Congenital idiopathic clubfoot is a foot deformity that affects 0.39 babies per 1000 newborn live in Chinese population. Usually, boys are more common than girls. Half of babies born with with clubfoot are affecting both feet. If either foot, more common in right foot.
The affected foot usually appears turning inwards with stiffness of heel cord (Achilles tendon), making it looks like the golf clubfoot. Therefore, it named clubfoot.
The exact reason causing the congenital idiopathic clubfoot is till unknown. However, there is a high change of infants are having clubfoot then normal population if their close relatives had clubfeet. For example, father or mother. Other than family history, maternal smoking is one of the causes during the first trimester of pregnancy. Usually, clubfoot is diagnosed during the structural ultrasound check up (around 18 - 21 weeks gestation). it is believed that the muscle of affected foot has stopped growing. Therefore, clubfoot is formed. Sometimes, clubfoot can not be diagnosed during the pregnancy due to the position of the baby staying in mother's womb. Yet, It is definitely noticed at birth.
If newborn is diagnosed with clubfoot, there are series of checking to make sure if it is just congenital idiopathic clubfoot or caused by any neurological or syndromal conditions. Also, Developmental dysplasia of the hip and spasmodic torticollis are common in infant who has clubfoot. Research has shown that the limb of affected foot looks smaller than normal foot and smaller calf muscle is created. However, affected foot would have the similar function as usual, and 1 - shoes - size different only.
Dear parents, please do not panic and do more research on this topic and prepare well for yourself. It is nothing related evil sprit! Remember to seek for second opinion and even consult your pediatric orthopedics. A serial of clubfoot treatment is ahead after they are born.
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