Final answer:
A baby born with clubfoot should begin treatment promptly, with corrective casting being the mainstay therapy. This non-surgical approach involves weekly adjustments to casts, potentially supplemented by surgery, braces, special shoes, and exercises for severe cases. Parental involvement in treatment adherence is key to preventing relapse.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment for a Baby with Clubfoot
When a baby is born with clubfoot, an early, proactive approach to treatment is crucial for the best outcomes, starting ideally within the first two weeks after birth. The conservative and most common method for treatment involves a technique called corrective casting. This method gently stretches the foot and uses a series of casts to progressively hold the foot in a more typical position. Each week the procedure is adjusted and reapplied by the health care provider. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary, followed by a period of immobilization in a cast. After removing the cast, the continuation of care includes part-time brace wear, typically at night, for up to four years and may involve special exercises and shoes. Parental vigilance in following treatment recommendations is essential to reduce the risk of relapse and ensure successful long-term outcomes.