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Clubfoot’s exact cause is unknown, but studies have linked maternal environment and genetics as possible contributing factors. It is a common birth defect that affects one or both feet, and can be mild or severe. Treatment involves stretching methods or surgery.
As of 2011, medical researchers have yet to establish an exact cause of clubfoot. In the past, it was generally thought that the baby’s feet were damaged in some way during pregnancy, having become cramped or twisted by the baby’s position in the mother’s womb. While this long-held belief has been disproved by research, no definitive factors have been established that explain the development of clubfoot. Science has been able, however, to narrow down some contributing factors and possible causes, such as maternal environment and family genetics.
One possible cause of clubfoot is the general environment surrounding the mother. Studies have linked infection, as well as the mother’s lifestyle choices around drug use and cigarette smoking, to the development of clubfoot in an infant. These are considered risk factors for having a baby born with this condition.
Another possible cause of clubfoot is simply genetics, as seen in family history. The medical community believes there is good evidence that a genetic component is involved in causing clubfoot. Studies have indicated that approximately 25 percent of children born with clubfoot have a relative also born with the condition. No specific abnormal gene that causes this condition has been identified. The general opinion among researchers, however, is that it is the interaction of a number of genes together with non-genetic factors that lead to this condition.
Clubfoot is considered a birth defect as it only develops during fetal life. It is a relatively common birth defect, can affect one or both feet, and can be mild or severe. A child born with this condition has misaligned joints along with an abnormal shape of the bones in one or both feet. The tendons on the back and inside of the foot are shortened. These shortened tendons pull the foot in so that the toes point both downward and inward.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the attending obstetrician will most likely be able to diagnose clubfoot soon after birth. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for clubfoot. It is important, however, that treatments start as soon as possible after birth.
Initially, babies born with clubfoot are treated with one of two stretching methods. The Ponseti method involves manipulating the foot into the correct position and then placing a cast on it. Another approach is the French method whereby the foot is manipulated daily and held in place by tape. Severe cases of clubfoot, however, may need to be treated surgically.
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