tellmepleasetalipes

As we go on this journey I will add what I like to call nana mile stones. My grandson is now 9 months old so he’s been a lot of places and done a lot in his young life. My daughter has been so good at keeping his appointments and his boots on 23 hours a day and as you will learn this is something that I can’t tell you often enough they need to keep the boots on making treatment so much easier and faster for your baby. As time goes by I will add more stories and hopefully helpful hints. I would also love to add stories from people with Clubfeet because these are the ones that can tell you what it is really about.

But mostly this is a site to help Parents not feel so alone to make this a journey that they maybe able to enjoy rather then feel like everything is falling down around them.

And practical advise from mothers doctors nurses and anyone who has ever had anything to-do with Clubfeet.

You also might wonder why I have used the word Clubfeet instead of Talipes I have noticed that many people when asking what’s wrong with the baby which has always made me smile when I have said he has Talipes they look twice and confused if you say Clubfeet they seem to know what it is so that’s why I use Clubfeet or foot.

And on that note I must also say don’t hide your baby if people are going to ask tell them and don’t worry about the stupid looks and whispering I always look people in the eye because my grandson is normal, healthy and happy oh so happy and with the great care that we as a family along with our wonderful team at Rotorua Hospital Talipes clinic give to him  Talipes is not who our baby is its just a little something that he has that is what makes him even more special.

Things that may help:

1. If you don’t know then ask.

Your baby is normal you didnt do anything wrong Talipes isnt who your child is its just something they have got and it can be corrected.

2. Watch the video I will add it to my web site but watch it again.

3.Take a family member or friend two pairs of ears are better then one.

4. Most of us have a cell phone or MP3 player play music softly for baby while the doctors are doing there examination this way baby will get used to this and when you have appointments to change plasters boots or what ever baby needs then baby may be more relaxed.

5. Try to make sure that baby is feed or has a bottle just before there appointment again this may help baby settle.

6. Each cast change we asked for time to give baby a little wash when plaster needed to be changed we took the baby bath with us it really doesn’t make any difference to the treatment but can make mum feel better and that is as important as the treatment.

7. Just like anything else people will stare and ask questions this is o.k. your baby is normal just tell them that baby has talipes or clubfeet.

8. Remember that baby is going to need a lot more care as baby doesn’t understand either so take time out to sit and relax with baby for get the house work every now and then ask family and friends to help if you just cant stand a bit of a mess.

9. Do keep the boots on and do what your doctor asks this is for babies and your benefit if you don’t follow the instructions baby could end up having extra operations it can be hard but hopefully this site will help you.

10. If you can take time out ask someone to watch baby go have a coffee with a friend while nana your sister friends someone you feel comfortable with watches baby even if its only 20mins just for a break.

Mums and Dads need to have a break so make sure you share in each other company as well as babies.

11.There are a few methods for giving baby a bath but just remember that even a good wash will make baby feel better.

I will in devour to get the methods up so you can see or you can contact me and I am more then happy to show you.

12. Most of all remember to enjoy your baby.

Club foot is a deformity of the foot and ankle that is present at birth (congenital).

In a baby born with club foot, the foot points down and inwards with deep inner and heel creases. In cases where both feet are affected, the soles of the feet face each other. Both feet are affected in around half of all cases of club foot.

What causes club foot?

Club foot occurs when the muscles on the outer side of the leg are weaker than those on the inside of the leg. The tendons on the inside of the leg also become shorter than normal.

Tendons are the tough cords that connect muscles to bones. In club foot, the bones of the foot are abnormally shaped and the Achilles tendon (the large tendon at the back of the heel) is tight.

In most cases the cause of club foot is unknown, but it occasionally runs in the family. If you have had a child with club foot, you are 20 times more likely to have another child with the condition.

The Ponseti method

A baby with club foot will not usually experience any pain and treatment is often effective in correcting the abnormal position of their feet.

Ideally, treatment for club foot will start within a week or two of the baby being born. A treatment technique known as the Ponseti method is the main treatment for club foot, which involves your baby's foot being gently manipulated into position and put in a cast.

This is repeated several times over a number of weeks (the average time is five weeks). After this, your baby will need to wear special boots that are attached to a bar until they are about four years of age.

Although it is sometimes a difficult process to go through, the Ponseti method is effective in treating around 85% of babies with club foot. It is important to stick to the treatment to prevent club foot re-occurring.

Your child’s condition will be regularly reviewed in case they have a relapse and require further treatment. However, provided that the condition is treated early, there should be few long-term side effects.

If club foot is treated when a baby is very young, the position and function of the foot is usually corrected and the child will not experience any painful symptoms. However, in some cases of club foot, long-term pain can occur despite continued treatment and corrective surgery.