Clubfoot, medically known as talipes, is a foot deformity present at birth (a congenital deformity) affecting the shape or position of one or both feet. About one child in 1000 is born with talipes, and twice as many boys have it as girls.  The most common form of club foot is known as ‘equinovarus’.Causes

Talipes is thought to be caused by a lack of balance in the muscles which stabilise the foot, and the condition is sometimes genetic.

Treatment

Treatment must begin at, or as soon as possible after, birth, and consists of repetitive deliberate manipulations in which the in-turn and the high arching are gently but positively corrected, followed sometimes by the application of a splint or a plaster cast.

If started during the first week of life, splintage may not be necessary, and the parent, after careful instruction, can continue the manipulation at home. If the start of treatment is delayed for three weeks, splintage will probably be required. Longer delay means greater difficulty in correction.

Failure to achieve full correction at six months of age means that surgical correction will be needed. This is needed in about half the children with talipes equinovarus.

Symptoms

In talipes equinovarus, the entire foot, including the heel, is twisted inwards, so that the sole of the foot lies in a vertical plane. The arch of the foot is greatly exaggerated.