Equinus foot (clubfoot), regardless of the cause, requires mandatory treatment, as this condition threatens the loss of the ability to move independently or severe limping. At Top Ihilov Clinic, both progressive and traditional therapy methods are used, which yield the best results. The combination of various methods allows for the rapid correction of foot deformity and the restoration of normal movement. Primarily, conservative methods are used, and only in severe cases is surgical treatment prescribed. Since equinus foot can arise not only due to heredity but also due to a number of diseases, professional activities, and even wearing inappropriate footwear, the clinic conducts detailed diagnostics. This not only allows for the treatment of the patient for clubfoot but also takes measures to eliminate its root cause.
Testimonials speak best of the effectiveness with which clubfoot is treated in Israel. Thousands of patients of various ages who have undergone treatment at Top Ihilov mention not only the high level of professional competence of the doctors but also that the clinic provides all conditions for both adults and children.
How clubfoot treatment is conducted in Israel
The etiology of the deformity and the severity of the condition play a significant role in how quickly treatment should begin. For instance, in cases of paralysis, urgent measures are required, as there is a high likelihood that delaying therapy will make it very difficult to correct the defect.
- Conservative treatment. In the early stages, wearing special corrective insoles and supinators that fix the correct position of the foot yields good results. In more advanced cases, the orthopedists at Top Ihilov use the Ponseti method. This method is also effective for treating congenital equinus foot: at one to two weeks of age, the ligaments and tendons are still very elastic, so correction is significantly more successful. A cast is applied to the foot, fixing it in the correct position. After some time, monitoring is conducted; if the effect of the casting is insufficient, a minimally invasive intervention, an achillotomy, is performed, during which the tendon is cut. Then a cast is reapplied to the foot with the correct fixation of its position. Doctors constantly monitor the dynamics, and from time to time, as the condition of the foot improves, the casts are changed. The Ponseti method for correcting clubfoot can take quite a long time, up to a year, but after that, the patient forgets about the problem forever.
- Physiotherapy. This is used as an independent method in the early stages of the condition and also complements and enhances other methods in more severe cases. Therapeutic exercise yields good results, aimed not only at correcting the shape of the foot but also at strengthening the leg muscles. Massage increases muscle tone, and it is especially effective in the therapy of infants.
After treatment, the doctor provides recommendations, the adherence to which will exclude the possibility of the disease returning. Patients are advised to regularly perform exercises, and they may also need to wear orthopedic shoes. - Surgery. In rare cases, when conservative therapy has not yielded results, doctors resort to surgical treatment. This is performed for patients aged 15 and older and involves arthrodesis of the ankle joint – the removal of the ankle joint, correction, and fixation of the limb axis. The operation is performed minimally invasively: through an incision, deformed bone tissues are removed, and then the surgeon forms the correct position of the foot using special plates. After some time, the bones fuse in the correct position, and the patient regains the ability to move normally, although a slight limp may remain.
Diagnostics of clubfoot in Israel in 3 days
At Top Ihilov Clinic, the most modern equipment is used for the diagnosis of clubfoot and its causes. The experience of the diagnostic physician also plays a significant role in the accurate assessment of the clinical picture. Orthopedists at the clinic often encounter cases where their less qualified colleagues provide patients with incorrect diagnoses. According to estimates from Top Ihilov doctors, such cases account for about 30-40%. Therefore, the service of a "second opinion" is in high demand: a review of the diagnosis and treatment method established in the patient's home country. The clinic's doctors conduct this remotely, so the patient does not need to travel to Israel. The physician communicates with the patient via a Skype call. An experienced orthopedic doctor analyzes the diagnostic data that the patient underwent in their home country, confirming or refuting the established diagnosis. He also recommends a treatment plan that he believes will yield the maximum effect. The doctor can inform the patient about the treatment options available in Israeli medicine.
Regardless of whether the patient underwent an examination at home, upon arrival at Top Ihilov, they are required to undergo diagnostics at the clinic's research center. This will allow the treating physician to make an accurate diagnosis. The examination time is up to three days.
First day: initial examination
Consultation with the treating orthopedic doctor, examination, and medical history review. For those who used the "second opinion" service, this consultation is free.
Second day: diagnostics
The clinic has the most modern equipment to conduct the necessary studies:
- MRI
- CT
- X-ray of the foot or ultrasound of the foot (for infants)
- Electromyography
Third day: consultation
A special consultation attended by orthopedists, surgeons, physiotherapists, and other specialists, after reviewing the diagnostic data, formulates a treatment plan.
Clubfoot in Israel: prices
One undeniable advantage noted by everyone who has undergone treatment and rid themselves of the diagnosis of "clubfoot" in Israel is the cost of therapy. At Top Ihilov Clinic, state-approved prices for treatment are 30-50% lower than those in similar facilities in the USA or Europe.
Advantages of treatment at Top Ihilov Clinic
- High professionalism of orthopedists. The doctors treating foreign patients at Top Ihilov are highly qualified professionals whose experience and qualifications allow them to handle even severe cases of clubfoot.
- Individual approach. The therapy scheme is developed for each patient individually, taking into account the specifics of their clinical picture and accompanying diseases. The main principle of Israeli doctors is "do no harm." Therefore, before prescribing therapy, both its effectiveness and safety for the patient are carefully weighed.
- Gentle surgical treatment methods. Only modern techniques, which are the least traumatic today, are used during surgeries.
- Acceptable cost. The quality of treatment is combined with its moderate cost.