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Club Foot in Newborns: Treatment Options in Patna

Paediatric Orthopaedic

club-foot-in-newborns-treatment-options-in-patna

The moment you hear that your newborn has a foot problem can feel overwhelming. Many parents describe it as a blur a quick explanation from the doctor, a glance at their baby’s foot, and then a rush of questions. Is this serious? Will my child walk normally? Did we do something wrong?

If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken an important first step you’re looking for the right information. The reassuring truth is that club foot is one of the most treatable conditions in paediatric orthopaedics. With early and proper care, most children go on to live completely normal, active lives.

This guide will help you understand what club foot is, why it happens, how it is treated using modern methods, and what to expect step by step especially if you are looking for club foot treatment in Patna.

If your child has been diagnosed, early treatment makes a real difference. You can consult Dr. Jaswinder Singh at Orthovita Hospital, Patna, for evaluation and guidance.

What is Club Foot? Understanding the Diagnosis

Club foot, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a condition present at birth where a baby’s foot is twisted inward and downward. It may affect one foot or both.

One of the most important things for parents to understand is this: you did not cause this. Club foot is not due to anything you did during pregnancy, your diet, or any cultural belief. In most cases, the exact cause is unknown.

How Common is Club Foot in India?

Club foot occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 births worldwide. In India, including Bihar, it is relatively common but awareness is still low. Many families encounter this condition for the first time only after their child is born.

The good news is that when treated early, outcomes are excellent.

What Causes Club Foot?

In most cases, club foot is idiopathic, meaning there is no specific cause identified. However, some factors may be associated:

  • Family history (genetic tendency)
  • Neuromuscular conditions
  • Limited space in the womb during development

In many parts of Bihar, families may initially hear myths or non-medical explanations. It is important to rely on medical guidance and avoid delays in treatment.

Why Early Treatment is Critical

Early treatment is the single most important factor in successfully correcting club foot.

In newborns, the baby’s bones, joints, and ligaments are soft and flexible. This allows doctors to gradually guide the foot into a normal position without major surgery.

When treatment is delayed:

  • The deformity becomes more rigid
  • Correction becomes more complex
  • Walking difficulties may develop
  • Long-term disability risk increases

Starting treatment within the first few weeks of life gives the best outcomes.

The Ponseti Method: The Gold Standard Treatment

Today, the globally accepted treatment for club foot is the Ponseti method. It is a non-surgical technique with a success rate of over 90% when started early and followed correctly.

Phase 1: Gentle Manipulation and Casting

Treatment begins with weekly sessions where the doctor gently moves the baby’s foot toward a corrected position. After each session, a plaster cast is applied to hold the correction.

This process continues for about 5–6 weeks, with a new cast applied each week.

Parents often worry about discomfort, but babies generally tolerate casting very well. Feeding, sleeping, and normal routines can continue.

The Achilles Tenotomy: A Small Step with Big Impact

In many cases, the Achilles tendon remains tight even after casting. A small procedure called a tenotomy is performed to release it.

This is:

  • A very minor procedure
  • Done under local anaesthesia
  • Takes only a few minutes
  • Does not require stitches

After this, a final cast is applied for about three weeks.

Phase 2: Bracing (Maintaining Correction)

Once the foot is corrected, a brace is used to maintain the position. This consists of special shoes attached to a bar.

The brace is worn:

  • 22–23 hours daily for the first 3 months
  • Then during sleep until around age 4–5

This stage is extremely important. Without proper bracing, the deformity can return.

When is Surgery Needed for Club Foot?

In most newborns, surgery is not required because the Ponseti method is highly effective.

However, surgery may be considered in:

  • Older children who did not receive early treatment
  • Severe or neglected cases
  • Cases that do not respond fully to casting

Even in these situations, modern techniques aim to minimise extensive surgery.

What to Expect at Your First Visit in Patna

Your first consultation is focused on understanding your child’s condition clearly.

The doctor will:

  • Examine the foot
  • Use a scoring system (Pirani score) to assess severity
  • Explain the treatment plan step by step
  • Discuss the casting schedule and follow-up

Parents are encouraged to ask questions. Practical concerns such as travel, follow-up visits, and brace use are also discussed.

Why Choose Dr. Jaswinder Singh for Club Foot Treatment in Patna?

Choosing the right specialist is important, especially for a newborn.

Dr. Jaswinder Singh focuses on paediatric orthopaedics and deformity correction, including conditions like club foot, bow legs, and knock knees.

His training includes advanced deformity correction exposure recognised by institutions in Belgium (DSICOT) and the United Kingdom (MRCSA Glasgow). This background supports careful planning and treatment tailored to each child.

At Orthovita Hospital, Patna, families receive structured guidance throughout treatment from casting to bracing and follow-up care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can club foot be cured completely?
    Yes. With early treatment using the Ponseti method, most children achieve full correction and normal function.
  2. Is treatment painful for newborns?
    The process involves gentle correction. Babies may be briefly uncomfortable but are not in significant pain.
  3. When should treatment start?
    Ideally within the first 2–3 weeks after birth.
  4. What if my child is older?
    Treatment is still possible. The approach may differ depending on age and severity.
  5. How long does treatment take?
    Casting usually takes 5–6 weeks, followed by bracing for several years to maintain correction.
  6. Is club foot genetic?
    Most cases are not directly inherited, but there may be a slightly increased risk in families.
  7. Can it be detected before birth?
    Yes, sometimes it is seen on prenatal ultrasound.

Final Thoughts

Hearing that your newborn has club foot can be frightening, but it is important to remember that this condition is highly treatable.

With early intervention, proper guidance, and consistent follow-up, your child can grow up to walk, run, and live normally.

If you are looking for club foot treatment in Patna, early consultation can make all the difference.

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