In 1,000 babies born in the United States, one of them would be born with clubfoot. It is a relatively common birth defect that can affect one or both feet and ranges from mild to severe. Medical experts call this “Congenital Talipes Equinovarus” and is often seen by the foot turning inward and downward at birth. It is believed that the cause for clubfoot is unknown yet studies reveal that drug use such as antidepressant, Zoloft, could cause birth defects other than septal and enlarged heart.
Clubfoot does not cause any discomfort or pain and a baby with this malformation would continue developing normally until he or she starts to stand and walk. If left untreated, the child could be left to walk on the sides of their feet. This could be further complicated by infection on the part used for walking and over time, it could lead to arthritis.
In most cases, treatment is non-surgical. Usually, it involves manipulation, casting, splinting, and taping. These treatment is done in the hopes of restoring the foot's normal function. Treatment is often done by an orthopedic specialist. It is ideal that clubfoot be treated as soon as it is detected after birth since this is when the newborn's bones is easiest to reshape.
Nowadays, many experts believe that genetic and environmental factors contribute to clubfoot. Environmental factors include smoking, infection and drug use. Zoloft is an antidepressant that doctors prescribe even to pregnant women to treat mood disorders and depression. Classified by the FDA as a drug that could cause potential harm to the developing fetus, Zoloft is one of the drugs being scrutinized because it allegedly cause an array of birth defects among newborns.
Legal options are available for mothers whose children had clubfoot because of taking Zoloft. Its manufacturer has an obligation to answer the apparent flaws in its product. There are law firms that offer a free consultation to those who have been affected by the drug in order to find out if a valid claim can be made against the company.
