What Are Club Feet?

Club feet, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a birth defect characterized by the abnormal positioning of the foot. The medical world still isn't certain about the exact cause, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In some cases, club feet manifests along with other syndromes or conditions.

Key Characteristics of Club Feet:

• The foot appears twisted, with the sole facing inward.
• The Achilles tendon is tight, causing the heel to be pulled up.
• The foot may be smaller than normal.
• The calf muscles in the affected leg are often underdeveloped.

Chronic Pain and Club Feet

Chronic pain in individuals with club feet can stem from various sources, including:

• initial deformity
• complications from treatment
• development of secondary conditions such as arthritis

Most often, chronic pain from Club Feet doesn't begin until the child starts to walk.

Potential Causes of Chronic Pain:

1. Residual Deformities: Despite treatment, some individuals might not gain 100% use of their feet, causing discomfort and pain.
2. Surgical Complications: Surgeries aren't always perfect.  Surgical correction of club feet can sometimes lead to complications, resulting in pain.
3. Overuse Injuries: Compensatory walking patterns can cause stress on other parts of the body, leading to pain.
4. Arthritis: Over time, abnormal foot mechanics can lead to arthritis in the foot and ankle joints.

Symptoms of Chronic Pain in Club Feet

What is chronic pain like for someone with club feet? It depends on the severity of the deformity and the treatments undergone. Common symptoms might include:

• Persistent aching or throbbing pain in the foot or ankle
• Swelling and tenderness around the foot joints
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
• Pain that worsens with activity

Treatment Options for Club Feet

It's essential that intervention and treatment of chronic pain begins as early as possible in order to preventing chronic pain and have the best possible outcome. Doctors typically begin treatment shortly after birth and may include:

1. Non-Surgical Methods:

   • Ponseti Method: This involves gentle manipulation of the foot and the application of casts to gradually correct the deformity. It is the most common and effective treatment for club feet.
   • Stretching and Bracing: Regular stretching exercises and wearing braces (AFOs) can help maintain foot position after casting.

2. Surgical Intervention:

   • Soft Tissue Surgery: Procedures such as tendon releases or transfers can improve foot alignment and function.
   • Bony Surgery: In severe cases, osteotomies (cutting and realigning bones) may be necessary.

Managing Chronic Pain in Club Feet

For those who develop chronic pain despite early treatment, several management strategies can help alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.

1. Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
2. Pain Management: Medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help manage pain and inflammation.
3. Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotic insoles and supportive footwear can improve foot mechanics and reduce pain.
4. Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, low-impact activities, and avoiding prolonged standing can minimize pain.
5. Rezzimax Tuner: Many of our customers, including Charly, have found the therapeutic power of the Rezzimax Tuner to be essential in managing chronic pain caused by club feet. Watch her story below:

"I was born with severe clubfeet, the bottoms of my feet were actually twisted in and up. They were touching my calves. I had the
most severe case that most doctors had seen.
I have basically had chronic pain my entire life. I didn't really know what chronic pain meant. My feet hurt when I walked. I started associating with ways to soothe myself. A lot of the things we go to for comfort are not healthy.They're not healthy habits or foods or people I found.
The Rezzimax has really changed my life because it's helped me establish a place within
my own body. I don't think I really had that before the Rezzimax. I don't think I really understood what it was like to feel my body, feel my feet.
With the Rezzimax Tuner, when I'm having really, really bad foot cramps, I can put it on the bottom of my foot in the arch and that helps
calm everything. And I learned today that that's my lymphatic system. The Rezzimax for chronic pain is incredible."