Clubfoot, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Clubfoot is a birth defect that causes the foot and ankle to bend inward. This condition is caused by an abnormality in the tendons of the foot that makes it too short of normal size.
Clubfoot or talipes equinovarus is estimated to occur in 1 in 1000 births. This condition can occur in one or both legs. Babies with clubfoot need to be treated immediately so that the growth process is not hampered and does not experience permanent disability.t
Causes of Clubfoot
Clubfoot occurs due to disorders of the tendons (tissues that connect muscles and bones) causing the baby's foot tendons to not develop optimally. Clubfoot is divided into isolated or idiopathic clubfoot and nonisolated clubfoot. Here is the explanation:
Clubfoot isolated or idiopathic
Isolated or idiopathic clubfoot is the most common type. This type occurs in the absence of other medical disorders.
Non-isolated clubfoot
Non-isolated clubfoot is clubfoot that is accompanied by other medical disorders, such as arthrogryposis and spina bifida.
The exact cause of clubfoot is not known. However, this condition is thought to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Clubfoot risk factors
Clubfoot is more at risk for baby boys. In addition, there are factors that can increase a child's risk of developing clubfoot, namely:
- Have a family member who suffers from clubfoot
- Suffering from a congenital disease, such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy
- Have a genetic condition, such as Edward's syndrome or Moebius' syndrome
Children are also more at risk of developing clubfoot if the pregnant mother has the following factors:
- Consuming alcohol, smoking, or using drugs
- Have oligohydramnios, which is a condition when there is too little amniotic fluid
- Suffering from Zika virus infection
Symptoms of Clubfoot
The main symptom of clubfoot is a baby's feet and ankles being bent inward. It can occur in one or both legs. Other common clubfoot symptoms are:
- The calf muscles on the part of the foot affected by clubfoot are not developed optimally
- Stiffness in the ankles
- Small heel
- Legs turning very badly or upside down
- Limited leg movement
- Stiffness and pain in the ankles as he gets older
When to go to the doctor
Clubfoot can usually be detected shortly after the baby is born. If parents only notice the symptoms of clubfoot after returning from the hospital, see a doctor immediately. Early examination can help doctors treat it appropriately and prevent symptoms from getting worse.
Parents are also advised to seek immediate medical attention if their child is undergoing clubfoot treatment but experiences the following conditions:
- Bleeding or swelling in the toes
- Toes are not visible from outside the bandage or cast
- The use of casts or leg braces causes pain
- Feet or ankle turning back after handling
Clubfoot diagnosis
Abnormalities in babies due to clubfoot can generally be detected early during an ultrasound examination at 12-20 weeks of gestation. However, doctors need to confirm the diagnosis with a physical examination when the baby is born. In addition, the doctor may also recommend an X-ray examination.
Clubfoot Treatment
Clubfoot can be treated when the baby is 1-2 weeks old. The purpose of this treatment is to improve the shape of the baby's feet before he starts learning to walk and prevent foot defects.
Treatment methods for clubfoot that can be done include:
Stretching or placing a cast
Casting is the primary treatment for clubfoot. The doctor will return the baby's leg to the correct position, then put a cast on the leg. This procedure is usually done over a period of months or years until the baby's feet return to normal.
Operation
Surgery is performed when a cast is not successful in treating the clubfoot or when the foot position abnormality is severe. The surgery aims to return the tendons and ligaments to their proper position. After that, the doctor will put a cast or brace on the baby's foot to prevent clubfoot in the future.
Clubfoot Complications
Clubfoot is generally painless during the first few months of the baby's birth. However, untreated clubfoot can lead to the following complications:
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis)
- Painful calluses
- Infection in the feet
- Impaired walking and unable to wear shoes
- Limitations on physical activity
Clubfoot Prevention
Clubfoot is a condition that cannot be prevented, because the cause is not known for certain. However, pregnant women can take a number of measures to prevent babies from being born with clubfoot, namely:
- Routine pregnancy checkups
- Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs
- Don't smoke or be around people who smoke
- Do not take certain drugs without consulting a doctor first
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