Bespoke Orthopaedic Footwear for Talipes (Clubfoot)
What is Talipes or Clubfoot?
Talipes or Clubfoot is a condition which is present from birth, in which either one (unilaterally) or both (bilaterally) The foot/feet are turned inwards from the normal foot position. The muscles on the outer side of the leg are weaker than those on the inside of the leg. The tendons on the inside of the leg also become much shorter than what is considered normal. The bones of the foot are commonly abnormally shaped and the Achilles tendon (the large tendon at the back of the heel) is tight. The affected foot and calf are often smaller than normal or maybe even the side of the body.
The full medical term used to describe this condition is Congenital Talipes Equino-Varus (CTEV).
- Congenital - Present at birth
- Talipes - The foot or ankle
- Equino - The foot points downwards from the ankle
- Varus - The bone is tilted in (when viewed from behind)
Clubfoot affects approximately 1 in 1000 live births in the UK and is twice as common in boys than girls. There is an approximate 50:50 chance only one or both feet are affected. Clubfoot can be classified into four different categories: structural, positional, complex/atypical and syndromic. Structural is the most commonly found.
What causes Clubfoot?
In most cases there is unfortunately no known cause for Clubfoot. The Clubfoot posture/position affects the shape, orientation or position of the small bones of the feet as the baby develops in the womb. One of the small bones of the feet usually remains rotated compared to the position expected in the normal foot. This causes the foot to develop in the turned in position and can result in the soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments on the inside of the foot to become shortened and tight, which further rotates the foot inwards.
Complications in the feet caused by Clubfoot
Some adults with Clubfoot can experience some degree of foot pain and difficulty with mobility as they begin to age and get older.The foot may become stiff and there could be a leg length discrepancy present in the affected foot, this can cause aches and pains as well as postural issues if the foot and the leg are not properly supported. There may be difficulty with moving the foot up and down (dorsiflexion). These factors can all contribute to significant mobility issues, pain and difficulty walking. The team at Bill Bird Shoes can talk through the variety of options Bespoke Orthopaedic Inserts and Footwear can offer you.
Clubfoot and how Bespoke Orthopaedic Footwear can be of benefit
Our treatment plans will include suggestions on suitable, supportive styles of footwear, that will allow access into footwear for abnormally shaped feet, have plenty of space for both the feet and specially made inserts within the footwear. Inserts will help support the internal structures of the feet, helping to offload pressure points, providing levels of pain relief. The footwear will be made specifically to accommodate your foot position, offering tailored support for the foot structure. Soles and heels will be designed and profiled to suit your unique walking style.
If you would like any further help and advice please do not hesitate to contact the team at their Cotswold workshop on 01386 700855 or enquiries@billbird.co.uk