Talipes equinovarus is a rare condition that causes the foot to be turned inward. The heel is most commonly affected, but the ankle and the toes can also be involved. This condition can cause many problems – sometimes even limiting exercise ability. It can also lead to other health issues due to increased pressure on other parts of the body. However, there are some treatments that can help alleviate these symptoms and allow for a better quality of life for those who have this condition. This article will cover some tips and treatments for dealing with talipes equinovarus.
What is Congenital Talipes Equinovarus?
This condition, also known as clubfoot, usually affects the foot. The heel is most commonly affected, but the ankle and the toes can also be involved. This condition is caused by an interruption in the normal development of the foot bones during embryogenesis.
The symptoms vary depending on which part and how severely involved the foot is. Some potential symptoms include:
- Foot turns inward
- Toes point downward
- Elbow flexion
- Difficulty walking
- Limited exercise ability
Why do people with Congenital Talipes Equinovarus experience foot pain?
There are a number of reasons why people with talipes equinovarus experience foot pain. The most common cause is the malleoli being pushed into the sole of the foot. This can lead to some serious pain and discomfort. It can also be caused by excessive weight bearing on the heel due to walking or running. There may also be an abnormal shape in which the foot has been either flattened or rotated inward. People with this abnormality may not experience any pain, but this condition can still lead to problems such as plantar fasciitis and other injuries that cause pain from impact.
How is it treated?
There are four main ways to treat Congenital Talipes Equinovarus. The first and most common is a surgical procedure called plantar fasciotomy. This surgery involves cutting the plantar fascia, also known as the ligament that goes along the bottom of the foot and releasing some of the pressure on the nerve. Another treatment option is a custom-made orthotic shoe insert. Sometimes this can be more effective than surgery, especially for those who have had multiple surgeries in the past. The third treatment option is a physical therapy which often starts with stretching then progressing to strengthening exercises. The final option is using crutches or a wheelchair for mobility.
The causes of talipes equinovarus are not fully understood, but genetics may play a role. There can be multiple reasons for an individual to develop this condition, such as in utero trauma, or there may be an underlying cause like diabetes or certain metabolic disorders that will lead to it developing later in life.
Tips on treating and preventing foot pain
- Proper foot care
- Foot muscle strength and flexibility
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- A custom-made shoe
- Rest and relaxation
Foot muscle strength and flexibility
Flexibility of the feet is vital to ensuring that the foot has a proper foundation for all movements, even those that are as simple as walking across a room or climbing stairs. It is important to stretch your feet daily, especially after exercise or if you’ve been sitting for a long time – this will help prevent further injury from occurring due to decreased flexibility in your lower body, which can cause pain and other problems in the future. If you have any chronic issues with the muscles in your feet that make up the arch, these issues should be addressed with a physical therapist before proceeding with treatment of talipes equinovarus.
Some of the more common tips and treatments for reducing pain include:
- Limiting activities that cause pain
- Ice baths
- Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Gentle stretching and exercises
- Custom orthotics that fit your foot
The consideration of the various conditions is of utmost importance!
