Clubfoot (Birth defects & disorders)

Clubfoot is a birth deformity of the foot and affects approximately one out of every 1,000 live births. Because clubfoot begins to develop in a fetus during the first trimester and the foot is generally rigid and stiff at birth.

Usually, the foot that is deformed will be smaller than usual and the heel will appear to point downwards while the forefoot turns inward. It is not possible to place the foot flat. After the baby is delivered, a doctor can easily make a diagnosis based on a physical examination of the affected foot. Sometimes, diagnosis can be made on an ultrasound examination during a prenatal visit.

Clubfoot must be treated and if it is not properly treated, it will continue to get worse and become disabling. Most doctors suggest beginning treatment immediately. There are different treatment options available ranging from casting, stretching and manipulation to surgical treatment.

Comments: Clubfoot

Comments 1 to 12 of about 12.

lin - 2 days ago.
does anyone know the chances of having a second baby with club foot? My first baby had a left club foot and I am pregnant again, just curious as to what the chances are this one will have it too. Also does anyone know how early they can detect it? With my first I didnt know until 25 weeks, i have an ultrasound at 12 weeks, can they tell then?

maggiedee1002 - 8 days ago.
Yeah, at my 20 week scan I too found out my daughter has bilateral club feet.. and at first I was so sad and worried but we did other testing and she is completely healthy on all other aspects so my saddness feel into relief because its fixable and now I'm just waiting for the day I see her for the first time! So EXCITED!!

Angelia - 9 days ago.
My little boy's foot looks exactly like this website's picture, you'd think they stole my picture! He had his first cast put on at 2wks of age. I cried BIG tears when the cast was put on my little man. He just had his second cast put on (he has them weekly) and I'm hoping we have the same success I've seen some others report they've had. Last week's cast didn't seem to bother him but this one seems to both him some.

lin - 51 days ago.
our experience was opposite! My son didnt mind the casts at all, didnt even seem to notice they were there... but the shoes...my oh my that was a struggle!

YolandaLee - 53 days ago.
My boy has bilateral talipes, one foot worse than the other. After 3 weeks of casts, 12 weeks with boots and bar 23 hours a day, he now only wears them at night! His feet look great now and he really is uded to wearing the bar at night. The casts were difficult for us and he was not happy in them but he is fine with the boots and bar. We had many late nights as he was very unsettled after each casting. It's hard but so so worth it for the great results.

starburst7987 - 72 days ago.
My daughter was born with a left club foot. Her Doctors used the Ponsetti Method of serial casting and braces, unfortunately she also had to have surgery. Finding out that your unborn child has clubfoot is scary at first but you just want everything to be okay. But in the end everything is okay. I am here if anyone has any questions about clubfoot or the Ponsetti method.

Meplus2 - 79 days ago.
I had my 19 weeks scan yesterday (twins) and my little man has what looks to be club foot, they couldn't see his other foot in the scan, so we don't know if it is bilateral or not. I'm waiting for the next scan to see if it is both feet or not, but I guess we will know the full extent after he is born. I was a bit upset, but he is healthy in every other way, which is awesome. (His sister is doing great). I've been doing lots of reading and as long as I get onto it straight away, things should be good. But it is nice to hear really positive stories about it.

lin - 120 days ago.
The ponsetti method is finally just catching on, I would recommend it as opposed to surgery. The long term results are more satisfactory with the ponsetti method. Basically there is no surgery involved, the most invasive part is the tenotomy if needed (small cut in heel to lengthen heel cord). Apparently now people who had surgery are complaining of more foot pains and discomfort as opposed to those treated by ponsetti method.

RobinG - 121 days ago.
My neice had one and she had surgery to correct it, she in a cast for a while and it never seemed to bother her or get in her way :) I looks a bit different then the other now ( she is 16) but she is doing great :)

lin - 122 days ago.
I have posted some pictures of my sons club foot before it was corrected and after, check out how perfect it looks! You would never have known!

lin - 124 days ago.
my son was born with a left club foot. he had six weeks of serial casting and then three months of the boots and bar 23 hours a day. He is now 8 months old and wears them at night and you would not know he was born with a club foot. Its beautiful! If anyone needs any advice or support Ive been there!!

Angelia - 130 days ago.
8 weeks ago during a normal 18 week u/s the technician saw what appeared as my baby's foot growing abnormally. 4 weeks ago it was confirmed that my baby has a left clubfoot. Obviously we won't know the full extent until he is born in July. I've been researching different methods and the Ponseti method is currently the most recommended that I'm finding. Anyone else with experience of a child with club foot?

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