Treatment of Club Foot
Treatment of club foot aims to correct the position of the foot and ensure long-term function, mobility, and comfort. Thanks to advances in medical techniques, most children with club foot grow up to walk, run, and play without any significant restrictions. The key to success is early, consistent, and specialised intervention.
1. Ponseti Method
The Ponseti method is the gold standard for treating club foot and has revolutionised outcomes worldwide. It involves:
- Serial casting: Gentle manipulation of the foot followed by weekly casting to gradually reposition bones and tendons
- Achilles tenotomy: A minor outpatient procedure to release a tight Achilles tendon
- Bracing (foot abduction brace): Used after casting to maintain correction and prevent relapse, usually worn full-time for 3 months and then during sleep for several years
This method is over 90% effective when parents follow the bracing regimen carefully.
2. French Functional Method
This approach involves daily stretching, taping, and physiotherapy. While less common than Ponseti, it may be used in specific cases or cultural contexts.
3. Surgical Treatment | Treatment of Club Foot
Surgery is considered when non-surgical methods fail or if the club foot is extremely rigid. Procedures may involve:
- Tendon lengthening or transfer
- Joint realignment
- Bone surgery in older children
Surgery can carry risks like stiffness or overcorrection, so it’s reserved for resistant cases.
4. Parental Involvement
Success relies heavily on parental commitment to the bracing phase. Education and support are vital to ensure compliance and reduce relapse.
5. Long-Term Monitoring | Treatment of Club Foot
Children with corrected club foot need periodic assessments during early growth to catch any recurrence early. Footwear modifications, orthotics, or physiotherapy may be recommended to support long-term function.
In short, treatment of club foot is most effective when started early—preferably within the first few weeks of life. With modern methods, children typically go on to live active, healthy lives without any visible deformity.
[Next: Complications and Recovery from Club Foot →]
