Every step your child takes begins with healthy feet. But what if your baby is born with clubfoot? As alarming as it may look, early diagnosis and timely treatment can lead to excellent outcomes. Here’s everything parents need to know about clubfoot in newborns—from spotting the signs to exploring effective treatments.
What Is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot (medical term: Congenital Talipes Equinovarus) is a common congenital deformity where one or both feet are turned inward and downward. It affects approximately 1 in every 1,000 newborns, and boys are twice as likely to be affected as girls.
How to Detect Clubfoot Early
Parents or pediatricians often notice clubfoot at birth, but it can also be diagnosed during routine prenatal ultrasounds after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Signs to look for after birth:
- One or both feet appear twisted inward
- The foot’s sole faces sideways or even upward
- Calf muscles may appear underdeveloped
- The affected foot may be shorter than the other
Why Early Treatment Matters
Early intervention is crucial. Without treatment, clubfoot can lead to:
- Difficulty walking
- Long-term pain
- Permanent disability
However, with early and proper care, most children with clubfoot grow up to walk, run, and play like any other child.
Treatment Options for Clubfoot
1. Ponseti Method (Gold Standard)
- A series of gentle casts applied weekly to gradually correct the foot position
- Achilles tendon release (minor outpatient procedure) if needed
- Bracing with a foot abduction brace (boots and bar) to maintain correction
Treatment usually starts within the first 1–2 weeks of life.
2. French Functional Method
- Daily stretching and taping, combined with physical therapy
- Less common but may be effective in certain cases
3. Surgical Treatment (for severe or neglected cases)
- Reserved for cases not responsive to casting
- May involve tendon lengthening, bone realignment, or joint release
Parental Role and Support
As a parent, your commitment plays a key role in treatment success:
- Ensure regular follow-ups
- Use braces as prescribed (typically until age 4)
- Watch for signs of relapse
Dr. Nargesh Agrawal’s Expertise in Clubfoot Care
At Child OrthoCare, Dr. Nargesh Agrawal specializes in the Ponseti technique and offers customized care plans for each child. With years of experience in treating clubfoot, our center ensures gentle, effective, and child-friendly treatment
