What is the medical term for club foot?

The medical term for club foot is talipes equinovarus. This condition is characterized by a deformity in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position, specifically with the heel turned inward and the foot pointing downward. It affects the bones, muscles, and tendons of the foot and lower leg, leading to difficulties in normal walking if not treated appropriately.

In this context, it is important to differentiate between other terms. Flatfoot refers to a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, and the entire sole comes into contact with the ground, which is not the same as club foot. Varus deformity denotes a limb that is bent inward, but it does not specifically describe the complex positioning seen in club foot. Pes planus is synonymous with flatfoot, again highlighting the arch-related issue rather than the specific foot structure of talipes equinovarus.

Recognizing these distinctions helps in understanding the terminology used in orthopedics and pediatrics concerning foot deformities.