conditions - what we treat

What we
treat

Treatment should begin right away to have the best chance for a successful outcome without the need for surgery. Over the past 10 to 15 years, more and more success has been achieved in correcting clubfeet without needing surgery. 

Find out more

Cause 

Doctors still aren't sure why it happens, though it can occur in some families with previous club feet. Your baby's chance of having club foot is twice as likely if you, your spouse or your other children have had it. Less severe infant foot problems are common and are often incorrectly called club foot.

Symptoms

One foot is turned to the side, and it may even appear that the top of the foot is where the bottom should be. The involved foot, calf, and leg are smaller and shorter than the average side.

It is not a painful condition, but if it is not treated, clubfoot will lead to significant discomfort and disability in the teenage years.

FAQs

What are the nonsurgical options?

Treatment should begin right away to have the best chance for a successful outcome without the need for surgery. A particular method of stretching and casting, known as the Ponseti method, has been responsible for this. With this method, the doctor changes the cast every week for several weeks, always stretching the foot toward the correct position.

Once the foot has been corrected, the infant must wear a brace at night for two years to maintain the correction. There are several versions of these orthoses (braces) that we can measure and apply. They are highly effective but require the parents to participate in the daily care by using the braces actively. Without the parents' participation,  clubfoot will almost certainly recur, and that's because the muscles around the foot can pull it back into the abnormal position.

The goal of this, and any treatment programme, is to make your newborn’s clubfoot (or feet) functional, painless and stable by the time he or she is ready to walk.

(Note: Any time your baby wears a cast, watch for changes in skin colour or temperature that may indicate problems with circulation.)

When is surgery necessary?

Surgery may be needed if stretching, casting and bracing are not enough to correct your baby's clubfoot,  to adjust the tendons, ligaments and joints in the foot/ankle. Usually done at nine to twelve months of age, surgery simultaneously corrects all of your baby's clubfoot deformities. After surgery, a cast holds the clubfoot still while it heals. The muscles in your child's foot can return to the clubfoot position, and special shoes or braces may be used for up to a year or more after surgery. Surgery will likely result in a stiffer foot than non-surgical treatment, particularly as the years pass.

Without any treatment, your child's clubfoot will result in severe functional disability. With treatment, your child should have a nearly normal foot, and they can run and play without pain and wear regular shoes. The corrected clubfoot will still not be perfect, however. You should expect it to stay 1 to 1 1/2 sizes smaller and somewhat less mobile than the standard foot. The calf muscles in your child's clubfoot leg will also remain smaller.

Treatments

Ankles

Ankle orthoses suitable for your needs, either ready to wear or custom-made, are our area of expertise.

Binders & Supports

Binders & supports, providing you with the support where you need it.

Footwear

Footwear supports you with various options perfectly suited to your needs.

Paediatrics

Supporting children's orthoses needs with our range of Paediatrics custom or ready-to-wear solutions.

Book an
appointment

Call us on 0800 550 632 to book an appointment