Clubfoot

Clubfoot is a term used for any of the following unusual characteristics:

• The foot is smaller than normal.
• The foot points downward.
• The front of the foot is rotated toward the other foot.
• The foot is turned in.
• The bottom of the foot is pointed up.

A number of these characteristics may be present, and can vary from mild to severe.

Causes of Clubfoot

• Clubfoot can be present at birth and can be due to the position of the baby inside the mother’s womb.
• Clubfoot can also be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Treatment of Clubfoot

Clubfoot will not straighten itself out. It should be treated right away to avoid further problems down the road. Most commonly, clubfoot is treated with casts or splints positioned to move the foot closer to a normal position.

Image by Qi Wei Fong. Baby Feet. (2009). Flickr.