What is Clubfoot and how to prevent it? Expert explains 

Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital foot deformity that affects thousands of babies all over the world. It is marked by the twisting of one or both feet inwards or downwards, causing an unnatural position. While the specific cause is not obvious, some experts believe it has to do with both genetic and environmental factors. It could be an isolated case, or part of syndromes and neuromuscular disorders.

For parents, the diagnosis can be overwhelming. However, early diagnosis and treatment after birth — which is often possible with the use of ultrasound during pregnancy — can substantially improve outcomes.

One of the most popular and effective methods has been the Ponseti method, a non-surgical technique that includes gentle manipulation of the baby’s foot and casting to gradually manoeuvre the foot into proper position. Occasionally, small surgical procedures will have to be used. However almost all children are treated with non-surgical treatment.

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Dr Neeraj Gupta, Senior Consultant - Paediatric Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi, explains that timely care can help children born with clubfoot walk, run and lead an active, healthy life.

• Causes of clubfoot: A congenital disorder? 

Clubfoot is a condition where a newborn curls in one or both feet like a golf club head. The arch of the foot is elevated, and the heel does not touch the ground as it normally would since the bones, ligaments, and muscles in the foot are altered.

• Idiopathic in a majority of cases

In many cases, clubfoot is idiopathic. That is, it has no definite or known cause. It isn't related to pregnancy complications. Although sometimes it might have something to do with certain neuromuscular diseases, the diseases in majority of cases happen without any determinable cause.

• How to prevent clubfoot

Unlike certain diseases that can be prevented by vaccines, diet or lifestyle, experts are still struggling to find out a way to prevent clubfoot. Since it is a congenital structural anomaly, neither can it be prevented pre- nor perinatally.

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• Early diagnosis is essential

Clubfoot is usually diagnosed prenatally by routine ultrasonographic scanning. But most are diagnosed postnatally using a clinical exam.

• Effective treatment is accessible

The reassuring news is that clubfoot can be completely cured if treated at an early stage. The standard treatment is the Ponseti method, a series of casts, brief procedures, and braces to reform the orientation of the foot gradually. Surgery is hardly necessary if treated in infancy.

• Normal life guaranteed with early treatment

With early and proper treatment, clubfoot children are able to walk, run, and have active, healthy lives with no limitations. The key is early diagnosis and follow-up treatment.