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Club Foot

• Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital deformities world wide
• It affects at least 1 out of every 1000 babies born
• It is often hereditary
• It can affect one foot or both feet
• It can usually be corrected through surgery, or manipulation and casting

What is Club Foot?

Clubfoot, technically called talipes equinovarus, is a condition in which the child is born with the foot turned inwards and pointing down. If left untreated, the condition causes the patient to walk painfully on the top of the foot or the ankle, in most cases the child is unable to walk at all.  Clubfoot generally results from abnormal development of the muscles, tendons and bones while the baby is forming in the uterus.

How CBM helps

CBM works to help people with clubfoot achieve and maintain as normal a foot as possible.  The treatment usually has to be continued over a period of months.

Correction of the foot position may achieved either through manipulation and casting, slowly stretching tightened muscles and holding the foot in position with a cast, or through surgery followed by casting.  Fitted foot splints and orthopedic shoes are important to maintain the correction.   Extensive orthopedic surgery can cost in excess of $3,000.

Prevention & Treatment

To achieve and maintain as normal a foot as possible, the treatment has to be continued over a period of months.

Correction of Foot Position

• Manipulation and casting: Slowly stretching the tightened muscles and holding the foot in position with a cast.
• Surgery: If the foot is too rigid, the tight or shortened tendons may need to be lengthened or released. Casts are applied after surgery and remain on for 4-6 weeks.

Maintaining Correction

• Fitted foot splints and orthopedic shoes are important to maintain the correction.

A Sample of Related CBM Projects

• Proyecto Mas Validos
• Centre Koutoubia Fondation Cheshire Homes
• Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre - Orthopaedic Dept.

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