The child should also have a careful examination of the hips, neck and spine to assess for the presence of associated conditions. Following treatment x-rays are used to assess the development of the bones in the foot. While there is a definite genetic contribution to the development of clubfoot deformity, other potential causes include viral infection and lack of sufficient amniotic fluid. Clubfoot can also be associated with certain congenital problems including myelomeningocoele, Streeter's syndrome, arthrogryposis, and certain forms of dwarfism. The GOAL of treatment is to provide a stable normally positioned foot by the time the child reaches walking age.
Treatment begins soon after birth and occurs in stages.
Initially, gentle manipulation with casting or taping is used to gradually correct the position of the foot. Traditionally, weekly casting has been used to achieve this correction. Recently, daily physical therapy followed by a special taping procedure has been proved very effective in correcting mild and moderate idiopathic clubfoot deformity. If closed manipulative treatment fails, then surgical correction is required. It requires a general anesthetic, and the child must remain overnight in the hospital.