Abstract
Nowadays due to improper lifestyle, diet and other addictive habits the rate of congenital diseases is increasing day by day. Congenital disorders are the functional or structural deformities that occur during intrauterine life, commonly known as birth defects. In congenital disorders there are genetic mutations that result in abnormality in the growth of the fetus. Some of the common congenital disorders are Down syndrome, Turner's syndrome, spina bifida, etc. Among them clubfoot is more common and boys are more likely to be born with this congenital deformity. Usually this condition is not painful but in some cases it can lead to other serious health conditions too. Here in this article we are going to discuss the clubfoot, its cause, symptoms, and Ayurvedic treatment.
What is Clubfoot
Clubfoot also known as "Talipes equinovarus" is a congenital deformity that affects the ankle and foot. It is a birth defect in which the foot turns inward. It can involve either a single foot or both of the feet get affected. It happens because the tendons that connect leg muscles to the heel remain short and lead to the twisting of the foot. Clubfoot is not painful and this condition can be curable at the earliest stage. Both environmental and genetic factors are responsible for this condition.
Types of Clubfoot
Clubfoot is generally of two types
- Idiopathic and isolated clubfoot - it is more common. If your baby has clubfoot and has no other associated medical conditions then it is known as Isolated clubfoot. As the cause of this disease is not known so it is called idiopathic.
- Non-isolated clubfoot - is a rare condition that occurs along with other health conditions. These medical conditions may include spina bifida, arthrogryposis or any other conditions related to the brain or spinal cord.
What are the Causes of Clubfoot
The exact cause of Clubfoot is not known or idiopathic. Usually it is a mix of both environment and genetic factors.
- Genetics - the most common factor for clubfoot is genetic mutation. Genes guide the body how to grow, look, and function. Studies have shown that the recurrent duplication of DNA and deletions on chromosome 17 are the most common known cause of clubfoot.
- Environmental - environmental factors like drug abuse, alcohol intake or smoking by women during pregnancy, obesity, etc. may increase the risk of congenital anomalies like clubfoot.
Irrespective of the cause, the main underlying deformity remains the same - tightening and shortening of the Achilles' tendon, which joins our calf muscles to the ankle joint, and also the shortening of the foot bones's ligaments that give it an abnormal shape.
What are the Symptoms of the Clubfoot
The sign and symptoms of clubfoot may vary from person to person but these are the common symptoms one can find in a child having clubfoot -
- The front or top of the foot is usually rotated inward and downward, which increases the arch of the foot and turns the heel inward.
- The foot may look as if it's upside down.
- The affected foot or leg may be slightly shorter than the other.
- Underdeveloped calf muscles of the affected leg.
- Ankle stiffness
- Abnormal creases of the foot
What are the Risk Factors of Clubfoot
The common risk factors of clubfoot are -
- Male child are more likely to have clubfoot than female child
- Family history of clubfoot
- Smoking during pregnancy
- Use of recreational drugs during pregnancy
- Too little or not enough amniotic fluid during pregnancy, which is oligohydramnios
- Any other skeletal birth defects
How to Diagnose Clubfoot
A doctor can easily diagnose clubfoot soon after the birth of the baby just from looking at the positioning and shape of the foot. In most of the cases it can be diagnosed through routine ultrasound examination during pregnancy (mostly in the 20th week). However your doctor may also guide some tests like -
Treatment of Clubfoot
As this condition is diagnosed easily so the treatment can be started in the first week of the birth because at that time the joints and tendons are very soft and flexible. In modern medicine, the treatment methods of clubfoot include -
- Ponseti method - that includes stretches and casts of the leg to correct the curve.
- French method - it includes stretches and splints of the leg to correct the curve.
- Bracing - is done by using special shoes to keep your foot at the proper angle.
- Surgery - it may be the last option if other methods don't work.
Ayurvedic Management of Clubfoot
In Ayurveda, this condition is curable with amazing ayurvedic herbs along with the Panchakarma procedures like Snehana, Swedanam, Vasti because it is basically a Vata vitiated disease. Planet Ayurveda's offers a wide range of Ayurvedic products that are beneficial in curing clubfoot.
Herbal Remedies For Clubfoot by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified herbal manufacturing company based in India founded in 2002 by Dr. Vikram Chauhan and this company came into existence as a brand name known as Krishna herbal company. The products of the company are 100% herbal, pure, and vegetarian. The products of the Planet Ayurveda are made from the pure extracts of potent ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the treatment of clubfoot -
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Arvindasava
- Balaswagandhadi Thailam
- Mahamasha Thailam
- Mahanarayan Thailam
Product's Description
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
This is a single herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda made from the pure extract of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) which is the best herb to treat the vata doshas in the body, provide muscle strength, act as a good nerve tonic and boost up the mental as well as physical strength. It has rejuvenating and aphrodisiac propeties due to which it helps to cure the twisted foot and is also effective in treating stress, fatigue. It is safe in any age group for children as well as old aged people. Thus it will help in treating clubfoot.
Dosages: - one capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.
2. Arvindasava
This is a classical polyherbal formulation in a liquid form by Planet Ayurveda widely used for the various health problems in children. Arvindasava is prepared by the fermentation process of these potent herbs like Aravinda ( Nelumbo nucifera), Manjishtha ( Rubia cordifolia), Usheera ( Vetiveria zizanioides), Bala ( Sida cordifolia), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Sariva ( Hemidesmus indicus), Jatamansi ( Nardostachys jatamansi), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Vacha ( Acorus calamus), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Mura ( Selinum tenuifolium), Draksha ( Vitis vinifera), Madhuka (Madhuca indica), Dhataki ( Woodfordia fruticosa), etc. These herbs are enriched with nutrients and have properties like antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, immunomodulatory, and antipyretic. Due to these properties, it shows very effective results in clubfoot. It helps to give relief from stiffness of the joints, inflammation, swelling, and shows very effective results in clubfoot.
Dosage - 2 tsp twice daily with equal amount of water after meals.
3. Balaswagandhadi Thailam
This is a classical polyherbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda in oil form prepared from the blend of pure extract of herbs like Bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Chandana (Santalum album), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Durva(Cynodon dactylon), etc. It has rejuvenating, Restorative properties and helps to strengthen muscles and also tone up the nerves by improving nerve conduction.Thus it will be beneficial in curing the clubfeet.
Dosage - Mix with Mahamasha and Mahanarayan and apply locally.
4. Mahamasha Thailam
It is a polyherbal formulation in oil form by Planet Ayurveda prepared from the blend of pure herbs like Masha ( Phasleolus Mungo) Dashamoola (group of ten herbs) :- Bilva ( Aegle marmelos), Prishniparni ( Uraria picta), Gokshura ( Tribulus terrestris), Patala ( Stereospermum suaveolens), etc. and Manjishta ( Rubia cordifolia), Chavya ( Piper chaba), Chitraka ( Plumbago zeylanica) along with other herbs. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating properties and helps in curing the aggravated vata doshas and helps in curing the Clubfoot.
Dosage - Mix with Balaashwagandha and Mahanarayan and apply locally.
5. Mahanarayan Thailam
it is a polyherbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda in oil form prepared from the extract of wonderful herbs like Bilva ( Aegle marmelos), Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera), Brihati ( Solanum indicum), Gokhru ( Tribulus terrestris), Sona patha (Oroxylum indicum), Rasna ( Pluchea lanceolata), along with the other potent herbs that are useful in curing all the Vata diseases. It is used externally because of its analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties and helps in curing the clubfoot.
Dosage - Mix with Mahamasha and Bala Ashwagandha oil and apply locally.
Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - [email protected] or call at +91-172-5214040 Or Check Website - www.PlanetAyurveda.com
Conclusion
At last we can conclude that clubfoot is a congenital condition which can be curable at the early stage. In Ayurveda we manage this disease from its root cause through specific Ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers wonderful herbal formulations which have very good results in this condition. Planet Ayurveda products are 100% herbal, pure, vegetarian, and safe. We hope the above-mentioned information regarding Clubfoot and its ayurvedic treatment will be beneficial for the one who suffers. For more details of our products, you can check our website www.planetayurveda.com. For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id [email protected].
