Health encyclopaedia

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Treatment of Club foot

Treatment is often started in the weeks following birth, and aims to allow the child to have flexible, pain-free and functional feet. Treatment will depend on both your doctor and the severity of your child’s condition. It can include physiotherapy, gentle manipulation, use of plaster casts, splints and special boots, and/or surgery.

 A growing number of orthopaedic specialists are now using a style of treatment called the Ponseti method. This treatment originated in the USA, and is gradually being used more in the UK, although it is not yet available nationwide. The Ponseti method includes weekly manipulation sessions and the application of plaster casts for a period of up to two months, followed by the child wearing boots with a splint (bar) to hold the feet in the most effective position.

To prevent relapses, the boots are worn constantly for two or three months, and at night for up to four years. Many children will require a small operation to lengthen the Achilles tendon as part of this process. This is usually performed under a local anesthetic, and often means that more extensive surgery is not required. Your GP will be able to discuss all of the available treatment options with you.

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