top of foot is twisted downward and inward.
CAUSES
Are usually unknown but it can be a combination of genetics & environment. Also family history, other congenital abnormalities, smoking during pregnancy, not enough amniotic, fluid during pregnancy can increase the risk factors.
DIAGNOSIS - IS ONLY CLINICAL
The shape & positioning of the newborn’s foot soon after birth reveals this deformity. Further more, X-rays are taken to access the security of the disease.
Also, in week of 20 of pregnancy, prior to birth a routine ultrasound examination can detect the same.
GOALS OF TREATMENT
To get foot into plano-valgus condition.
TREATMENT - STARTS ON DAY ZERO
Begin in the first week or two after birth as bones, joints & tendons are flexible at this stage.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
1. Manipulation - Mild cases
- Even and abduct every time you feed the child - 10 times.
2. Serial Casting - Stars at day zero.
- Till 4 months.
STRETCHING & CASTING
This is the most common treatment of clubfoot, which includes:
1. Positioning & casting.
2. Repositioning & recasting once a week for several months.
3. Performing a minor surgical procedure ( to lengthen the Achilles Tendons ) towards the end of the process.
AFTER REALIGNMENT OF SHAPE OF FOOT
1. Maintaining with stretching exercises.
2. Special shoes & braces with Valgus support.
3. Shoes should be worn full time for 3 months and then at night & during naps for 3 years.
SURGERY
If your babies clubfoot is severe or does not respond to non surgical options then surgery is needed. During surgery, the tendons & alignments are repositioned to help the childs foot to a better position.
AFTER SURGERY
1. Cast is needed for 2 months.
2. Brace for a year to prevent reoccurance.
IS CLUBFOOT TOTALLY CORRECTABLE?
No, even with treatment is may not be totally correctable . Early treatment, however, may help the child to live active life.
PREVENTION
Clubfoot can not be completely prevented. However one can reduce its risk by being extra careful during pregnancy by not smoking or drinking alcohol.
COMPLICATIONS IF NOT TREATED
If not treated properly it can lead to:- ( deformed links & bad gait ) - Becomes a curse in today’s world.
( A correctable entity not corrected in time - is the fault of the parents and attending doctor).
1. Inability to walk normally.
2. Poor Self-esteem.
3. Awkward gait.
4. Often leads to Arthritis.