Clubfoot describes a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth in which a baby's foot is twisted out of shape or position. In clubfoot, the tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are shorter than usual. Clubfoot is a fairly common birth defect and is usually an isolated problem for an otherwise healthy newborn.
My Granddaughter Nova was born with clubfoot and has received the best care through Shriners of Portland. Today I am wearing yellow to celebrate the accomplishments in treatment and further treatments for those born with clubfoot. She like others with clubfoot was in casts for around three months, had a minor surgery (that not all kids need) and now has special boots that she will wear to bed until around age 4 to help keep her feet in the right position.
She and her Mother Sarah (PNWNE's Social media manager) are featured in the video below for shiners of Portland.
Ponseti International Association (PIA) has designated June 3rd as World Clubfoot Day. The date was chosen to commemorate the birthdate of Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, (1914-2009) the developer of the Ponseti Method to treat clubfoot.
The goal of World Clubfoot Day is to raise awareness about clubfoot disability and its prevention using the Ponseti Method, a non-surgical treatment that includes gentle manipulation of the feet followed by the application of plaster casts and temporary bracing.
Dr. Jose Morcuende, CEO and Medical Director of Ponseti International, says this day is an important step in furthering global awareness that clubfoot is a treatable deformity. “By designating June 3 as World Clubfoot Day, not only do we celebrate the life and contributions of Dr. Ponseti, but we help further his belief that every child born with clubfoot is entitled to treatment using this low-cost, non-surgical approach.”
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