Foot Deformities
Clubfoot and other foot deformities
Clubfoot is a word used to describe a foot abnormality present at birth. The defect can be mild or severe and it can involve one foot or both. The medical term for clubfoot is talipes equinovarus. There also are a number of other milder foot deformities that may appear similar.
How common is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot is one of the most common birth defects. More than 4,000 babies (about 1 to 2 in 1,000) are born with clubfoot in the United States each year. Boys are affected twice as often as girls.
Mild foot deformities are even more common than clubfoot.
What are some other common foot defects?
Calcaneovalgus and metatarsus adductus are common, mild, foot abnormalities.
In calcaneovalgus, the foot bends sharply at the ankle so that the foot points upward and outward. In many cases, the top of the foot can touch the shinbone. Calcaneovalgus usually goes away without treatment, and there are no lasting effects.
In metatarsus adductus, the front part of the foot turns inward. This condition causes the child to walk with a toe-in gait. Most affected children require no treatment, as the condition often resolves itself. However, more severe cases are treated to help the foot work better and to prevent later problems in fitting shoes.
How are foot deformities diagnosed and treated?
Clubfoot and certain other foot defects generally can be recognized during the newborn examination. These defects usually can be diagnosed with a physical examination alone, though occasionally the doctor may recommend additional tests such as x-rays.
Clubfoot sometimes is diagnosed before birth, during an ultrasound examination. Though the disorder cannot be treated before birth, parents have a chance to locate a good orthopedic surgeon and learn about treatment options.
Most treatments for Clubfoot involve some form of manipulation, casts and sometimes surgery. A baby with Clubfoot should be treated by an orthopedic surgeon who is experienced with the deformity and can discuss various treatment options.
