Question

My child is now 5 years old and has had congenital foot inversion since birth. I originally thought that as the child grew older, the condition would resolve itself with a little straightening, but it didn’t. I would like to inquire about how congenital foot inversion should be treated?

Answer

Congenital talipes equinovarus, commonly known as clubfoot, is a common birth defect with an incidence rate of about 1‰ in China, affecting boys more than girls and can affect either one or both feet. The causes of congenital talipes equinovarus are numerous, and there is no definitive conclusion in the world today, possibly related to factors such as heredity, environment, and the fetus’s position in the womb. The general principle is that the younger the age of follow-up, the better the effect. Depending on age and type, different treatment plans are determined. Typically, treatment is divided into strict treatment before 6 months of age and surgical treatment after 6 months.