What is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot is a common pediatric birth defect. It is congenital, meaning your child may be born with it. Clubfoot is painless at birth but may cause pain if your child does not get treatment.
Clubfoot causes either one or both of your child’s feet to twist inward and down at the ankles. This makes the ankle or side of the foot meet the ground while walking.
Clubfoot vs Metatarsus Adductus
Both clubfoot and metatarsus adductus are foot deformities. With clubfoot, tendons in your child’s foot and ankle are affected. This causes the whole foot to curve inward. In metatarsus adductus, your child's foot has a curve from the middle of the foot to their toes. Their heels stays in a normal position. Metatarsus Adductus commonly resolves on its own as your child grows.
What Causes Clubfoot?
The exact cause of clubfoot is unknown. Experts believe genetics or environmental factors may play a role.
Clubfoot happens because of a problem with your child’s tendons. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. With clubfoot, your child’s tendons in the leg and foot are shorter and tighter than normal. This causes the foot to twist inward.
Symptoms of Clubfoot
The most obvious signs of clubfoot are a misshapen foot. Your child’s leg and foot may be smaller. Their calves may also be less developed than normal. Other symptoms include ankle stiffness or lack of full range of motion in the foot.
What Does a Clubfoot Look Like?
If your child has clubfoot, their foot may appear curved in a kidney shape. They may also have a deep crease on the inside of their foot or a higher arch than normal.
Find a Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor
Locations & Directions
PRIMARY
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
100 Mario Capecchi Dr
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
801-662-1000
LEHI (MILLER CAMPUS)
PRIMARY
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
2250 N. MIller Campus Drive
Lehi, UT 84043
385-531-1000
LAYTON PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS
201 W Layton Pkwy
Layton, UT 84041
801-546-8450
UTAH VALLEY OUTPATIENT CENTER
1157 N 300 W Ste 302
Provo, UT 85604
801-357-4470
How Is Clubfoot Diagnosed?
Your provider will review your child’s health history and symptoms. To diagnose clubfoot, your provider will examine your child’s foot and ankle.
Clubfoot Ultrasound
In some cases, a provider may notice clubfoot during a routine ultrasound. If your baby’s ultrasound shows signs of clubfoot, you will have time to talk to your health care providers about a treatment plan.
Clubfoot Treatment
Clubfoot can be mild or serve. It does not get better without treatment. Clubfoot is usually treated without surgery. A newborn’s joints and bones are very flexible. Because of this, treatment begins during your child’s first week of life.
Treatment includes repeatedly stretching and moving your child’s foot into an improved position. Their foot is then put in a cast. This process is called the Ponsetti method. Using this method, your child’s foot will be gently adjusted over time using a series of casts to mold their foot into proper shape.
Other treatment options include special shoes or braces to help mold the foot.
Clubfoot Surgery
Some cases of clubfoot need surgery. During clubfoot surgery, your child’s surgeon will correct the tight tendons causing your child’s foot to turn inward.
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