What is Club Foot Treatment?

Club foot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a congenital deformity where one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. This condition affects the bones, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels, making the foot appear to be rotated internally at the ankle. Early and effective treatment is crucial for correcting the deformity and ensuring normal foot function.

Key Features of Club Foot:

1. Appearance: The foot points downward and inward, with the sole facing inward.
2. Muscle Imbalance: Shortened Achilles tendon and tight muscles around the ankle.
3. Bone Position: Abnormal alignment of bones in the foot and ankle.

Goals of Club Foot Treatment:

• Correct the foot deformity.
• Ensure normal foot function.
• Prevent recurrence of the deformity.

Common Treatments for Club Foot:

1. Ponseti Method:

   • Serial Casting: The most common and effective method, involving gentle manipulation of the foot followed by application of a cast. This process is repeated weekly for several weeks to gradually correct the foot’s position.
   • Achilles Tenotomy: A minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia to release the tight Achilles tendon, allowing for better correction.
   • Bracing: After achieving the correct foot position, the child wears a brace (boots and bar) to maintain the correction and prevent relapse. The brace is typically worn full-time for a few months, then only at night and during naps for several years.

2. French Method (Physical Therapy):

   • Daily physical therapy involving stretching, taping, and splinting to gradually correct the deformity.
   • This method requires a high level of commitment and frequent visits to a physical therapist.

3. Surgical Treatment:

   • Reserved for severe cases or when non-surgical methods fail.
   • Involves reconstructing the tendons, ligaments, and bones to achieve the correct alignment of the foot.
   • Surgery is followed by casting and bracing to maintain the correction.