Information on ClubFeet in Black and White

Jenn's Story

I 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.

Comments

Comment added by : LZ on the 06 Dec 2007 at 22:13pm
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.


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