A clubfoot is a deformity of the foot that is usually existing at birth. It occurs in approximately one per 1000 live births which makes it a relatively common problem. When a baby is born the midwife or doctor is going to examine them for several different problems as part of the screening protocol. A clubfoot is one of those conditions that they regularly check for. A clubfoot is defined as when the foot is in a downward and inward position when compared to normal. This is technically generally known as planterflexed, inverted and abducted position of the foot. In the grand scheme of things a clubfoot is generally comparatively minor problem but still may be quite distressing at the birth since it is visible. Usually, it's an isolated condition, but from time to time it is part of a range of signs and symptoms making up a syndrome. Those with this deformity can also be more likely to have a dislocated hip at birth.
The management of a clubfoot is dependent upon the seriousness and characteristics of it. There are fundamentally two types of clubfoot; flexible and rigid. A flexible clubfoot is frequently taken care of with regular mobilization, manipulation and stretching out and then the foot is placed in a plaster cast to hold it in a more corrected position. After a period of time, that could rely on how serious it is, the plaster cast is removed and the foot is yet again mobilized and stretched with a new plaster cast being used after that to hold the foot in an even more corrected position. This approach has been well documented to be generally quite effective. If this therapy is not successful or if the deformity is rigid then a surgical strategy is advised. Technically this is a difficult surgery as the foot and structures are extremely small. There are many structures from the bone, to the tendons, to the ligaments that has got to be operated on to move the foot in to a much more corrected position, making it difficult.