Definition

Clubfoot is a birth defect that causes the foot to turn in and point down. The tendons that connect the leg muscles to the foot are too short and tight. A clubfoot is usually smaller than a normal-sized foot.

Causes

The cause is not known. It may be a mix of genetic and the environment.

Achilles Tendon and Related Muscles Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in men. It is also more common in people with other family members who have it.

Smoking during pregnancy may raise the risk.

Symptoms

A clubfoot appears at birth and may affect one or both feet. The foot may:

• Turn inward and downward, and will not straighten
• Have a deep crease on the bottom
• Be slightly smaller than normal
• Have a calf muscle that is slightly smaller

Diagnosis

A clubfoot is diagnosed at birth based on how the foot looks. It may also be diagnosed before birth during an ultrasound.

Prenatal Ultrasound Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to correct the foot so the child can walk with it flat on the ground. Treatment needs to be started early. Options are:

• A series of casts to stretch the tissues of the foot and reshape it
• A brace to keep the foot from twisting back to where it was before casting

Children with severe clubfoot may need surgery. It can help repair deformed tendons and muscles.

Prevention

Women who are pregnant may lower the risk of this problem in their child by not smoking.