Skin Deep Beauty by Christine Lindsay

200,000 babies worldwide are born with Congenital Talipes Equino Varus, commonly known as clubfoot.

June is Clubfoot Awareness Month.

Clubfoot is a congenital(present at birth) disability where the baby’s foot twists inward and downward. Clubfoot is more common in boys than girls. It could affect one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral). If left untreated, clubfoot can cause difficulty walking, arthritis, and pain.

Up until recently, children with access to healthcare got major surgeries to correct the condition, but it was often ineffective. Dr. Ignacio Ponseti is the orthopedist who created a method requiring a less invasive procedure, casting, and a strict boot and bar brace routine. The Ponseti Method is considered very successful.

World Clubfoot Day is recognized on June 3rd because it is Dr. Ignacio Ponseti’s birthday.

Famous clubfoot warriors include King Tut, Mia Hamm, Troy Aikman, and Kristi Yamaguchi.