Congenital clubfoot or echinovaro clubfoot is a congenital malformation in which the baby is born with one foot turned inwards, having the name of unilateral clubfoot, or with both feet turned inwards, in this case called if bilateral clubfoot.
Congenital clubfoot is curable and has excellent results, and the child can walk normally when the treatment is done correctly and right after birth, according to the Ponseti method, using plaster and orthopedic boots. Despite this method, surgical treatment for clubfoot is also an option, but only when the Ponseti method is not working. However, surgery does not cure and the child may even be able to walk, but may have congenital clubfoot sequelae, such as leg pain, stiffness and loss of strength in the muscles of the legs and feet throughout life, although physical therapy may to help.
Congenital clubfoot can be considered a physical disability when there are limitations, difficulties or deformities that compromise some daily activities or professional activity. In this case, the medical report is necessary to attest and prove the deficiency.
Congenital clubfoot treatment
It is possible to correct clubfoot as long as treatment is started quickly. The ideal age to start treatment is controversial, with some orthopedists recommending that treatment be started soon after birth, and for others that it is only started when the baby is 9 months old or when he is about 8 cm.
Treatment can be done through manipulations or surgery, which is only indicated when the first method is not effective. The main method of manipulations for the treatment of clubfoot is known as the Ponseti method, which involves the manipulation of the child's legs by the orthopedist and the placement of plaster each week for about 5 months for correct alignment of the bones of the foot and tendons.
After this period, the child must wear orthopedic boots 23 hours a day, for 3 months, and at night until they are 3 or 4 years old, to prevent the foot from bending again. When the Ponseti method is performed correctly, the child is able to walk and develop normally.
However, in cases where the Ponseti method is not effective, surgery may be indicated, which must be done before the child is 1 year old. In this surgery, the feet are placed in the correct position and the Achilles tendon is stretched, called a tenotomy. Although it is also effective and improves the appearance of the child's foot, it is possible that over time the child will lose strength in the muscles of the legs and feet, which over time can cause pain and become stiff.
However, physiotherapy for clubfoot can help, in this case, by improving the correct position of the feet and strengthening the muscles of the legs and feet of the child.
Causes of clubfoot
The causes of clubfoot are still unknown and widely discussed. Some researchers believe that this condition is essentially genetic and that throughout the baby's development, genes responsible for this deformity were activated.
Another theory also accepted and discussed is that cells with the capacity to contract and stimulate growth may be present in the inner part of the leg and foot and that, when contracting, they direct the growth and development of the feet inward.
Although there are several theories regarding clubfoot occurrence, it is important that treatment is started early and is followed correctly to prevent relapse.
