Overcoming Clubfoot

Clubfoot is an irregularity in an infant's foot whereby the foot is twisted inwards from birth. With this condition, the tendons that join leg muscles to foot bones are small and tense, which makes the foot turn inward. This condition can be detected when a baby is in the wound and it is interesting to note that boys are more likely to develop it. In about half of the youngsters who have this condition, both feet may be turned inwards. Although this condition does not cause pain to an infant at first; if treatment is not obtained at an early stage to correct this deformity, they will not be able to walk in a normal manner when older and may be incapable of participating in a variety of activities as they grow up.

Treatment for this condition includes:

· Physical therapy via stretching to strengthen the ligaments of the foot.

· Plaster casts are utilized to place the feet in the correct position.

· The releasing of a rigid Achilles tendons via a procedure whereby a medical professional uses a thin tool to cut a tendon.

· Braces are used to prevent this condition from happening again after the above procedures are accomplished to make sure the foot will continue to stay in the correct position.

Club foot can become a problem for children as they grow up if proper treatment is not acquired for their feet. Although non-surgical methods are available, surgical procedures may be required depending on the extent of the deformity. We recommend that you contact us if your children’s club feet are not diminishing or if they have not received any treatment. At the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, located in Waterbury 203-755-0489 & Newtown 203-270-6724, Connecticut, our podiatrist, Dr. Joel S. Segalman, DPM, has the necessary experience to treat this condition at all ages, no matter the severity of the deformity. Please don’t hesitate to make an appointment by calling our office at any of the two numbers listed above and we will make sure to provide your feet with the best care possible!