What is Clubfoot? Treatments and Symptoms

Clubfoot is usually easy to spot at birth—or even before, during a routine prenatal ultrasound. The most common sign is a foot that turns inward and points down, creating a twisted or tucked-in look. In many cases, both feet are affected, but sometimes only one is.

The calf on the affected leg may appear smaller or underdeveloped. The Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the calf, often feels tight and limits how far the foot can flex. Some babies rest their foot on the outer edge or side, and their toes may point downward or seem stiff when touched.

One leg may also look shorter than the other, though this is usually due to how the foot is positioned rather than a true difference in leg length.

Clubfoot doesn’t cause pain in newborns, but if left untreated, it can lead to walking problems, joint stiffness, and discomfort as the child grows.

The exact cause of clubfoot isn’t always known. It happens while the baby is developing in the womb. Sometimes, it runs in families or is linked to other conditions like spina bifida or distal arthrogryposis. In most cases, though, it occurs without a clear reason.

Clubfoot can often be seen during a routine ultrasound in pregnancy, usually around 20 weeks. If not detected before birth, doctors will spot it right away during the baby’s first physical exam.

It’s important to begin treatment soon after diagnosis, ideally within the first few weeks of life.

Most babies with clubfoot are treated using a method called the Ponseti method. This involves:

• Gentle stretching of the foot
• Serial casting, where the foot is placed in a new cast each week to slowly guide it into the correct position
• Achilles tenotomy, a small outpatient procedure to release the tight tendon behind the ankle
• Bracing, where the baby wears a special boot and bar to prevent the foot from turning back

Some severe cases may require surgery, especially if treatment starts later or if the foot doesn’t respond well to casting.

Without treatment, clubfoot can cause long-term problems. The child may walk on the side or top of the foot, leading to pain, difficulty walking, poor balance, and frequent falls. Over time, the leg muscles may weaken, and the foot may become stiff and harder to correct.

In adulthood, untreated clubfoot can lead to arthritis, limited mobility, and a lower quality of life.

Even after successful treatment, the affected foot and leg may still look a little different. The calf muscle may stay smaller, and the foot might be slightly less flexible.

Some children are more prone to tightness in the Achilles tendon and may need stretching exercises or extra care when playing sports. With proper treatment and follow-up care, most kids grow up to walk, run, and play just like their peers.