Clubfoot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a foot deformity in which the foot is twisted inward with the toes pointing down. Both feet are affected in approximately half of these babies. This is called bilateral clubfoot.
The condition is normally identified after birth, however, pediatrics can also tell if an unborn baby has congenital talipes equinovarus during an ultrasound.
An estimated 1 infant in every 1,000 live births will have the condition, making it one of the most frequent congenital foot deformities. In the US alone, over 5,000 children are born with the deformity every year. The ratio of males to females with congenital talipes equinovarus is 2.5 to 1.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- if only one foot is affected, it is typically slightly shorter than the other, particularly at the heel;
- the calf muscles tend to be underdeveloped;
- in severe cases, the foot may look as if it is upside-down;
- the heel on the clubfoot may be smaller than normal;
- the arch is more pronounced and the heel turns inward;
- the top of the foot twists downwards and inwards.
Causes
The condition develops when the tendons which connect the child’s leg muscles to her or his foot bones are unusually short or tight. Some doctors think that the condition may begin early in pregnancy, most likely in the 10th to 12th weeks of gestation.
The cause of congenital talipes equinovarus is still unknown, but there could be a link between a low amniotic fluid and this condition.
Some healthcare providers believe the presence of other diseases (like diabetes) or the use of alcohol or drugs during pregnancy can cause it. In rare cases, it occurs as part of a condition called spina bifida, a birth defect affecting the spinal column.
If you, your spouse, or your other children have the condition, your future children have 100 percent increased the risk to also have it, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Risk Factors
- oligohydramnios (a condition in pregnancy characterized by a decreased amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the uterus) during pregnancy;
- neuromuscular disorders, like spina bifida and cerebral palsy;
- genetic syndromes, like – Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18);
- a family history of congenital talipes equinovarus.
Treatment
If left untreated, the affected babies may appear to walk on their ankles or the sides of their feet. Treatment commonly starts as soon as possible after birth, usually within the 1st week.
In the past, it was treated with surgery, which is best done prior to walking age.
In the present day, the Ponseti method is the main treatment for the condition. With the Ponseti method, the child’s affected foot is manipulated into a normal position and then a plaster cast is applied to keep the foot from turning back. This cast commonly goes all the way from the child’s toes to their groin area.
Here Is A List Of 10 Famous People With Clubfoot:
#1 Mia Hamm
She is an American retired professional soccer player, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Mia Hamm was listed among the top 125 living soccer players by Pele. Interestingly, she was born with clubfoot but still managed to become the highest scorer of international goals in history.
#2 Freddy Sanchez
He is an American former Major League Baseball second baseman. Freddy played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants.
Freddy Sanchez was born with this condition and underwent surgery. In an interview, he said – “If I can be a role model even just for one child, which can change their outlook on clubfoot and realize that they can do things.”
#3 Charles Woodson
He is a former American football player who played college football for Michigan, where he led his team to a national championship in 1997.
Charles signed a 7-year, $52 million contract with the Green Bay Packers on April 26, 2006. Charles Woodson also won the Super Bowl XLV.
#4 Arthur Seyss-Inquart
He was an Austrian politician who served as Chancellor of Austria for 2 days, before the Anschluss annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany. Arthur Seyss-Inquart also suffered from the condition.
#5 Michael Houser
He is an American ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing with the Fort Wayne Komets in the ECHL (a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Princeton).
Michael was born with bilateral club feet and had 14 surgeries before he was 2. Furthermore, Michael Houser had another two procedures when he was 11.
#6 Tom Dempsey
He is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills.
Tom was born without 2 fingers on his right hand and without toes on his right foot. But, all these health issues didn’t keep Tom Dempsey from following his dreams.
#7 Troy Aikman
He is a former American football quarterback who played for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. On December 9, 2008, Troy was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in New York City.
Due to the fact that he was born with clubfoot, Alkman was in plaster till he was 8 months old, then he wore special shoes till he was 3 years old.
#8 Kristi Yamaguchi
She is an American former figure skater who is a two-time World champion (1991 and 1992), the 1992 Olympic champion and the 1992 U.S. champion.
Kristine Yamaguchi is also a philanthropist, author, and founder of the Always Dream Foundation, with the main program to connect children with 21st-century technology and e-books.
In a recent interview, Kristi Yamaguchi said – “I was born with severely turned in feet. They were pretty much crossed. It took wearing casts on both legs to straighten them out.”
#9 Dudley Moore
He was an English comedian, musician, actor, and composer who was one of the 4 writer-performers in the comedy revue Beyond the Fringe.
Dudley Moore was born with clubfoot which stunted his growth.
#10 Jim Mecir
He is an American former baseball player who played for five teams in an 11-year career. Jim Mecir also suffered from this condition.
References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2759597/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855200/ https://scottishritehospital.org/research-and-education/foot