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What are clubbed feet?
Clubbed feet, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), are a birth defect that affects the structure and positioning of one or both feet.
In individuals with clubbed feet, the feet are turned inward and downward, making it difficult to place the sole of the foot flat on the ground. This condition can occur in varying degrees of severity and may affect one or both feet.
Clubbed feet can be identified shortly after birth during a physical examination. The severity of the deformity can vary widely, from mild to severe cases. While the exact cause of clubbed feet is not always known, there are several factors that may contribute to its development.
Causes of clubbed feet
Genetic Factors: Clubbed feet can run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the condition. Individuals with a family history of clubbed feet are at a higher risk of having a child with the condition.
Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors during pregnancy, such as smoking or exposure to toxins, may increase the risk of clubbed feet in the unborn baby.
Symptoms of clubbed feet
Abnormal Foot Position: The most obvious symptom of clubbed feet is the abnormal positioning of the foot or feet, typically turned inward and downward.
Tightness in Achilles Tendon: Children with clubbed feet often have a tight Achilles tendon, which contributes to the foot’s abnormal position.
Treatment options
Casting: Casting is often the first line of treatment for clubbed feet. By gently manipulating the foot into the correct position and securing it with a cast, gradual correction can be achieved over several weeks.
Bracing: Following casting, bracing may be used to maintain the corrected position of the foot. Bracing is typically worn for several months to prevent the foot from returning to its original position.
Surgical intervention
Tendon Lengthening: In cases where casting and bracing are not successful, surgical intervention may be necessary to lengthen the Achilles tendon and other tight ligaments, allowing for greater mobility of the foot.
Joint Fusion: In severe cases of clubbed feet, joint fusion surgery may be performed to permanently correct the position of the foot. This involves fusing the bones of the foot into the correct alignment.
Clubbed feet are a relatively common birth defect that can range in severity from mild to severe. While the exact cause of clubbed feet is not always known, genetic and environmental factors likely play a role. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for achieving the best possible outcome. With proper medical intervention, many individuals with clubbed feet can lead active and fulfilling lives.