Pediatric Clubfoot Treatment
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Children's Clubfoot
What Is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot (also called talipes equinovarus) is a common condition where a baby is born with one or both feet turned inward and downward. It isn’t painful for infants, but if left untreated, it can cause long-term walking problems. The good news? With early and expert care, most children go on to walk, run, and play without any limitations.
What Clubfoot Treatment Looks Like
At Pediatric Foot & Ankle, we follow the Ponseti Method — the internationally recognized gold standard for correcting clubfoot without surgery in most cases. This method is safe, effective, and well-tolerated by newborns.
1. Evaluation and Diagnosis
Treatment begins with a hands-on assessment. The doctor gently examines your baby’s foot and leg to determine the severity of the clubfoot and check flexibility. Most cases are diagnosed shortly after birth, and early treatment leads to better outcomes.
2. Gentle Stretching and Casting (Weekly)
Treatment begins with a hands-on assessment. The doctor gently examines your baby’s foot and leg to determine the severity of the clubfoot and check flexibility. Most cases are diagnosed shortly after birth, and early treatment leads to better outcomes.
3. Minor Procedure (Tenotomy)
In many cases, a brief outpatient procedure called a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy is performed to release tightness in the heel cord. This allows the foot to achieve full correction. It’s quick, low-risk, and heals rapidly.
4. Bracing to Maintain Correction
After the final cast is removed, your baby will begin wearing a boots-and-bar brace to hold the foot in its corrected position. This is worn 23 hours a day for the first few months, then gradually reduced to night and nap time for several years. Consistent bracing is crucial to prevent relapse.
5. Follow-Up and Long-Term Support
We schedule regular checkups to monitor your baby’s progress as they grow. Most children treated early with the Ponseti Method go on to walk, run, and play with no limitations.
Your Baby Deserves Expert Care
At Pediatric Foot & Ankle, we specialize in gentle, early clubfoot correction using the gold-standard Ponseti Method.
How We Diagnose Clubfoot
Clubfoot is often first detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound, especially in the third trimester. While ultrasound findings can raise suspicion, a confirmed diagnosis is made after birth through a detailed physical examination.
At Pediatric Foot & Ankle, we look for these key signs:
A foot turned inward and downward
A tight Achilles tendon
Limited range of motion in the ankle and foot
Deep crease on the bottom of the foot
Calf muscle underdevelopment (in some cases)
Clubfoot can occur in one or both feet, and it may be isolated (idiopathic) or linked to a genetic or neuromuscular condition. In most cases, X-rays are not required, as the diagnosis is based on visual and manual assessment. However, imaging may be used if additional conditions are suspected.
Early evaluation — ideally within the first 1–2 weeks of life — allows us to begin treatment while the baby’s soft tissues are most flexible, offering the best chance for full correction.
The Power of Early Treatment
With the right treatment plan, children born with clubfoot can grow up with strong, pain-free feet. This child’s journey began with gentle casting and bracing an an infant — and now includes active play and therapy that keeps him moving forward, one joyful step at a time.
Common Clubfoot Questions
No, clubfoot does not cause pain in newborns. However, if left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, difficulty walking, and long-term joint and muscle issues later in life.
Most cases are idiopathic, meaning there’s no clear cause. However, factors may include genetics, limited movement in the womb, or association with neuromuscular conditions like spina bifida. If a parent or sibling had clubfoot, the risk may be higher.
As early as possible. Ideally, treatment starts within the first 1–2 weeks of life, when the baby’s soft tissues are most flexible. Early care leads to better outcomes and fewer long-term complications.
The Ponseti method is the gold standard for treating clubfoot. It involves a series of weekly casts, followed by a minor outpatient procedure (tenotomy) and a bracing phase to hold the correction. It’s highly successful and avoids major surgery in most cases.
No — thanks to the Ponseti method, over 90% of cases do not need major surgery. A small, quick procedure called a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy is often the only surgical step, and it heals rapidly.
Casting usually lasts 5–8 weeks, followed by a bracing phase that starts full-time and then transitions to night-time use until age 4–5. While that may sound long, most children adapt quickly and have excellent results.
Yes — with proper treatment, children with clubfoot walk, run, and play just like any other child. Most parents report full function and no long-term issues after the treatment process is completed.
Your Child's Feet Are Designed For Life
