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Clubfoot

(Talipes)

Definition

Clubfoot is a deformity of the foot that causes the foot to turn inward and downward. The Achilles tendon becomes tight, which pulls the heel upward toward the leg and prevents the foot from being able to sit flat on the ground. A club foot is usually smaller than a normal-sized foot.

Causes

Clubfoot is caused by a deformity in the development of the muscles, tendons, and bones of the foot. It is present at birth. The cause of clubfoot is unknown. There is some belief that clubfoot can be inherited in some cases. It is not thought to be caused by position in the womb.
Achilles Tendon and Related Muscles
Achilles Tendon action
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Risk Factors

Because the cause of clubfoot is not understood, not many of the risk factors for this condition are known. However, some of the following factors may increase your chance of developing clubfoot:
  • Sex: male
  • Having a family history of clubfoot

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • At birth, one or both feet that:
    • Turn inward and downward, and will not straighten
    • Are slightly smaller than normal
  • Calf muscle slightly smaller than normal

Diagnosis

Clubfoot is easily diagnosed during a physical examination, but an x-ray of the foot will also be taken. The condition can often be diagnosed before birth during an ultrasound examination.
Prenatal Ultrasound
Fetal Ultrasound
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Treatment

Clubfoot can be corrected, but it is best to start treatment as early as possible—sometimes right after birth. Treatment options include:

Casting

With casting, the foot is manually moved into a better position. It is placed in a series of casts. A new cast is put on every week for 5-10 weeks to stretch the soft tissues of the foot and reshape it.
After the initial casting procedure is completed, a brace is used at night and during naps.

Surgery

More extensive surgery may be done to correct the deformed tendons and muscles in severe cases that do not respond to casting. When necessary, surgery is most commonly done within the first year of life.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent clubfoot, because the cause is unknown.

RESOURCES

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society http://www.aofas.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References

Clubfoot. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00255. Updated October 2007. Accessed April 4, 2013.

Eastwood DM, Sanghrajka AP. Guided growth: recent advances in a deep-rooted concept. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2011;93(1):12-18.

Orthopedics: clubfoot. Children's Hospital and Medical Center website. Available at: http://orthopedics.seattlechildrens.org/conditions%5Ftreated/clubfoot.asp . Accessed April 4, 2013.

Pediatric orthopedic ailments: clubfoot. Massachusetts General Hospital Orthopedic Surgery website. Available at: http://www.massgeneral.org/ortho/services/pediatrics/clubfoot.aspx . Accessed April 15, 2007.

van Bosse HJ. Ponseti treatment for clubfeet: an international perspective. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2011;23(1):41-45.

Zionts LE, Dietz FR. Bracing following correction of idiopathic clubfoot using the Ponseti method. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2010;18(8):486-493.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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