Club Foot Surgery Recovery
According to SurgeryEncyclopedia.com, about 70 percent of babies born with a club foot will require surgery to correct the deformity. Recovery from clubfoot surgery is usually free of complications.
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Hospital Stay
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Children usually stay in the hospital for one to three days following clubfoot surgery. The foot is kept elevated to reduce swelling, and IV or oral pain medications are used to control discomfort.
At Home
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Children who undergo clubfoot surgery usually have a cast on for about 12 weeks. The cast is changed two or three times during the recovery period. Parents should keep the child's cast dry and clean during the recovery period.
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Rehabilitation
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After the last cast is removed, children go through physical therapy to strengthen the foot and make sure it stays flexible. Most children are able to lead normal lives and participate in sports and other activities following clubfoot surgery.
Possible Complications
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Complications during or after clubfoot surgery are rare. Some children may have a reaction to the anesthesia. Excessive bleeding and infection of the surgical wound are also potential complications, but these risks are minimal with proper cast care.
Outcome
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Children who undergo clubfoot surgery at a young age typically recover very well. The foot looks and works normally in most cases, though it may remain a bit stiffer and smaller than a non-deformed foot.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Fotolia.com, courtesy of Oleg Ivanov
