Question
Dr. Katz:
My oldest son is now 32.  He was born with bilateral clubfeet.  He had surgery at 3 months, wore the Dennis Brown Splints, had surgery again at 3 years old and wore braces until kindergarten.  His condition deteriorated further and he had a triple arthrodesis (both feet) at 16. His feet are both stiff from the bone fusion and he has staples.  He has calf muscle atrophy and his legs and back hurt when he tries to lift or stand for more than 30 minutes to an hour.   Now at 32 he is in a lot of pain and unable to stand long enough to keep a steady job.  Is there any other kind of surgery that might help or is this condition considered a permanent disability?

Answer
Hi Debbie,

It would be difficult to give you an exact answer without seeing your son.  However, it is common to have chronic pain with a history such as your son's.

But I would not give up.  I would consult with several well known foot and ankle surgeons and see if there is something that can be done surgically.

One other consideration is a custom device known as an ankle foot orthosis.

I would really exhaust all options.

Good luck.  I know this must be very difficult.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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