Around one in every 1,000 babies born in the United States have clubfoot.  A comparatively common birth defect, one or both feet can be affected 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. People believe its cause is unknown but there are studies that say taking antidepressants during pregnancy could lead to birth defects.  Some studies even point a link between Paxil and macrocephaly.

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.  When the deformity is not treated, he or she could walk on the sides of his or her feet.  This could be further complicated by infection on the part used for walking and over time, it could lead to arthritis.

This malformation could be treated through non-surgical means. Usually, it involves manipulation, casting, splinting, and taping.  Its major goal is to make the foot appear normal and restore its function.  An orthopedic specialist is usually the person to address this.  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.  Paxil is an antidepressant classified under Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) 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, Paxil is one of the drugs being looked at closely because it allegedly causes an array of birth defects among newborns.

To mothers of children who have clubfoot as a result of taking Paxil, there is a legal option that you can take.  Its manufacturer has an obligation to answer the apparent flaws in its product.