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Club Foot | NHS
What is Club Foot?
Club foot (talipes equinovarus) is a common congenital condition where a baby is born with a foot or both feet twisted inwards and downwards. It can range from mild to severe and, if untreated, can result in lifelong disability.
Causes of Club Foot
Club foot is often diagnosed upon birth or even through prenatal ultrasound. The exact cause is largely unknown, but it is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors. In the UK, it affects approximately 1 in 1,000 babies, more commonly in boys than girls.
Diagnosis and Early Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for successful outcomes. The Ponseti method is the gold standard treatment in the United Kingdom. It involves gentle manipulation of the baby's foot followed by casting and, in some cases, minor surgery to release tight tendons.
Living with Club Foot
With early and proper treatment, most children can fully correct the deformity and lead active, normal lives. Regular follow-ups and possibly the use of special shoes or braces help maintain the correction. The NHS offers support and resources for families, ensuring that affected children receive comprehensive care.
Support and Resources
The NHS provides various support systems for families dealing with club foot. From specialist orthopaedic clinics to informational resources and community support groups, the aim is to ensure every child has the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is club foot?
Club foot is a condition where a baby's foot is twisted inward and downward at birth. It can affect one or both feet.
How common is club foot?
Club foot is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies born in the UK.
What causes club foot?
The exact cause of club foot is unknown, but it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Can club foot be detected before birth?
Yes, club foot can often be detected during a routine ultrasound scan around 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Is club foot painful for babies?
Club foot itself is not painful for babies, but if left untreated, it can lead to discomfort and difficulty walking later in life.
How is club foot treated?
Club foot is usually treated soon after birth using the Ponseti method, which involves gentle manipulation and casting. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
What is the Ponseti method?
The Ponseti method is a treatment involving a series of casts applied over several weeks to gradually correct the position of the foot.
Will my child need surgery for club foot?
Most children with club foot do not need surgery if treated early with the Ponseti method. However, some severe cases may require minor surgical procedures.
How long does treatment for club foot take?
Initial treatment with the Ponseti method usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks, followed by a period of wearing a brace to maintain correction.
Will my child need a brace after treatment?
Yes, after initial treatment with the Ponseti method, your child will need to wear a brace to maintain the corrected position and prevent recurrence.
Can club foot recur after treatment?
There is a risk of recurrence, which is why wearing a brace as prescribed is crucial to maintain the correction.
Can children with club foot lead normal lives?
With early and proper treatment, most children with club foot can lead active, normal lives and participate in physical activities.
Is club foot hereditary?
There is a genetic component to club foot, and it can run in families, although the exact inheritance pattern is not fully understood.
Can club foot be prevented?
Currently, there is no known way to prevent club foot, as its exact cause is not fully understood.
Where can I get help for club foot?
In the UK, treatment for club foot is available through the NHS. Your GP can refer you to a specialist, such as a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon or a physiotherapist with experience in treating club foot.
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