Hesperian Health Guides
Method 2: Plaster Casts
This method uses a casting technique similar to the one for correcting contractures
(see Chapter 59). A club foot is gradually straightened in 3 stages:
Stage A | Stage B | Stage C | |||
Straighten the inward bend so that the foot points down. Do not yet begin to lift the foot. | Overcorrect so that the foot points down and out. Keep the foot in this position until the heel no longer turns in but is straight or turns out just a little. | Now bring the foot up, making sure that the outside of the foot is higher than the inside. Overcorrect. | |||
heel turned in
heel turned out |
This child was born with a club foot. Village rehabilitation workers used a series of casts to straighten it. First they corrected the inner bend of the foot. | ||
Then they gradually lifted her foot by cutting out rings on the cast, closing the space, and holding it closed with a new strip of plaster. |
After 4 months of casting, the foot was in a good position. |
IMPORTANT! After a club foot has been corrected, great care is needed to prevent it from coming back. Both exercises and braces are essential. After strapping or casts have been removed, continue the recommended stretching exercises twice a day. See braces for use after correcting club feet. Many children need to wear braces until they stop growing(age 13 to 18). If the problem keeps returning, surgery is probably needed. |
|
This child who had club feet needs to use braces day and night, at least until he begins to walk, and still at night after that. | |
Check his feet regularly, for years, for any sign that the foot is beginning to turn in again. Improved bracing may be required. |
This page was updated:18 Sep 2024