Clubfoot

Also called Club foot, Talipes, or Congenital talipes equinovarus

Clubfoot is a condition that babies are born with, in which one or both feet turn down and inwards. It is often found on a pregnancy scan. With treatment started in the first weeks of life, most children grow up to have normal, active feet.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

The usual treatment is the Ponseti method: gentle stretching and a series of plaster casts over several weeks, often a small procedure to release the heel cord, and then boots and a bar worn at night for several years.

Wearing the boots as advised is important to stop the foot turning in again.

Common signs

  • A foot that points down and inwards
  • The sole of the foot facing inwards
  • A smaller calf on the affected side

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Pregnancy scan
  • Examination after birth

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • Pregnancy scan reports
  • Physiotherapy and orthopaedic letters
  • Casting and procedure dates
  • The boots-and-bar plan

Questions to ask your doctor

  • How long will treatment take?
  • How should we care for the casts?
  • What happens if the foot starts to turn in again?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • Toes that are pale, blue, swollen or cold in a cast: seek help the same day

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources