Does anyone out there have a baby with a club foot?
I am expecting twins in the next 2 weeks. one of them appears to have a mild club foot. My youngest brother was born with a severe club foot in the early 90's. he had surgery to correct it and than wore casts for months. ( and now the only reminder of it is a scar)
My husband and I met with a podiatrist that specializes in club feet last week. He only offers something called the Ponsetti method, the short of it is that they cast the leg/foot within a week of birth and the baby wears several casts over a period of 6-18 weeks, than has to wear a brace for the next 2-4 years. Im sure the method works well but am not to sure how i feel about my son wearing a scary looking brace for the next 4 years. We have called Carrie Tingley hospital and they only offer the same method of treatment unless it is a severe case.
Does anyone anywhere in the state of NM have any suggestions on a dr or clinic that might offer another method of treatment? Or has anyone used the Ponsetti method? Any info is appericated.
Re: Does anyone out there have a baby with a club foot?
First, congratulations on your twins, a double blessing. I have heard of the Ponseti Method and a google search provides much information. There is a good explanation of the problem and method at
https://www.ponseti.info/v1/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=28
If I were you I would contact the University of Iowa orthopedic department, where Dr. Ponseti worked. Information is on the above website. You want to make sure the specialist who will treat your child is fully qualified to provide the treatment for your baby, and thats/he has lots of experience with the Ponseti Method. The above website offers a book and specific information for parents.
You will want to explore and meet with more than one doctor. I would NOT use a podiatrist for this treatment. You need an orthopedic specialist. The UNM pediatrics department is wonderful (they saved my husband's life a year ago when he contracted hantavirus). If you're delivering your babies there they will know about good orthopedic surgeons. Do have all the arrangements made ahead of time.
Club foot used to mean a lifetime of being disabled. Not so now, your baby is fortunate to be born in a time where so much technology is available to diagnose and treat the condition. Best of luck.