What are the causes & symptoms of clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity, in which a child’s foot points downward and inward (twisted out or out of shape) since birth. Also known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), the condition can be mild or severe, affecting one or both the feet. In clubfoot, the tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are detected shorter than the usual. However, the condition creates a problem for the child to stand and walk normally if not treated right on time.

These days, doctors suggest the Clubfoot treatment right after birth, even most of the cases can be treated without surgical intervention. Follow-up surgery is required for children with severe clubfoot. The condition is also identified more in a male child than females, and 50% of the clubfoot cases are bilateral. Today, the deformity's random occurrence is found in 1 in 1,000 children, whereas children having a family history of clubfoot can have the risk of the same condition. The treatment & care management of CTEV is a long process, taking 3 to 4 years to bring positive results, which needs to begin as early (after one or two weeks) of birth.

Symptoms of Clubfoot

The signs of clubfoot are recognizable, and it signifies the changes such as;

• the top of the foot twists downwards and inwards

• the affected leg or foot may be slightly shorter than the other

• the foot may look as if it is upside-down (in severe cases)

• the arch is more pronounced, and the heel turns inward

• Calf muscles witnessed as underdeveloped in the affected leg

However, the child will not experience pain or discomfort, even while walking. The stiffness of the clubfoot is caused because of a tightened Achilles tendon affecting the stability of the leg. Doctors detect clubfoot after the baby’s birth; it can be seen before the birth in routine ultrasound screenings in rare cases. The most appropriate treatment will be suggested and planned by the pediatric orthopaedist according to the child’s condition.

Also, at times the child having clubfoot may get affected with other disorders such as spina bifida.

Risk factors for clubfoot

Generally, there are not many risk factors for clubfoot.

• Male child can get affected twice as females

• Genetic factors, any one of the parents born with the CTEV increases the risk for the child to be born with the same condition. The risk becomes high if both the parents have the condition, and their first child is born with clubfoot.

Causes of Clubfoot

Usually, the cause of Clubfoot is idiopathic (unknown). It is a myth to believe that the fetus's position in the uterus can cause clubfoot in the future. Mostly, genetic factors play a significant role that appears to be passed down through parents to children.

The other disorders or syndromes associated with skeletal abnormalities, spina bifida, cystic, arthrogryposis, or myotonic dystrophy, and the developmental hip condition is known as hip dysplasia, can be linked with clubfoot. Specific neuromuscular disruption in the brain, nerve, muscle, or spinal cord during fetus development can be the rare cause behind the congenital disability.

Lastly, environmental factors, such as the mother’s health condition during pregnancy, such as diabetes, hypertension, and rubella, can increase the risk of the baby’s abnormality. Also, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are linked in the same manner.

To identify the root cause of the baby's condition, your pediatric orthopaedist requires a full family history and detailed talk with parents during the medical examination. Some physical examination or testing is necessary during the visit.

Conclusion

Once detected, parents need to attend regular follow-ups to the doctor. Your concerned doctor will guide you throughout the journey from examination to the application of treatment procedures. It is necessary to follow the instructions and notice the foot alignment and flexibility while the treatment is going on to avoid complications. In the early stages, some short-term cast applications will improve or rectify children's condition before teenage.