Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
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Talipes
Talipes Surgery
Talipes surgery is performed to correct clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus) in babies when non-surgical methods such as casting or bracing have not fully corrected the deformity.
Talipes (Clubfoot) is a congenital condition affecting a baby’s feet, apparent at birth. It usually occurs during fetal development with no known cause (idiopathic). The front half of the foot turns inwards and downwards. While the baby does not experience pain, treatment is essential, as the condition will not self-correct.
If talipes remains untreated, the child may develop walking difficulties later in life, as they will be unable to place the affected foot flat on the ground. This can lead to an abnormal gait, imbalance, and potential long-term musculoskeletal problems.
Treatment of Talipes ideally begins within the first year of life—the earlier, the better. Management may involve a series of special casts (often called the Ponseti method) to gradually correct the foot position, or physiotherapy interventions. Physiotherapy typically includes gentle stretching and mobilisation techniques to improve foot alignment and flexibility while supporting normal development.
If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, or if the foot is particularly rigid, surgery may be performed to correct Talipes. This surgical intervention is usually carried out when the child is between 4 and 8 months old, giving non-surgical methods sufficient time to be effective before resorting to operative correction.
Common types of Talipes (clubfoot) surgery include:
- Posteromedial release – releasing tight tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules at the back and inside of the foot.
- Lateral release – lengthening or releasing structures on the outer side of the foot to improve alignment.
- Tendon lengthening – such as Achilles tendon lengthening to allow the heel to drop into a normal position.
- Osteotomy – cutting and repositioning bones if necessary to correct severe deformities.
- Soft tissue release combined with tendon transfer – to improve muscle balance and foot function.
Physiotherapy is important following surgery.
Symptoms afterTalipes surgery
Following Talipes surgery, your baby’s foot will be placed in a cast to maintain the corrected position. Some pain and discomfort are expected, but this can usually be managed effectively with prescribed pain relief.
Physiotherapy after Talipes surgery
It is important to maintain movement in the other joints of your baby’s leg following Talipes surgery. Our physiotherapists can advise you on which passive movements to perform daily to keep the hip, knee, and ankle joints mobile. Once the cast is removed, treatment similar to the pre-surgery approach—often based on the Ponseti method—will be implemented. This involves gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to ensure the foot remains correctly aligned. Our physiotherapists will also work closely with you and your child to help them develop a correct walking pattern as early as possible.
Summary
Talipes is a condition present at birth in babies, most often developing during fetal growth with no known cause. The condition will not correct itself, so early treatment is essential for your child to walk correctly later in life. In severe cases that have not responded to non-surgical treatment within the first 8 months, surgery may be required. Various surgical methods are used to reposition the foot correctly. Following surgery, acephysiosports.com will provide guidance and support to ensure your baby’s feet heal properly. Exercises similar to those used prior to surgery will be recommended, along with techniques to reduce pain and swelling around the scar site. Our physiotherapists will also use methods to encourage a correct walking pattern as soon as possible. Would you like me to also create a week-by-week post-operative guide for Talipes surgery?
Call AcePhysioSports.com now on +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment.
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The Benefits Post-Surgery