Talipes equinovalgus is a medical term used to describe a foot deformity where the heel is turned inward and the toes point outward. The word is spelled in accordance with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to ensure accurate transcription and pronunciation. In IPA, "talipes" is pronounced /tælɪpiːz/ and "equinovalgus" is pronounced /ɛkwɪnəʊvælgəs/. This complex word can be broken down into its roots, "talus" meaning ankle and "pes" meaning foot, and "equinus" meaning horse and "valgus" meaning turned outward or away from the midline.
Talipes equinovalgus is a medical condition that affects the alignment and positioning of the foot. Also referred to as clubfoot, it is a congenital deformity characterized by a combination of two primary abnormalities: equinus and valgus.
Equinus refers to the downward pointing of the foot and ankle, where the top of the foot comes into close contact with the front of the leg. This results in limited mobility and difficulty in bringing the foot into a normal position. Valgus, on the other hand, describes the rotation of the foot outward, away from its usual alignment with the leg.
Talipes equinovalgus can occur in one or both feet. It is present at birth and may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The exact cause is not fully understood, however.
If left untreated, talipes equinovalgus can lead to long-term functional problems, such as walking difficulties and abnormal gait. Therefore, early intervention is crucial. Treatment options include a variety of non-surgical methods, such as manipulation, casting, and physical therapy, aimed at gradually correcting the foot's position.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the foot and restore its normal structure. The specific treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of associated complications or abnormalities.
Overall, talipes equinovalgus is a congenital foot deformity characterized by a combination of equinus and valgus, resulting in a downward pointing foot with a rotated outward position. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are essential for optimal outcomes and improved foot function.
T. equinus and t. valgus combined.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "talipes" is derived from Latin, where "talus" means ankle, and "pes" means foot. "Equinovalgus" is a combination of two Latin words: "equinus" meaning like a horse, and "valgus" meaning bent outward. Therefore, "talipes equinovalgus" is a medical term that refers to a foot deformity where the ankle is excessively plantarflexed like a horse's hoof and the forefoot is deviated outward.