TALIPES EQUINOVARUS
Is the technical term, which is sometimes known as clubfoot, and one (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral) can be affected.
The condition can be detected pre natally by ultrasound scan though at present there is no way of treating the feet before
the birth. Otherwise it is not discovered until birth where the feet are visibly turned inwards. It is not yet known what
exactly causes talipes. There is considerable evidence that the condition can be hereditary. Boys tend to be affected more than girls.

TREATMENT
Mild cases of CTEV may not require active intervention but more severe forms will. In the past when CTEV was left
untreated the growing child would not be able to place his foot/feet flat on the floor when walking, thus causing a limp and
severe foot deformity. However nowadays, treatment begins almost immediately in order to achieve functional pain free feet.

Treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition. They include
• Gentle manipulation (stretching of the foot into the correct position)
• Gentle manipulation and maintenance of the corrected position using any or a combination of the following methods:

• Adhesive strapping/splints/plaster
• Casts/splints/Denis Browne bar and booties.
• Surgery
• Ponseti method

The duration of treatment depends on each case and in severe cases treatment may continue until the child has started
school. Sometimes further treatment may be needed as the child grows.A relapse is a possibility which is why your child will
be checked throughout their growing years to ensure the deformity does not recur. However for the majority of children
effective treatment means they can do everything that children without CTEV can do.