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Adult Club Foot

The Ponsetti treatment for club foot was only introduced into the UK in the late 1990’s so there are a lot of adults who will not have enjoyed the benefits of this treatment and have to cope with the typical symptoms associated with the condition which could include:  Having to walk on their ankles or the sides of their feet   Curled toes  Fused ankles  Callouses  Chronic pain  Many of these issues can be treated effectively with orthoses as we can manipulate the forces around joints and the internal structures of the foot and ankle.  These treatments include:  Insoles to help support the internal structures Custom made footwear to accommodate foot position  Ankle foot orthotics to protect the joints of the foot  Dependent on what treatments you may have had in the past our clinicians will review your current symptoms and discuss what goals you want to achieve; this will help your clinician determine which is the right orthotic treatment for you.    

BESPOKE ORTHOTICS

PATIENT STORIES

Locations:

Kingston upon Thames (HQ) Cambridge Bristol Manchester    

FAQs:

What is the Cunningham Brace?

The Cunningham Brace was designed by Jerald Cunningham, who runs his own clinic in the US. It works using a firm strap around the thigh and a spring that holds the brace up against the bottom of the foot. This means that the brace is always gently stretching your baby’s foot into the correct position, in a similar way that a therapist applies manipulation.  Jerald developed the brace at the request of an orthopaedic surgeon and colleague who saw how distressing the boots and bar process was for many children and parents. Jerald has worked on the design for more than 10 years, tweaking as he goes, based on x-ray evidence after every patient fitting.

How many Cunningham Braces will my child need?

The exact number will depend on your child and their condition, but typically a child will only need to wear two to three braces over a two-year period. The first for about six months, then a year each for the second and third. 

At what age should club foot treatment start?

Very often parents contact us before their baby is even born, having discovered the club foot on a scan. However, they first need to go through the Ponseti method with their consultant and then be triaged by a specialist physiotherapist before we can start treatment.

What if my child is a bit older?

No problem. Often parents come to us after they’ve tried persevering with the boots and bar treatment for a few months. It may change our treatment plan a little and your child might need treatment for a bit longer, but the process will essentially be the same.

How much does club foot treatment cost?

The cost of treating club foot depends on whether your child will need one or both legs braced. You can find all the information you need on our club foot treatment pricing page.

Which LOC clinics can fit the Cunningham Brace?

At the moment we can fit the brace at our clinics in Kingston-upon-Thames and Bristol; in addition, we can do follow up appointments at our Manchester clinic. There is a certain amount we can do virtually, but your first fitting would need to be done in person.

I’m a clinician looking to find out more about club foot treatment. Who can I talk to?

If your patient has asked you for more information about club foot treatment or the Cunningham Brace, our director Sam Walmsley would be happy to speak with you directly to explain the process. We can also offer your team an online presentation. Contact the LOC team if you’d like to know more.

Can club foot be treated in adults?

The Ponseti method was only introduced in the UK in the late 1990s, which means there are lots of adults living with the long-term impact of untreated club foot. The good news is that many of the common problems that adults experience can be treated effectively with orthoses. Take a look at our treatment for adults with club foot page for more information. If you would like to talk to us about your baby’s club foot and Cunningham Brace treatment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our Request an Appointment form or by calling us on 020 8974 9989.