What Is Clubfoot?
As with many conditions, the severity of clubfoot varies from baby to baby. In all cases, the foot is twisted downwards and inwards so that the arch is increased and the heel is turned inwards. In the most severe cases, this turning of the foot may be so pronounced that the foot appears to be upside down.
The result is that the muscles of the lower leg do not develop sufficiently and walking becomes more and more difficult over time. Though the club foot itself does not cause any pain or particular discomfort, the effects of not having it treated certainly will cause some problems in the future, particularly with walking.
Why Does Clubfoot Occur?
There are a number of reasons for clubfoot happening, but generally speaking there is no one cause that can be pinned down. Clubfoot seems to run in families and is associated with conditions such as spina bifida. The risk of your baby having clubfoot if it runs in the family is increased twofold by maternal smoking and drug use. It is also more likely to occur if the mother suffers from infectious diseases or does not produce enough amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
What Happens if Clubfoot Is Left Untreated?
Initially the lack of treatment of clubfoot causes only minor problems like a slight limitation of movement, a discrepancy in shoe sizes between the two feet, and smaller calf muscles on the affected side.
However, these problems lead on to more significant and life altering issues, including arthritis, poor self-image, the inability to walk normally and even issues related to the change in gait that your child will adopt to compensate for their club foot.
All in all, it makes sense to get your child's clubfoot treated using the Ponseti method of casting and steering the foot into the proper position. This process can be assisted with the use of Denis Browne splints.
What Kind of Splints Can Be Used?
Your doctor will advise that you start treatment for your child as soon as possible after birth. This is because a newborn baby's tendons, ligaments and joints are still highly flexible and can adapt easily to pressure applied to them.
All the variations on the Denis Browne splint allow your child's foot to be stabilized in the correct position for the gradual treatment of clubfoot. This class of device is also known as a foot abduction orthosis as it holds the foot relatively away from the body. The exact type to use for your child will depend on a number of factors, not least the severity of their club foot. You should ask your doctor for clarification, but rest assured that we will definitely have what you need.
The first option you will have is the open toe boot with aluminum splints. This device is padded and covered in leather to make sure that your baby is as comfortable as can be while their foot is being adjusted. The aluminum splints provide all the structural support your child will need, and the whole device is adjustable to provide the perfect fit.
Another option is the clamp type boot which comes with steel splints suitable for assisting your child in learning to walk properly. These boots offer the ultimate in stability as they correct the hip position, preventing any dislocation of the joint, and they also flatten the feet to bring an end to the clubbed shape of the foot.
For nighttime use, you can't beat shoe braces with rivet plate splints. There's no added discomfort when you include these in the treatment regimen and they can be attached to the soles to provide perfect grip as your child is walking along.
However you choose to treat your child's clubfoot, we've got you covered from all angles.
