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.