Clubfoot Causes and Treatment

Clubfoot is a deformity where the infant’s foot is turned inward. This can make the bottom of the foot face sideways or even have it face upwards. Clubfoot is one of the more common congenital foot deformities. It affects approximately 1 in every 1000 infants with boys being twice as likely to have clubfoot as girls. Without clubfoot treatment, the foot will remain deformed and the child will most likely not be able to walk properly. With clubfoot treatment and potential clubfoot surgery, the majority of children are able to live with barely any trace of the original deformity.

There are two types of clubfoot: unilateral (only affecting one foot) and bilateral (affecting both feet). Clubfoot exists when the tendons that connect the leg muscles with the foot bones are short and tight. This causes the foot to twist inwards which makes it difficult to walk. Clubfoot can sometimes be diagnosed during ultrasounds.

Clubfoot can also be classified into two groups: isolated/idiopathic where the child has no other medical problems and nonisolated where the child has other medical problems. Clubfoot cannot improve without treatment. It is important to speak to a foot doctor about a course of treatment. Dr. Amber Shane offers words of encouragement for anyone suffering from a complicated foot or ankle issue including clubfoot, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-7gijDZnA0. She also talks about her experience in treating a man with this complicated issue

There are many ways of treating clubfoot, ranging from nonsurgical to clubfoot surgery that a trained foot doctor can perform. It is important to get treatment for clubfoot as otherwise it will remain deformed and the child will not be able to walk properly. Without treatment, it will be very painful for the child as he/she will not be able to walk and it will also limit the physical activity that he/she is able to participate in.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic foot is a dangerous loss of sensation in the feet caused by damage to the nervous system. Often, this loss of sensation can lead to a diabetic foot sufferer not noticing wounds or injuries in the foot, which can lead to additional damage or infection.

Causes 

Diabetic foot is caused by diabetes, an insulin deficiency that can damage the nervous system, blood vessels and immune system. This damage can result in loss of feeling in the extremities, often in the feet.

Symptoms 

A common symptom of a diabetic foot is new or lasting numbness in the foot or leg. Other symptoms can include swelling, pain when walking, loss of hair on the legs and feet, and hard, shiny skin. Severe cases may result in open sores on the foot that can lead to infection.

Treatment

Treatment of diabetic foot is often dependent on keeping diabetes under control with proper diet, regular medication, exercise and physician care. Preventative care such as regular foot examination, elimination of obstacles in the home, proper footwear and stopping smoking can help prevent damage to the foot.

Source: Orlando Foot and Ankle Clinic