Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), also known as clubfoot, is a congenital condition in which the sole of the foot is turned inwards and backwards. The condition may affect one or both feet.
There are two types of CTEV: postural and structural.
The condition is often quite obvious after the birth of your child. The physical appearance of the foot may vary.
Signs and symptoms include:
Potential complications of clubfoot include:
As the cause of clubfoot is unknown, there are no proven natural or clinically-approved methods for preventing it.
If both feet are affected, the doctor may look for abnormalities at the lower end of your baby’s spine.
Clubfoot is a common congenital condition. One in every 1,000 newborns has clubfoot and the condition is more common in male babies. The risk goes up for babies whose parents or family members have had clubfoot.
Primary risk factors:
Orthopaedic assessments are used to diagnose clubfoot.
Babies with clubfoot are usually referred to a physiotherapist for evaluation and treatment. Treatment consists of joint manipulation as well as strapping with tape to improve joint mobility.
In more severe cases, where joint manipulation and strapping are ineffective, plaster casting and referral to an orthopaedic surgeon may be required.
Below are common treatments for the two types of clubfoot:
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