The treatment for clubfoot, which is when the baby is born with 1 or 2 feet turned inwards, should be done as soon as possible, in the first weeks after birth, to avoid permanent deformities in the child's foot. When done correctly, chances are the child will walk normally.
The treatment for bilateral clubfoot can be conservative when it is done using the Ponseti method, which consists of the manipulation and placement of plaster every week on the baby's feet and the use of orthopedic boots.
Another form of treatment for clubfoot is surgery to correct the deformity of the feet, combined with physical therapy, which can last for months or years.
Conservative treatment for clubfoot
Conservative treatment for clubfoot should be done by the orthopedist and includes:
- Foot manipulation and plaster placement each week for a total of 5 to 7 plaster changes. Once a week the doctor moves and rotates the baby's foot according to the Ponseti method, without pain for the baby, and places the cast, as shown in the first image; Before placing the last cast, the doctor performs the tenotomy of the heel tendon which consists of a procedure with sedation and anesthesia on the baby's foot to repair the tendon; the baby must have the last cast for 3 months; after the removal of the last cast, the baby must wear a Denis Browne orthosis, which are orthopedic boots with a bar in the middle, as shown in the second image, 23 hours a day, for 3 months; After 3 months, the orthosis should be worn for 12 hours at night and 2 to 4 hours a day, until the child is 3 or 4 years old to complete clubfoot correction with manipulation and plaster and prevent recurrence.
At the beginning of the use of the boots, the child may be uncomfortable, but soon begins to learn to move his legs and get used to it.
The treatment for clubfoot using the Ponseti method, when done correctly, obtains excellent results and the child can walk normally.
Surgical treatment for clubfoot
Surgical treatment for clubfoot should be done when conservative treatment is not working, that is, when after 5 to 7 plasters no results are observed.
The surgery must be done between 3 months and 1 year old and after the operation the child must use a cast for 3 months. However, surgery does not cure clubfoot. It improves the appearance of the foot and the child can walk, however, it decreases the strength of the muscles of the baby's feet and legs, which can cause stiffness and pain from the age of 20.
Clubfoot physiotherapy can help strengthen the leg muscles and help the child to support the feet properly. Physical therapy treatment for clubfoot includes manipulations, stretches and bandages to help position the feet.
