Clubfoot

Clubfoot is one of the most commonly diagnosed lower extremity deformities in newborns and infants. While this defect may appear to be a purely aesthetic problem, it carries serious functional consequences - influences the child's gait, posture and motor development. In the post, we present the causes, symptoms and options for effective and comprehensive treatment of the deformity referred to as the equinus leg, with a focus on therapy in rehabilitation centers.

In this article:

What are equinus feet? Definition and characteristics of the defect

Clubfoot is a congenital deformity of the foot, involving on permanently placing the foot in an unnatural position. It is characterized by a combination of several abnormalities: flexion of the sole (equinus), inward turning of the foot (talus) and adduction of the forefoot. This defect may occur unilaterally or bilaterally, and in half of cases accompanies other neurological and genetic conditions. The deformity develops already in fetal life. Its etiologies include:

  • genetic factors;
  • Fetal malposition;
  • Concomitant neurological disorders.

Early recognition and initiation of treatment - preferably in the first weeks of a child's life - is crucial.

Horse-leg in children - how to recognize the first symptoms?

Equinus leg in children can be diagnosed as early as during prenatal examination. In the absence of a diagnosis at the stage of pregnancy, visible symptoms can be observed soon after birth. A typical pony-leg is arranged in an unnatural way -. The foot faces downward and inward, with limited mobility. Parents often notice that the child does not place his or her feet parallel, has difficulty maintaining balance, and the feet show great stiffness. If left untreated, the deformity leads to complications such as gait abnormalities, limb asymmetry and overloading of the hip and knee joints.

Diagnosis of clubfoot - from physical examination to imaging

The diagnostic process is based primarily on clinical evaluation. Already during the first neonatal examination, the doctor may notice the abnormal positioning of the foot. Imaging studies are often performed to confirm the diagnosis - mainly ultrasound and X-rays, especially if the deformity is associated with other skeletal abnormalities. It is also important to exclusion of secondary causes of the defect - Such as neurological diseases or perinatal injuries. For this reason, diagnosis should be carried out by an experienced team of specialists: orthopedists, neurologists and rehabilitation specialists who can recognize different types of orthopedic conditions, providing precise diagnosis and an optimal treatment plan.

Conservative treatment - the foundation of equinus foot therapy

The primary method of therapy is Conservative treatment, which should be started as early as possible - preferably within the first two weeks of life, before the pathological positioning of the foot is perpetuated. The sooner treatment is implemented, the better the chances of avoiding invasive procedures and achieving full function. The most commonly used method is Ponseti technique. The therapeutic process includes:

  • subtle redress, which is a gradual, manual correction of foot alignment;
  • plaster dressings, worn after each correction to consolidate the results achieved - the entire cycle usually lasts several weeks;
  • Achilles tendon tenotomy - A procedure necessary in some cases, performed on an outpatient basis to release the contracture;
  • specialized orthoses, which the child wears after the end of the plaster treatment - initially for 23 hours a day, and over time only at night.

The effectiveness of the therapy is very high as long as it is started early and carried out systematically.

The role of physiotherapy - how does rehabilitation support the treatment of clubfoot?

Physiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of a deformity such as the equinus leg. After the plastering or surgery stage individual rehabilitation is being implemented. The goal of the classes is to maintain the effects of correction, improve muscle strength and develop correct gait patterns. The rehabilitation program includes active exercises, passive exercises, manual therapy and neuromuscular stimulation, among others. Education of parents is also important - their involvement in home exercises significantly affects the effects of therapy.

When is surgery necessary? Surgical treatment in more severe cases

Although most children respond well to conservative treatment, some cases require surgical treatment. This is mainly the case for patients with recurrence of deformity, insufficient correction after Ponseti therapy or concurrent neurological pathologies. Surgical procedures consist of tendon elongation, bone correction and joint stabilization. Surgery is usually performed after the age of 2, and the extent of the surgery is selected individually based on the results of diagnostics. After surgical treatment, the child requires intensive rehabilitation - as after injuries such as joint sprain, where the key is to restore function and prevent contractures.

Equinus feet and quality of life - why is a quick response so important?

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are fundamental not only for aesthetics, but more importantly for functionality. If not treated properly, clubfoot can cause serious walking difficulties, limitations in physical activity and secondary overload changes in the knees and hips. With advanced therapies full efficiency can be achieved. However, regular monitoring of treatment progress and long-term physiotherapeutic support is key.

Summary

Clubfoot is a serious, though in most cases successfully treated, congenital defect. Early diagnosis, a comprehensive therapeutic approach and parental involvement are key to achieving full function for the child. Regardless of the severity of the deformity, continuous care of specialists is important, who can tailor therapy to the individual needs of the young patient. This can not only improve the quality of life, but also prevent complications and difficulties in the future. Welcome to Neuroport - Neurological and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center, where our experienced specialists will provide professional care and individual approach at every stage of treatment.

Enter a word or phrase that interests you

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors