Symptoms and Causes
What Causes Clubfoot?
In many cases, we don’t really know what causes the problem; this is called idiopathic clubfoot.
- Genetics. Clubfoot may “run in the family” —This makes your child more likely to have clubfoot, but not all people with a family history of the condition have kids with clubfoot.
- Environmental causes. women who smoke or drink alcohol during their pregnancy are more likely to have a child with clubfoot
- Neuromuscular disorders or syndromes. Some cases of clubfoot are caused by a miscommunication between the brain and the muscles. It is sometimes seen in children with cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, arthrogryposis, spina bifida and other conditions.
- During development, a baby may develop positional clubfoot. It can happen when a baby is cramped or in an awkward position during the pregnancy. This is temporary and is not true clubfoot. After stretching and rotating the foot, it often returns to normal shape.
What are the symptoms of clubfoot?
The most common symptom of a clubfoot baby is one or both feet turning inward.
Your baby’s foot looks like the opposite leg.
You may also notice that their foot has a:
Kidney shape.
Deep fold on the inside.
Higher dome structure than normal
Other symptoms of clubfoot may include:
A smaller calf muscle in the affected leg.
Shorter foot.
Ankle stiffness.
Lack of motion in their foot.
For effective clubfoot treatment, especially in Viman Nagar, it’s important to consult a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. This common birth defect, affecting around 1.2 in every 1,000 babies, can be successfully cured with the right medical intervention and expertise.
Treatments for Clubfoot
An experienced Clubfoot Treatment Doctor in Viman Nagar, Pune brings hope to the parents whose newborns are suffering from such defects. The treatment for clubfoot depends on the child’s age and the severity of the deformity.
The preferred method of treatment is the Ponseti Method, which involves a series of weekly plasters or casts. Most cases require around five to seven casts, along with a minor procedure called Achilles tendon tenotomy (heel cord) for complete correction.
Children with more rigid feet may need additional casting and surgeries. This approach ensures that the foot is positioned correctly, reducing the tightness of the new tendon. It’s important to note that the tendon regenerates quickly in children and does not impact their ability to walk.
The Final view on Clubfoot
Ideally, clubfoot should be treated starting at about one month of age. But no matter how old, anyone with clubfoot can be treated. It’s never too late to search for ways to improve the foot’s function and comfort!
Clubfoot Clinic in Viman Nagar Pune
Diagnosis of clubfoot, whether detected during an ultrasound or at the time of delivery, can be a challenging and worrisome experience for parents. Dr. Ramprasad Dharangutti, a dedicated pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Viman Nagar, recognizes the challenges that families face and firmly believes that financial constraints should never hinder a child from receiving quality treatment.
Inclusive in his approach, Dr. Dharangutti actively engages parents and families in the development of treatment plans, ensuring that patients receive the best and most suitable care. Every Wednesday, our clinic focuses on providing specialized care for children dealing with clubfoot at various stages. We extend casting treatment to patients from low socio-economic backgrounds, thanks to collaborations with our NGO partners and various support schemes.
As a part of our commitment to comprehensive care, all children in this clinic receive free bracing until the completion of their treatment. Additionally, we offer a 24-hour hotline service to address any concerns parents may have, fostering a supportive environment for families throughout the treatment journey.
Recognizing the importance of knowledge and emotional support, we provide free counseling to parents. This empowers them to gain a deeper understanding of the condition, the treatment process, and equips them with effective coping strategies. Our dedication lies in leveraging our resources to assist children with clubfoot in overcoming life’s challenges or finding innovative ways to navigate them.
By breaking down financial barriers, involving families in the treatment process, and offering a holistic support system, we aim to ensure that every child, regardless of their economic background, has the opportunity to walk and thrive.