Guiding Your Infant Through Clubfoot

Clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarusby medical professionals, is one of the most common congenital birth defects. It occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. and affects twice as many boys than girls. 

Symptoms of clubfoot are often spotted on prenatal ultrasounds, happily giving parents time to prepare to guide their child through a corrective process. These symptoms may be present on one or both feet and include:

• The clubfoot may turn inward and downward, with toes pointing toward the opposite foot. In severe cases, it may even be twisted upside down.
• The clubfoot foot that may be up to half an inch smaller than the other and the heel may be smaller than normal.
• The calf muscle on the leg with the clubfoot may be slightly smaller.

The good news for parents and families is that clubfoot is not painful for babies and that, with early intervention, most children born with clubfoot suffer no long-lasting effects. They go on the entirely typical, full, active lives. Clubfoot can usually be corrected while your child is a still a baby. Treatment begins just a week or two after birth and usually involves options including manual foot manipulation, taping, and splinting. Surgery is rarely called for. It must be noted that, without prompt treatment, children born with clubfoot will not experience typical physical development and will not learn to walk normally. Their foot or feet will remain deformed.

If you are concerned about a recent clubfoot diagnosis, or anything else related to the health and well-being of your child’s feet, ankles, or lower legs, the first thing to do is to schedule a visit with a podiatrist. With years of specialized training and experience, your foot doctor is the most qualified professional to treat this area of your son or daughter’s body. Click hereor call Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A.at 410-224-4448 to schedule a convenient appointment with James M. McKee, DPM, FACFASin our comfortable office in Annapolis, MD. Dr. McKee will meet your family, thoroughly examine your child, offer an accurate diagnosis, work with you to create an effective and individualized treatment plan and provide follow up care as needed.