Talipes is a medical term used to describe a deformity of the foot that results in abnormal positioning of the ankle and heel. Its spelling can be confusing, but it's pronounced as [tælɪpi:z]. The first syllable is "tal" as in "talent," the second syllable is "i" as in "hit," the third syllable is "pe" as in "pet," and the last syllable is "z" as in "zoo". Understanding its phonetic transcription can help people spell and pronounce this word correctly.
Talipes, also known as clubfoot, is a congenital deformity characterized by the abnormal positioning or misalignment of the foot. The condition is usually present at birth and affects one or both feet. With talipes, the foot typically turns inward or downward, making it difficult or impossible to place the sole of the foot flat on the ground.
Talipes can vary in severity, ranging from mild cases where the foot can be manually corrected to more severe cases where the foot remains fixed in an abnormal position. The condition can affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the foot, leading to imbalance and impaired mobility.
The specific cause of talipes is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It has been associated with a family history of the condition and certain risk factors such as maternal smoking during pregnancy.
Treatment for talipes typically starts soon after birth and aims to correct the position of the foot to achieve a functional and normal appearance. Methods may include the use of plaster casts, splints, or braces to gradually reposition the foot through manipulation or stretching exercises. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct severe deformities.
With appropriate and timely treatment, individuals with talipes can often achieve normal foot function and lead a fully active and functional life. Early recognition and intervention are crucial for optimizing outcomes and minimizing long-term effects on mobility and quality of life.
1. Pes, or talipes, calcaneus. 2. Clubfoot in general, cyllosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The disease called club-foot; a person affected with club-foot.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "talipes" is derived from two Latin words: "talus" meaning ankle and "pes" meaning foot. Together, they form "talipes", which literally translates to "ankle-foot" or "foot with deformities". The term is commonly used in medicine to refer to a condition known as clubfoot, where the foot is turned inward and downward at birth.