CTEV (Clubfoot): Symptoms, Causes, Long-Term Problems & Effective Orthotic Treatment by Dr Rajiv Agrawal, P&O



CTEV (Clubfoot): Symptoms, Causes, Long-Term Problems & Effective Orthotic Treatment by Dr Rajiv Agrawal, P&O

Congenital Talipes Equino Varus (CTEV)—popularly known as Clubfoot—is one of the most common congenital foot deformities seen in infants. If not identified and treated correctly in time, it can lead to lifelong disability. With growing awareness and advanced orthotic management, clinics like Foot Care Jaipur (Artificial Limb Clinic Since 1998) have transformed outcomes for hundreds of children under the expert guidance of Dr. Rajiv Agrawal, Clinical Director (Prosthetics & Orthotics).

This article explains the condition, symptoms, causes, myths, mistakes, and how proper long-term orthotic care delivers permanent correction.

What is CTEV / Clubfoot?

CTEV is a congenital deformity where a baby is born with the foot twisted inward and downward. It affects one or both feet and has a predictable pattern that responds very well to early orthotic management.

Symptoms Parents Can Easily Correlate

Parents often notice:

  • The baby’s foot is turned inwards (varus)

  • Heel is raised up (equines)

  • Foot looks smaller than normal

  • Calf muscles appear thinner

  • Baby avoids putting the foot straight when held

  • Shoes wear out on one side in older untreated cases

  • Difficulty keeping the foot flat even with stretching

Early identification allows maximum correction with minimal effort.

Reasons Behind CTEV

While the exact cause is not always clear, some common factors include:

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Abnormal position of the baby inside the womb

  • Neuromuscular imbalance

  • Family history of clubfoot or congenital deformities

CTEV is not caused by external pressure, wrong footwear, or handling errors by parents—an important misconception to clear.

Pattern & Demography of CTEV

  • Present in 1–2 per 1000 live births

  • More common in male children

  • Can be unilateral or bilateral

  • Higher incidence in families with history of congenital deformities

  • Seen across all socioeconomic levels

India sees a large number of CTEV births annually, making early treatment awareness crucial.

What Happens If CTEV Is Not Treated or Treated Late?

Untreated clubfoot can lead to:

  • Permanent foot deformity

  • Difficulty walking or running

  • Walking on outer or upper edge of the foot

  • Painful calluses and skin breakdown

  • Abnormal gait & posture problems

  • Reduced calf muscle growth

  • Social and psychological impact on the child as they grow

Long-term neglect can lead to lifelong disability requiring complex surgeries.

Typical Home Remedies & Why They Fail

Parents often try:

  • Massaging the foot

  • Stretching exercises taught by relatives

  • Tight cloth wrapping

  • Oil application

  • Forcing straight walking

These methods do not correct the deformity because CTEV involves bone alignment, not just muscle tightness.
Without professional orthotic supervision, these attempts waste valuable correction time.

Impact of Orthotic Management & Exercises

Modern orthotic care—when started early—can correct clubfoot without surgery in most cases.

Key Elements of Effective Orthotic Treatment

  • Serial correction

  • Precision-aligned orthotic braces

  • Stretching exercises

  • Foot abduction bracing

  • Regular follow-up

Benefits

  • Restores normal foot alignment

  • Promotes proper walking pattern

  • Reduces risk of relapse

  • Prevents long-term deformity

  • Ensures symmetrical growth of both legs

Correct orthotic management, combined with exercises, ensures a stable, functional, and cosmetically normal foot.

After-Effects If Treatment Is Stopped Too Early

Many cases relapse due to incomplete follow-up. Stopping bracing early can lead to:

  • Inward turning of foot again

  • Tightening of soft tissues

  • Imbalance in leg muscles

  • Return of walking difficulty

  • Need for more aggressive treatment later

CTEV requires long-term bracing, often up to 5 years, depending on severity.
Consistency is the key to permanent results.

Foot Care Jaipur’s Expertise in Managing CTEV

For more than 25 years, Foot Care Jaipur (Artificial Limb Clinic Since 1998) has been a trusted center for comprehensive orthotic management of CTEV.

Why Parents Prefer Foot Care Jaipur

  • Customized Orthotic Solutions for every level of severity

  • Accurate assessment by Dr. Rajiv Agrawal, a leading expert in biomechanics and pediatric deformity correction

  • Child-friendly treatment environment

  • Experience with hundreds of successful CTEV corrections

  • Long-term follow-up programs

  • Evidence-based, non-surgical, conservative methods

  • Correction-focused orthotic designs with proven outcomes

Dr. Rajiv Agrawal’s Expertise

With decades of specialized experience, Dr. Rajiv has mastered:

  • Biomechanical foot correction

  • Growth-based orthotic planning

  • Relapse prevention

  • Corrective bracing and gait monitoring

His systematic and compassionate approach reassures parents and ensures excellent long-term results.

Long-Term Results with Proper Orthotic Treatment

Children treated under proper orthotic care at Foot Care Jaipur experience:

  • Normal walking

  • Correct foot shape

  • Improved confidence

  • No long-term disability

  • Ability to run, play, and participate in sports

  • A permanently corrected foot

The right treatment at the right time transforms the child’s future.

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