Jenn's Story
i have club feetI have only had one major surgery so far in my life. After attempting to straighten my feet with casts, when I was around 8 or so months old I had corrective surgery on my feet. I don't know much about this surgery. I do know that my entire foot (toes and all) were completely reconstructed, and the tendons in the back of my leg were lengthened (by cutting and overlapping).
Growing up, I don't remember being made fun of a lot for my feet. However, I did have a lot of trouble running (as it caused me a great deal of pain) and was sometimes called "slow" or "lazy". I also found that being on my feet for more than an hour would cause a burning sensation on the bottoms of my feet (which my doctor contributes to my flat footed-ness). It wasn't until my freshman year of high school (and after running more than usually because of gym class) that I help for my feet.
I was issued inserts for my shoes, which have helped tremendously. When I walk, bones in my ankles grind together and my foot rolls, pulling on the tendons around my ankles. The inserts have minimized this greatly. I haven't had much trouble with my feet other than that. I did pull my archille's tendon once (ouch!). I do suffer from chronic foot pain, which I'm told will always be a part of my life. Usually it's not bad and I can tolorate it. I consider myself blessed in the fact that my club foot has occured in both my feet, instead of just one. As my doctor pointed out once, it gives my feet a more uniform appearance...instead of having one "normal" foot and one "odd" foot.
I'm looking into having another surgery which would give me a joint in my ankle (to prevent the rolling). The doctors explained to me that they would only do one foot each summer (three weeks on crutches, three weeks with a walking boot). I'm still undecided, because I'm not totally sure if my pain will subside significantly enough to be worth it.
Over all, I feel truely blessed. I haven't been held back because of my feet. Yes I have limitations, but I've found ways to over come them. Or at the very least go around them.
Added on 04 Jul 2007
Comments
All times are in GMT -04:00Comment added by André on the Sat 27 September 2008 a 07:19pm
hi i was born with this as well and was wondering if u could add my msn because ive never met anyone suffering from the same problem its andre-m_06@hotmail.com
Comment added by Karen on the Mon 8 September 2008 a 07:59pm
I was born with club feet in 1951. Dr. Kite was my Dr at Scottish Rite Hosp. in Decatur, Georgia. My parents took me to the hospital when I was 7 weeks old and I stayed that time until I was 9 months old. They used Dr Kite's cast form of treatment. I went back to SR in second grade, but was sent home because I caught the mumps. In third grade, I spent an entire year in the hospital. When I went home I wore braces at bedtime. At age 15 I had surgery on my right ankle because of a calcium deposit. That was my last visit to SR. In 1995 and 1996 I had more surgery because of extreme pain in my feet. For awhile that seemed to work. I am now 57 years old and my feet hurt daily. They prevent me from doing things that I enjoy like working in my yard and playing with my grandchildren. I really do not want surgery again, but I would love something that would help with the pain. I have also tried orthodics.
Comment added by Deyna on the Mon 18 August 2008 a 11:32am
I was also born with clubbed feet. I'm 17 years old and just got the surgery your doctor is talking about. Please don't do it, I'm in more pain than ever. If you want more information you can contact me at deyna_saari@hotmail.com.
Comment added by Deyna on the Mon 18 August 2008 a 11:31am
I was also born with clubbed feet. I'm 17 years old and just got the surgery your doctor is talking about. Please don't do it, I'm in more pain than ever. If you want more information you can contact me at deyna_saari@hotmail.com.
Comment added by LZ on the Thu 6 December 2007 a 10:13pm
I am 19 years old and was born with bilateral club feet. I had corrective surgery when I was 8 months old. I have suffered my entire life because of this disorder. I can not wear proper shoes, and I am unable to stand for long periods of time. I can't exercise (because it is too painful to run) so I am overweight. I am unhappy with the appearance of my feet, but mostly it is the pain that is interrupting my life. I’m still embarrassed at this age to tell people about what is wrong with me. I had another surgery on my left foot at age 14. It was very painful and has never gotten better since. I constantly suffer and I’m afraid that I will be this way for the rest of my life.