Clubfoot Management
About Clubfoot Management
Clubfoot occurs in 1 to 4 live births. Clubfoot is the most common musculoskeletal birth deformity, affecting 200,000 newborn children each year, 80 percent in developing countries.(Ponseti international) In Kenya, 1,653 babies are born with clubfoot annually. The causes of clubfoot are unknown, however, boys are twice as likely to develop clubfoot as girls. Doctors generally recommend treating clubfoot soon after birth.
Clubfoot can be fully treated if identified early and treated. APDK emphasizes on the use of the Ponseti method. Clubfoot Care management clinic are held once a week in all branches of APDK in collaboration with other stakeholders listed below in management and training on clubfoot care management.
- Hope Walk Kenya
- Clubfoot Care for Kenya
- Cure international
A multidisciplinary medical team which comprised of a clinician, therapists, technologists and counselors run the clinic in partnership HOPE Walk Kenya.
How can we help you?
Contact us at the Consulting WP office nearest to you or submit a business inquiry online.
Clubfoot Care Management Clinic treatment involves
Assessment
The therapists checks out for symptoms of Clubfoot, if
- The top of the foot is twisted downward and inward, increasing the arch and turning the heel inward.
- The foot may be turned so severely that it actually looks as if it’s upside down.
- The affected leg or foot may be slightly shorter.
- The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped.
How is clubfoot treated?
1st Level of Management – Serial Casting
The primary way of treatment is the Ponseti method which involves the manipulation of the baby’s foot with their hands. The aim is to correct the bend in the foot. Then a plaster cast is applied from the toes to the thigh, to hold the foot in position. The casting is repeated at weekly intervals.
Tenotomy
Minor surgery may follow the Ponseti method treatment, if necessary, to release the Achilles tendon.
2nd Level of management
After the foot is corrected, second level of management is introduced. The patient needs to wear special boots attached to a brace to hold the foot, or feet, in the best position. This is to prevent relapse.
For 2 to 3 months, the boots are worn 23 hours a day. After this, they are only worn at night and during daytime naps, until the age of around 4 years.
Trainings
APDK in collaboration with Clubfoot Care for Kenya and Hope Walk Kenya conducts yearly training on clubfoot care management using the Ponseti Method.
World Clubfoot Day
APDK celebrates the international World Clubfoot Day every June 3rd. The date was chosen to commemorate the birthdate of Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, (1914-2009) the developer of the Ponseti Method to treat clubfoot. Follow this link to learn World Clubfoot Day (ponseti.info)
The goal of World Clubfoot Day
- to raise awareness about clubfoot disability and its prevention using the Ponseti Method
- to celebrate children born with clubfoot whose lives have been transformed by treatment,
- parents whose steadfast hope and dedication have been rewarded,
- service providers whose healing hands have guided thousands of little feet to mobility, for all clubfoot champions whose support continues to bring treatment to children in need around the world.
- to share experiences, challenges, have fun and food with their children, friends, Clinicians and the community
A parents makes donations in appreciation for success correction of their child’s clubfoot.
