Talipes

Talipes can be classed in a couple of ways:

1. Positional talipes

Is when there is no bony deformity of the foot.

It is thought to be caused by the baby’s position in the womb.

One or both feet can be affected and it is quite a common foot condition.

Normally with positional talipes the foot tends to rest pointing down and in, although it can point upwards and out.

The foot is not fixed in this position and can be corrected into the normal foot posture and corrects with exercises in the first few months of life.

Before coming home from hospital, the baby should have a postnatal hip check and parents may have been shown some daily stretches/foot exercises to do.

As well as these exercises it may be useful for the baby to spend some time out of their baby grows to kick their legs freely and to make sure that when they are dressed their baby grows are not too tight.

2. CTEV (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus).

One or both feet point down and inwards with the achilles tendon at the back of the ankle being short and tight.

CTEV is usually diagnosed after birth but can sometimes be picked up on the 20 week ultra sound scan.

Treatment normally starts quite soon after birth with many hospitals using the Ponseti method of treatment which involves stretching the baby’s foot into a better position and then casting the foot in this position to maintain the stretch.

The treatment is repeated every week for 5-8 weeks getting a slightly better position each time.

It may be decided that the baby needs an operation with local anaesthetic to release the tight achilles tendon (tenotomy) with a possible further cast.

To prevent relapses special boots and bar are worn for 2-3 months every day, only taking them off for a bath and then when sleeping until approximately the age of 5.

The boots and bar hold the feet and ankles in the corrected position. You may hear the boots and bar being called the Dennis Browne bar or foot abduction brace.

It is possible for the feet to relapse into the talipes position despite the treatment and reassessment and advice from physiotherapy may be necessary.

Appointments

Appointments are either 60 or 90 minutes duration. Call us on 01282 222720 to book now for for more information. Price on enquiry dependant on the length of session, mileage and travel costs.
Claire has worked along side our NHS Physiotherapist and Anais’s nursery to ensure she has a seamless Physiotherapy Programme that everyone can follow and understand in order to help Anais in her everyday life. Claire has made Anais’s sessions interesting and fun and Anais loves the time she spends with her.
Sarah Cottam, Bolton
Sarah Cottam, Bolton
Each session is tailored to my daughter’s needs and every minute is beneficial. I would recommend Claire to anyone with a child that has limited movement or requires help with moving around..
Mehwashe Nawaz, Nelson
Mehwashe Nawaz, Nelson
Claire played a key role in my daughter's development and her expertise was vital in achieving this. We hope to continue with Claire on further improving our daughter physical ability. For anybody needed physio help for their children, I would highly recommend Claire.
Parent, Burnley
Parent, Burnley
Claire is an exceptional physiotherapist, very calm, reassuring, and positive. We watched our son grow, going from strength to strength, achieving target after target.
Karina Timson, Widnes
Karina Timson, Widnes
We worked on mobility problems caused by my progressive multiple sclerosis which was challenging my legs and balance. Claire is a genuine, understanding person who I would recommend without hesitation
Trevor Crabtree, Barrowford
Trevor Crabtree, Barrowford
Our daughter Anais has Quadriplegic Cerebal Palsy and we were looking for a private physiotherapist to work alongside her NHS Physiotherapist on a more frequent basis. For the patience and understanding she has with Anais and her continued efforts we can only say thank you.
Sarah Cottam, Bolton
Sarah Cottam, Bolton
As parents we also learnt how to continue and help develop our son outside of his therapy sessions, Claire was great at involving us all as a family. Claire could see with us all working together we could help Parker achieve the unimaginable.
Karina Timson, Widnes
Karina Timson, Widnes
I would highly recommend Claire. She has worked with our family for a few years. Very professional, friendly and approachable. Claire really knows her profession, is extremely knowledgeable and gets the best out of any sessions with our son. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her services.
MT, Brierfield
MT, Brierfield
My daughter was 2 years old when we found out she had high tone in her legs and would need help with her physical movements and would need physio. Claire designed a plan and now our daughter plays in standing without holding hands, she plays on the floor with her legs bent, as well as moving side to side.
Parent, Burnley
Parent, Burnley

Get in touch with a member of our friendly team

01282 222720
info@letsgophysio.co.uk

Office 3
Northlight Estate
Northlight Parade
Nelson
BB9 5EG

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