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This month our blog is raising awareness of the condition known as Clubfoot, as it’s World Clubfoot Day on the 3 rd of June, this date marks the birthday of Dr Ignacio Ponseti who developed a successful treatment for Talipes/Clubfoot known as the Ponseti Method. Clubfoot, also known as Talipes (meaning ankle and foot), is a congenital foot abnormality present at birth, where the foot is twisted and points inwards. The Achilles tendon will be tight and the bones in the foot and ankle will be misaligned. Clubfoot can sometimes be detected during an ultrasound scan during pregnancy but often not noticed until birth. The condition occurs in 1 in 1000 births in the UK, is more prevalent in boys than girls, it can affect both feet but half the cases it only affects one foot. Clubfoot will affect the ability to stand and walk, so it’s necessary for the condition to be treated from birth. Left untreated it can cause Arthritis, the inability to walk properly, prevent normal growth of muscles and bones resulting in an abnormal gait. It involves the gentle manipulation and stretching of the baby’s foot into a better position via casting. This casting process is repeated weekly for up to 5-8 weeks, and once a better position is achieved a minor operation to loosen the Achilles tendon is carried out to create a more natural foot shape. Boots, fixed together with a metal plate, are then worn for up to 3 months and then further worn just at night up to the age of 4­ to 5 years. The process is not always smooth sailing and alternatives to the above sometimes need to be sought. We have been treating the nails of a little super star at our York branch since he was just 3 months old, when he presented with nail problems as a result of the casting process. Rupert has been a regular at our clinic ever since and we have been able to keep him pain and infection free. During Rupert's treatment, an early operation went tragically wrong and he was unable to tolerate the boots and bar process. As such he has been undergoing pioneering treatment at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital using the ‘Cunningham Brace’ method. These braces are custom made in America by the specialist prosthetist Jerald Cunningham and following the expert care he has received from his Specialist team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Rupert is making fantastic progress and now only has to wear these braces at night. During this process Ruperts parents have been supported by the worldwide charity Steps. Steps is the leading charity for those affected by childhood lower limb conditions and their families. Rupert's mum Kay Bradley, a well-known and multi award-winning Jeweller based in our beautiful city of York, wanted to give back to the community that has supported them and approached Steps Charity Worldwide with an exciting proposal. Her plan was to create a capsule collection of precious jewellery pieces – named Twinkle Toes – inspired by the journey her son and many others are on. She used all her connections and skills as a bespoke jeweller to bring each creation to life and part of the proceeds from the sale of these designs will go to Steps Charity Worldwide and to The Miscarriage Association. Kay states “It was important to me that this be a non-profit, charitable collection that really comes from my heart and home to yours. I have created a disc pendant, heart-shaped locket, and a foot-shaped charm set with diamonds and multicoloured stones. These are lovely and personal pieces for everyday and I hope you will feel inspired and comforted when you wear them.” Excitingly, Kay is also currently also in the process of penning a children’s story that seeks to address the small daily trials and tribulations that can come with lower limb conditions. “I want to raise awareness and help other parents and families alike. I feel the emotional struggle is sometimes not recognised. In my children’s book, I share Rupert’s clubfoot journey so far. The book is designed to help children and families alike, assure them that following guidelines and wearing night time bracing is essential to overcoming treatment for clubfoot. The book will be illustrated and printed by local York artists. We added to our uniform at YPL this year when our director Rebecca purchased each team member one of the pendants and we wear them with pride every day. This stunning collection can be viewed and purchased either online via Kay’s website or in person visiting her beautiful shop in York. Bradley's Jewellers York | Diamond Rings & Luxury Jewellery In York (bradleysjewellersyork.com)

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