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Expert Club Foot Treatment in Delhi

club foot treatment and cure at Arunalaya
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Club Foot (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus - CTEV)

Clubfoot, medically known as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), is a common birth defect affecting the foot and ankle. It’s characterized by a combination of deformities that cause the foot to turn inward and downward. The term “congenital” means it’s present at birth.

Causes of Club Foot

The exact cause of clubfoot is often unknown (idiopathic), but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

  • Idiopathic Clubfoot (Most common)

    • No identifiable cause.
    • Considered a multifactorial condition.

  • Genetic Factors

    • Familial tendency; higher risk if a sibling has clubfoot.
    • Research ongoing on specific gene mutations; no single gene identified as exclusive cause.

  • Environmental Factors (less clearly defined)

    • Intrauterine Positioning: Abnormal fetal positioning in the womb (theory, less accepted).
    • Reduced Amniotic Fluid (Oligohydramnios): May restrict fetal movement, contributing to deformity.
    • Maternal Smoking: Some studies suggest possible association, not a direct cause.
    • Neuromuscular Conditions: Association with disorders such as:
      • Spina Bifida
      • Cerebral Palsy
      • Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC)
      • Myelomeningocele

  • Syndromic Clubfoot

    • Part of broader syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities.
Symptoms of Club Foot

  • Foot Turned Inward and Downward: The most prominent feature; the top of the foot is rotated inward and downward, making it difficult or impossible to place the sole flat on the ground.

  • High Arch: The foot may display an unusually high arch.

  • Underdeveloped Calf Muscles: Smaller and less developed calf muscles in the affected leg compared to the unaffected leg.

  • Shorter Foot: The affected foot may be slightly shorter than the unaffected foot.

  • Limited Range of Motion: Restricted flexibility and movement in the foot and ankle joints.

  • Rigidity: The deformity is often stiff and not easily corrected manually.

  • Crease in the Arch: A deep crease may be visible in the arch area of the foot.

  • Toe Deformities: Toes may be curled or positioned abnormally.

Advanced Physiotherapy Management for Club Foot

Manual Therapy

  • Joint Mobilization
    • Gentle, specific techniques applied to the subtalar, ankle, and midfoot joints.
    • Aim: Improve flexibility and correct alignment; core part of the Ponseti method.
  • Soft Tissue Mobilization/Massage
    • Gentle massage and stretching of tight soft tissues (ligaments, joint capsules, muscles).
    • Focus areas: Medial and posterior foot and ankle (e.g., Achilles tendon, posterior tibialis, calf muscles).
    • Purpose: Lengthen shortened structures and enhance tissue extensibility.
  • Fascial Manipulation
    • Techniques to release restrictions in the deep fascial layers of the lower leg and foot.
    • Goal: Address deforming restrictions and improve range of motion.

Myofascial Realease

  • Purpose: Address restrictions in the connective tissue around muscles, bones, and organs.
  • Application:
    • Gentle, sustained pressure on tight fascia (e.g., calf fascia, plantar fascia).
    • Benefits: Release deep tightness, enhance dorsiflexion and eversion.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Management (IASTM)

  • Purpose: Detect and treat soft tissue restrictions, adhesions, and scar tissue.
  • Application:
    • Use specialized tools to target fibrotic tissue around calf muscles, Achilles tendons, and ankle structures.
    • Advantages: Deeper, more specific treatment; gentle application suitable for children.

Dry Needling

  • Purpose: Insert thin needles into trigger points or tight muscle bands to reduce hypertonicity and pain.
  • Application:
    • Typically used in older children or adults with residual deformity or discomfort.
    • Targets: Calf muscles, tibialis posterior, and other muscles involved in inversion and equinus.
    • Note: Less common in infants; mainly secondary to manual therapy and casting.

Kinesiology Taping

  • Purpose: Support muscles, reduce swelling, support correction, and improve proprioception.
  • Application:
    • Support & Correction: Maintain corrected foot position after casting/bracing—encourage dorsiflexion and eversion.
    • Muscle Facilitation/Inhibition: Promote weak muscle function (e.g., tibialis anterior) or inhibit overactive muscles (e.g., gastrocnemius).
    • Proprioception & Edema: Enhance sensory feedback and reduce swelling with lymphatic taping.

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Working Hours

Mon - Sat: 9:00AM to 8:30PM
Sunday: 9:30AM to 7:30PM

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+91 8090080906
+91 8090080907
+91 8866991000




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