Correcting Clubfoot Using the Non-Surgical Ponseti Method - MD Orthopaedics

What is clubfoot? 

A clubfoot is a deformity in which an infant's foot is turned inward. As per the report, out of one infant in every 1000 live births will have clubfoot, making one of the more common congenital foot deformities. However, clubfoot is not a painful deformity, but it makes it very uncomfortable for the child to walk, scroll and run. If your child or your close friends’ child is suffering with this disease then it is advisable for them to opt for the non-surgical methods. 

What causes clubfoot?

However, doctors are failed in finding an exact cause of the clubfoot, but it has been found that the clubfoot causes when-

• A woman smokes during her pregnancy time. 
• One of the member in the family had a clubfoot 
• A woman takes an inadequate diet during her pregnancy time. 

 Symptoms of Clubfoot:

• The heel point of the child is in the downward direction, whereas the foot turns inwardly.
• The calf muscles on the affected side are smaller than on the normal side.
•   Children with clubfoot wobble when they walk. They often on the outside of their affected     foot to maintain balance.
•  Although the clubfoot walks uncomfortable. It doesn’t cause pain or discomfort on setting and sleeping.
•  The affected leg is little bit shorter than the unaffected legs.

      If you see these symptoms in your child then immediately contact to the     doctor.

Non-surgical treatments for the clubfoot:

When doctors find the symptoms of clubfoot in the child, he begins with non-surgical treatments. The Ponseti method is a widely used treatment, which uses gently stretching casting to gradually correct the position of the legs. 

Casting Method: Your baby foot is gently stretched and manipulated into the correct position and held in place with a long-leg stretch. Every week you have to bring your baby for this treatment. The doctor will do stretching, re-position and casting until the foot is largely improved. Purchase the orthopedic shoes for the kids after the treatment. 

Achilles tenotomy: After manipulation and casting period, approximately 90%  of the babies will require a minor procedure to release continuous tightness in the achilles tendon. During this week's procedure, your doctor will use a very thin instrument to cut the tendon. After that new cast will be applied to the leg to protect the tendon. This usually takes about three weeks. By the time the cast gets removed. 

Bracing: Even after the successful correction of the legs from the casting. Doctors recommend children to wear bracing. The bracing prevents clubfoot from happening again in the future. For the first 6 months, the children has to wear the braces all day, after that they can wear even at night. 

Final Say:

We hope this comprehensive guide on the non-surgical methods helps you a lot. It is advisable for the parent to purchase clubfoot shoes which offer comfortable walking and prevent from the injury.