Easy Exercises To Treat a Club Foot at Home

Clubfoot, medically known as talipes equinovarus, is a congenital condition where a newborn's foot appears rotated internally at the ankle. Without intervention, the condition can impair mobility and lead to significant discomfort. Fortunately, early treatment can usually correct club foot, allowing individuals to lead active, normal lives. This article explores simple yet best exercises that can be performed at home to aid in the club foot treatment, supplementing professional medical therapies.

Signs and Symptoms of Clubfoot

Below are some of the most common and easily notable signs of clubfoot.

• Foot Turned Inwards: The most noticeable sign is that the affected foot looks like it's rotated inwards towards the ankle.
• Foot Size Difference: The foot may appear smaller than normal or shorter than the other foot.
• Arch Abnormalities: There may be a more pronounced arch or no arch at all.
• Calf Muscle Differences: The calf muscles in the leg with the clubfoot might be underdeveloped.
• Limited Foot Mobility: Difficulty in moving the foot upwards or sideways.

The Role of Exercises in Managing Clubfoot

Exercise and regular check-ups are the mainstays of clubfoot management. Both have more advantages than one toward minimising the burden of the condition.

• Increased Flexibility: The exercises make the foot and ankle more flexible; hence movements become very easy.
• Strength Building: Strengthening the muscles around the foot will maintain it in the right position.
• Mobility Enhancement: Routine exercises improve the mobility of a limb and a joint, which prevents stiffness, a bending component symptom in clubfoot.
• Supports Other Treatments: Exercises are typically implemented alongside medical treatments like casting or bracing.

Top 5 Exercises for Clubfoot: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here are top 5 foot exercises that can help in clubfoot:

Metatarsus Adduction (Stretching Instep Out)

• Purpose: This exercise aims to stretch and align the instep by moving it outward.
• Steps: Place your left hand on the inside of the baby's foot. Put the fingers of your right hand between the toes and gently stretch the front side of the foot (with the toes) downwards, away from the heel. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and return to the normal position. Repeat this stretch to help correct the foot's alignment.

Ankle Plantarflexion (Foot Goes Down)

• Purpose: Increase flexibility and strength in the ankle by encouraging downward movement.
• Steps: Hold the baby's heel and ankle with your left hand. Use your right hand to gently push the midfoot and toes down while keeping the heel stabilised with the left hand. This exercise helps in improving the downward flexibility of the foot.

Ankle Dorsiflexion (Foot Goes Up)

• Purpose: Enhance upward movement and flexibility of the ankle.
• Steps: With your right hand, hold the baby’s heel and gently pull the calf muscles downwards. Place your left hand in the middle of the back of the baby’s foot and gently push it towards the heel to improve the upward flexibility.

Toe Stretches

• Purpose: Improve the flexibility of each toe and the overall dexterity of the foot.
• Steps: Have the baby lie down, gently pull each toe one by one while maintaining the ankle and heel at a 90-degree angle. This helps in loosening the toe muscles and enhancing toe movement.

Strengthening Exercises

• Purpose: Strengthen the muscles of the foot and leg.
• Steps: Gently tickle the toes, calf, and the backside of the foot of your baby. He will naturally respond by lifting his leg and stretching the muscles. Repeat this action ten times to help strengthen the foot’s muscles effectively.

Conclusion

Though these foot stretching exercises can give supportive care to handle clubfoot, one must follow the prescribed treatment of a medical professional. Regularly practised, these exercises really will help improve mobility and overall health of the foot, hence giving a bright future to those suffering from clubfoot. Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company provides financial protection for various medical treatments.

FAQs

Can clubfoot reoccur after treatment?

Yes, there is a possibility of recurrence, especially if follow-up treatments such as bracing are not followed as instructed post-clubfoot correction surgery. Constant follow-up and being faithful to all rehabilitation instructions will ascertain that this might not happen.

Can adults with untreated clubfoot undergo corrective surgery?

Yes, adults with clubfoot that have never been treated can have corrective surgery even at their age. However, the procedures may be more complex and take a little longer to recover from as compared to performing the surgery during infancy.

How can parents support a child with clubfoot emotionally?

Parents should also provide a positive approach by reminding them that the treatment works and allowing them to join different events and activities whenever possible. Emotional support and encouragement are the two most essential things to be provided in this case.

Can clubfoot be prevented during pregnancy?

As clubfoot is generally a genetic-related condition, it cannot be prevented from happening during pregnancy. Nevertheless, a normal pregnancy, along with appropriate prenatal care, can reduce the risk of delivering a child with any birth defect.

What are the long-term effects of untreated clubfoot?

Untreated clubfoot may result in many complications such as painful ambulation or walking, decreased mobility, increased risk of developing arthritis, or even social stigmatisation. Treatment is thus necessary early to prevent these complications.

The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Standard T&C apply

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or any treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.