Know the type and method of handling clubfoot in infants

Club leg is a condition where the ankle is bent inward. This condition is a disorder that occurs from birth. It is estimated that all babies at 1 are born with this leg defect. Club legs can occur on one leg, but in some cases both legs may have an abnormality.
 
Type of clubfoot

Clubfoot abnormalities are divided into two main groups, namely isolated (idiopathic) or not isolated. Isolated or idiopathic clubfoot is the type most commonly experienced. In this condition, foot abnormalities are not followed by other health problems.

In the group of clubfoot that is not isolated, the baby has a congenital or other neuromuscular abnormalities, such as arthrogryposis and spina bifida. If your child has a clubfoot with spina bifida or other neuromuscular disorders, the treatment needed will be longer because it is more resistant.

The condition of Club Foot cannot improve by itself. At the time of birth, the condition of the club's legs does not interfere and cause pain. However, as we get older, Club Foot can make walking difficult for children.

If a child is forced to walk on the club's foot, it will form a stiff leg. This causes the child can not use shoes. In addition, the callus formed by club legs can cause pain and interfere with activity. Early treatment of clubfoot can improve this condition.

2 choices of Club Foot or Clubfoot manipulation
Botanical anomalies can be known from birth, or can be seen from the uterus during ultrasound examination. Therefore, treatment of clubfoot should be done as soon as possible. Ideally, one to two weeks after birth.

Treatment of this disease aims to provide a functional condition of the foot, without pain, to walk on the sole of the foot. Treatment options may be in the form of surgery and nonoperative measures.
 
1. Non-surgical treatment

Non-surgical treatment is the initial treatment of Club Foot, regardless of severity. Two methods can be used, namely the Ponseti method or the French method.

Both of these methods are carried out by manipulating the baby's feet so as to give him a better position. Then the baby will use a band-aid / tampon to maintain this position. This will be repeated every week for 5-8 weeks.

In the final stage after removing the cast, the baby can perform a small operation to release the Achilles tendon. This action will help the baby's feet in the normal position. By doing this procedure, just do it under local anesthesia.

After surgery, children must wear special shoes for the first 3 months and then continue the night until they are 5 years old. This shoe aims to prevent the position of the foot at the foot of the club.

The Ponseti method is a very effective way to deal with Club Foot. The most important thing is the role and commitment of parents to use orthopedic equipment every day. If this is not done painfully, the baby will be at higher risk of experiencing Club Foot again.
 
2. Handling operations

Most cases of clubfoot will improve without surgery. However, sometimes the deformation experienced does not improve completely and the club's legs do not return. Manipulation of club legs with surgery will result in stiffer legs. Therefore, surgery is a last resort.

Surgery is performed to adjust the condition of tendons, ligaments, and leg joints. In the case of partially repaired club legs, the operations required are not as important as those obtained with severe deformation. Surgery is only performed on tendons and joints that play a role in deformity.

Great reconstructive surgery, which involves total elimination of tissue in the legs. After the condition of the foot moves normally, stabilize the leg and joint with support so that the tissue recovers longer.

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