What are the two kinds of baby clubfoot splints:
Idiopathic or isolated clubfoot:
This is the most common type of clubfoot, where the deformity affects babies who do not have any other medical issues.
Non isolated clubfoot:
Non isolated clubfoot occurs when the baby has some other medical issues. Or maybe the baby is suffering from any neuromuscular anomaly. These neuromuscular problems are mostly related to the spina bifida and arthrogryposis. During such condition the clubfoot actually becomes stubborn and does not reciprocate actively to the treatments. Non surgical treatments can take sometimes up to months for results. Even in the worse cases, doctors can perform surgeries to fix Clubfoot.
Causes of Clubfoot:
Environmental and genetic aspects are mostly responsible for the deformity.
Non surgical Treatment:
In order to treat Clubfoot, the most recommended treatment is the Ponseti treatment.
Casting and steering:
The foot of the baby is delicately stretched and operated into the correct position. Then casting is used to hold back the legs in that position. This process continues from 6 to 8 weeks where a repeated session of positioning and stretching are followed unless and until the leg shows an improvement.
Relaxing the Achilles tendon:
In this process known as tenotomy, the doctors aim to relax the stiffness in the Achilles tendon. In addition to this, the doctors cut a small portion of the tendon to relax the foot and muscles and fixes a cast to fortify the leg throughout the entire healing process. This should not be confused with surgery. Over all, it takes three weeks for the clubfoot to heal.
Treatment with braces:
When braces are used. This is to ensure that the foot stays in the exact position and does not get out of balance. Doctors prefer this method since it is the least invasive. As mentioned earlier a type of boot that has to be worn for twenty three hours continuously. After noticing progress, the time wearing braces can be reduced.
The different types of the Denis Browne splints:
Open toe boots with aluminum splints:
Boots with open toe which are crafted with delicate leather so that it provides ultimate softness to the baby’s leg. In addition to this, the boot has fixed padded layers in the rear portion so that it comforts the heels at the time of walking as well.
Benefits of using the Open toe boots with aluminum splints:
You should note that aluminum alloys are used to support the foot platform. On top of that this brace completely adjustable and can easily separate the heels. There are multiple sizes available of this type of brace.
Clamp type boots with steel splints:
Steel Splint boots have two types of steel that are attached to the shoe to provide secured stepping. Additionally, the installed protractor with a 360 degree rotating gives a precise accuracy with proper adjustment both in the left and right direction.
Why should you use steel splints:
It effectively cures clubfeet, apart from that restores hip portion, corrects dislocation, flattens the feet. The best thing is that it has two steels which can be flexibly adjusted. In addition to this, enclosed fitting manual gives a detailed instruction to fit the boots properly. Just to ensure that no injury takes place.
Shoe braces with rivet plates splints;
The rivet plate framed from anodized aluminum attached to the sole helps to grip easily. Again a protractor attached can be adjusted from 0 to 90 degree.
Benefits of using Shoe Splints:
You can easily wear this without any added discomfort. Shoe Splints can be worn at night as well.
There are a variety of options for healing and curing Clubfeet. If you find a Doctor and there only recommendation is surgery, find another Doctor who will rule out non surgical options first.
