This condition is commonly known as clubfoot. In this condition, one or both feet of the child are pointing downwards and turn inwards. The affected foot looks like it has been rotated internally at the ankle. Without treatment, people with club feet often appear to walk on their ankles or on the sides of their feet. However with treatment, a majority of patients recover completely during early childhood and are able to walk and participate in athletics as well as patients born without CTEV.
There are two types of CTEV: postural and structural. In postural CTEV, there is usually no bone or joint involvement; rather it involves muscle imbalance and tightness. In structural CTEV however the bone and joints of the foot are involved, thereby, the child's foot cannot be move properly and easily.
The causes for postural CTEV could be any of these: first born baby, big baby which is more than 4kg at birth and decreased fluid surrounding the baby. The causes for structural CTEV are unknown and in some cases, it may be inherited.
Signs and Symptoms
- Feet turning inwards
- Tightness in calf muscles
- Decreased joint movement in structural CTEV
Complications
- Abnormal walking pattern
- Foot pain due to abnormal foot positions
Treatment Options
There are different treatment options available. Postural CTEV generally resolves as the baby grows. However, in some cases, physiotherapy intervention for stretching and stimulation to the feet is required.
Structural CTEV on the other hand is slightly more complicated and requires greater intervention. Serial casting and manipulation with minimal surgery may be needed. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. After the surgery, maintenance with special boots and bar till 4 years of age would be needed.
