Clubfoot Journey Check Up

Can’t believe we are already 3 years in to our clubfoot treatment! Eli recently visited Children’s Hospital for his clubfoot checkup with his amazing doctor. We check in with the doctor every six months at this point and it’s always reassuring to hear the doctor’s assessment on Eli’s progress.

Eli was hesitant about why he had to go to the doctor since he wasn’t sick and he kept saying “it’s going to hurt” but as soon as we parked in the garage and he got to push the elevator buttons, his hesitations were all in the past! Something about this little boy and elevators…he’s in love! Now he asks me at random times, when does he get to go to the foot doctor with the elevators again?!

After we checked in, Eli had a few minutes to play. We have found Children’s Hospital to be so welcoming and Eli felt right at home.

The doctor came in and asked him to walk on his tippy toes, to jump, and to walk across the floor. He checked the flexibility of both feet as he pressed the toes upward and due to his right clubfoot, Eli has quite a bit more flexibility in his left foot. The doctor was pleased with Eli’s progress and actually said the foot was fully corrected. I was on cloud nine! He checked his Ponseti bar to adjust the length and stepped out of the room to make the adjustment. While the doctor is away, mommy and Eli will take selfies!

When the doctor came back in, he noticed Eli in his natural play turn his foot on the outer edge (mildly seen below) and he asked how often we noticed him do that. Honestly, I really had not noticed before. He said that sometimes children require the tendon transfer (which is different from the tenectomy we already had) but we would monitor it and assess closer to the end of the Ponseti brace days.

I left a little uneasy with the mention of the tendon transfer. I did some research on the tendon transfer procedure about a year ago when the doctor mentioned it. But, we have been back to a few appointments since then and he has consistently said Eli was doing well.

I have tried my best to be positive on this journey. Sometimes the uncertainty does cause worry but I feel reassured knowing we as Eli’s parents have really done absolutely our best in caring for Eli’s clubfoot. We have never missed one night of putting Eli in his boots and bar. Of course, no parent wants their child to undergo any surgery ever but we will cross that bridge when the time comes.

We will continue to brace and bar every night and absolutely hope for the best! Love and hugs to all you other clubfoot parents on this journey with us!