Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital deformities. It occurs in about 1 out of every 1000 births. It affects males more commonly than females. The cause in an otherwise healthy child is unknown. It can affect one or both feet. The foot shape at birth is pointed inward and downward giving the foot a “club” appearance. In many institutions, manipulation and casting technique is used with frequent unsuccessful correction. As a result, extensive corrective surgery is then recommended with often disturbing poor results due to excessive scarring.

Clubfoot can be several foot abnormalities that are congenital, or present at birth. The tendons in the baby’s foot are shorter and so the foot is out of position or twisted. This common birth defect can be mild or severe, and most are successfully treated without surgery.

Boys are more likely to have clubfoot than girls and it tends to run in families. The baby may have clubfoot if there is too little amniotic fluid, and the risk of clubfoot if the mother smokes during pregnancy is greatly increased.

Clubfoot can result in complications in later life such as arthritis, poor self-image, inability to walk correctly and foot sores or calluses.

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