Your newborn may suffer from various conditions after childbirth. Congenital defects cause growth and development disorders in newborns. Clubfoot is one such condition, in which the baby’s foot is pointed in and down, looking clubbed. It is a birth condition affecting your baby’s foot. There are various causes of clubfoot during pregnancy, but the exact cause of the condition is unknown. Early medical intervention is important to treat clubfoot in newborns. It is a common congenital problem affecting the mobility of your baby if not treated right. Here are the symptoms, causes, and treatment of clubfoot in newborns.
Clubfoot definition can be given as a congenital disability where your baby’s foot is turned inward. It is a common birth condition affecting 1 out of 1000 babies. Clubfoot is classified into two types: Isolated or idiopathic clubfoot and non-isolated Clubfoot. The cause of idiopathic clubfoot is unknown, and the newborn does not suffer from any medical issues. A non-isolated clubfoot occurs when your baby suffers from other health conditions.
The evident sign of clubfoot in a newborn is their feet turning inward. Your baby’s feet look like beans with deep creases on the inside. The foot looks shorter than the other foot. Other symptoms of clubfoot are:
● Ankle stiffness
● Cavus foot deformity
● The foot looks upside down
● Underdeveloped calf muscles
● Limited range of motion
It is not possible to ascertain the exact cause of clubfoot but genetics and environment play an important role in causing clubfoot. Genetic conditions can pass on this condition to your baby. Intake of certain drugs and smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of clubfoot. Clubfoot is caused by short tendons that result in the twisting of the feet. If there is limited amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, there are chances for your baby to be affected by clubfoot.
Babies with spina bifida and trisomy 18 may increase the risk of clubfoot. If anyone in your family suffers from clubfoot, there are increased chances for clubfoot in your baby. Male babies have a higher chance of developing clubfoot.
● Women with oligohydramnios, a condition with a low amniotic fluid, may cause clubfoot.
● Zika infection during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital defects.
● Smoking, drinking alcohol, and recreational drugs can cause clubfoot in newborns.
Your baby does not experience pain during the initial stage. However, it may interfere with your baby's standing and walking ability as they grow. It is a condition that requires standardized medical treatment. When the condition is not treated, your baby might walk in unusual ways. You can notice your baby walking on the sides or their soles. Clubfoot in babies may result in foot infection. It can lead to arthritis, resulting in stiffness and swelling in joints.
Clubfoot in newborns can lead to the following complications:
● Your baby might find it difficult to move as the feet become stiff
● The foot shape changes and looks bean-shaped.
● The foot size may become 1 ½ shoe size smaller than the other feet.
● The leg will be shorter, which hinders their mobility.
If clubfoot is left untreated, your child may suffer from problems walking.
An ultrasound scan can help identify the symptoms of clubfoot during pregnancy. Identifying clubfoot during pregnancy can help to come up with a treatment plan after birth. After your baby is born, your doctor may physically examine the baby. An X-ray can help to confirm the condition.
Early treatment for clubfoot can help improve the condition. It avoids development issues in your child. So you can begin the treatment within two weeks of your baby’s birth. A paediatric orthopaedic surgeon treats clubfoot in newborns. A physiotherapist can help in building the strength of the foot. Mild variants of Clubfoot (such as those caused by abnormal position of the baby inside womb) are easily corrected by stretching exercises and plaster casting.
The following are the congenital clubfoot treatment options:
This treatment takes two to three months to correct clubfoot. This treatment method involves serial casting, where your baby’s foot is stretched to the correct position and placed in a cast. A new cast is replaced every four to seven days. This helps in correcting the feet to the proper position. During the final cast, an orthopaedic surgeon performs a quick procedure called an Achilles tendon tenotomy.
This treatment uses a splint instead of a cast. A physical therapist performs this treatment. It must be repeated until your baby is 3 months old. You may need to continue this treatment for 2 to 3 years to prevent clubfoot.
This treatment is recommended after onset, along with the French method. In this treatment, a brace is used to correct your foot angle. A brace is nothing but a pair of shoes connected to a metal bar.
If your baby has severe clubfoot, your doctor may recommend surgery. Having the surgery before your baby starts walking can help correct the problem.
Taking proper care of your health before and during pregnancy can help to prevent congenital and other developmental issues in your baby. Make sure you take all your prenatal vitamins during pregnancy to prevent clubfoot. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy to avoid growth disorders.
Clubfoot in newborns is a birth condition caused due to genetic and environmental factors. It results in a curved feed that points inwards. The clubbed feet look tiny compared to the other feet. Your baby might find it difficult to walk and stand. Early medical treatment immediately after birth can help treat the condition. Taking proper care of the mother’s health during pregnancy can help prevent this condition in newborns.
There are various treatment options for clubfoot in newborns
● Ponseti method
● French method
● Bracing
● Surgery
As the exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, it is not possible to prevent it. However, you can follow certain steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy that reduces the risk of affecting the baby’s growth and development.
When your baby is born clubfoot, he/she may suffer from walking problems and foot infections. The foot shape looks bean-shaped. The leg length and calf size are shorter, affecting mobility.
