Clubfoot Treatment in Delhi

What is Clubfoot?

Clubfoot refers to a deformity of the feet caused in infants. It is characterized by a rotated inwards and downwards appearance of the foot, with the heel facing upwards. The affected foot may also be slightly shorter or thinner than the other. According to statistics, around 1 in 1000 babies are diagnosed with clubfoot every year. Males are more affected than females.

Clubfoot treatment in Delhi can be carried out after learning its type, complexity, and the overall condition of the infant. While some types (idiopathic) are not affected by any pre-existing conditions, other types of clubfoot, such as syndromic clubfoot, are related to neuromuscular conditions, such as spina bifida, arthrogryposis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and more.

Causes

The exact cause of clubfoot is not known. However, some doctors point out that this condition may be the result of the combination of genetics and environmental factors. Clubfoot is not caused by anything the parents do during pregnancy.

One of the causes may include issues during foetal development or underlying neuromuscular conditions. If not treated at the right time, clubfoot may lead to difficulty walking, pain, imbalance, and long-term disability in the infant.

Symptoms

• The top of the foot is pointing in and down. It raises the arch and turns the heel inward.
• The foot is turning so severely that it appears to be upside down.
• The foot or the toe is measuring slightly shorter than the other foot.
• The calf muscles in the affected leg are smaller than those in the other leg.

How is Clubfoot diagnosed?

The pediatric orthopaedic specialist conducts a physical examination of the foot by gently touching and twisting it, while also assessing its physical appearance to confirm the diagnosis of clubfoot. They may order blood tests to check for nutritional deficiency. Additionally, the doctor may order several scans, including X-ray, neurological screening, or more, to check for the condition and confirm its diagnosis.

How is Clubfoot treated?

Depending on the type of clubfoot, the pediatric orthopaedic specialist may use one of the following approaches for clubfoot treatment in Delhi:

The Ponseti Method

This method is considered a worldwide standard of care for clubfoot. According to reports, it may correct up to 95% of clubfoot cases in infants without any surgical intervention. The Ponseti Method includes the following:

• Phase 1: Serial Casting — This method of clubfoot correction starts within the first 1-2 weeks of the diagnosis of clubfoot or the child's birth, when the tissues are in their most flexible state. The surgeon gently stretches the foot and applies a long-leg plaster cast from the toes to the thigh. Depending on the progress of the treatment, the casts may be changed weekly for 5-8 weeks. Each new cast moves the foot closer to its correct position.
• Phase 2: Tenotomy — Tenotomy is a minor procedure for clubfoot correction. Around 90% of babies may require a heel cord release, known as Achilles tenotomy, once the foot has rested in its correct position. The office-based procedure lengthens the tight Achilles tendon. After the procedure, the doctor places the final cast, which should be worn for three weeks.
• Phase 3: Bracing — It is the last but the most critical phase for parents to manage their infant's clubfoot. As the condition has a high tendency to relapse as the child grows, the doctor recommends using a brace with boots and a bar. The brace should be worn full-time for the first three months. Any failure to follow the bracing schedule may interfere with the recovery process.

Surgery

Although most cases of clubfoot are successfully treated with casting and bracing, some resistant cases may require surgery for the correction of the deformity. It may involve releasing or lengthening the tight structures around the foot or transferring tendons to balance the muscle forces around the foot. Other complex cases, like stiff feet, may require the cutting of bones to realign them.

Cost of Clubfoot Treatment in Delhi

The cost of clubfoot treatment in Delhi starts from 2,10,000 INR and may go up to 3,00,000 INR, respectively, depending on certain factors.

• Costs at the private hospital are higher than those at public hospitals.
• The overall experience and skill of the surgeon also play a role in deciding the cost.
• The duration of stay at the hospital adds up to the existing cost of CTEV correction in Delhi.
• The cost of additional tests and rehabilitation therapy is also included in calculating the overall cost of the treatment.

Recovery after treatment

Recovery after the treatment requires consistent care and healthy daily practices to maintain alignment of the foot and prevent recurrence of the condition.

• Ensure compliance with the use of a brace as advised by the doctor to maintain the correction of the foot.
• Perform stretching exercises taught by the specialist to keep the tendons flexible.
• You will be advised to allow regular play for your kid, but avoid high-impact activities until approved.
• Choose soft, comfortable shoes during the early walking stages of your child.
• Do not skip scheduled follow-ups so you and your doctor can collectively track growth and alignment.

Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Clubfoot Treatment?

Dr. Ashwani Maichand is a trusted expert when it comes to the treatment of clubfoot in infants. Known for his skills in taking complex cases and combining his decades of experience with modern treatment practices, Dr. Maichand focuses on achieving optimal alignment and long-term mobility in infants.

His patient-centric approach ensures early diagnosis, gentle correction, and close follow-up to prevent recurrence of the condition. Supported by his multidisciplinary team and modern facilities like the Ponseti method and other corrective surgeries, Dr. Maichand is committed to helping children lead active, pain-free lives with improved function and confidence.

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