How is a child affected by clubfoot?
Clubfoot is not painful in infancy. The child is not affected until he tries to stand or walk. Without treatment, the poorly aligned foot and ankle can't move normally, resulting in an awkward gait. If both feet are affected, the child may walk on the balls of his feet or on another part of the foot such as the side or top. This can result in sores and hard calluses and may even interfere with the growth of the entire leg.

What are the treatments for clubfoot?
The disabling effects of clubfoot can be avoided with early treatment. Generally, treatment will begin soon after birth. The most common treatment is a series of casts, which gradually train the foot to stay in the proper position. It can take three to six months of casting to straighten the foot. Other cases will require surgery to place the bones in proper position and to open and lengthen joints. This surgery often takes place around the age of 6 months. Because clubfoot can recur, frequent checkups during the first seven years of life are recommended.

Down Syndrome

What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder. It includes a combination of birth defects including mental retardation, characteristic facial features, and often a range of health issues, such as impaired hearing, impaired vision, and heart defects. It is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome.

How common is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic birth defects, affecting about one in every 1,000 babies. In the United States, there are approximately 350,000 individuals with Down syndrome. Mothers who are over age 35 are at greater risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. Prenatal testing can diagnose or rule out this disorder.