Effect of Clubfeet on Adult Height

Clubfoot is a birth defect that causes abnormalities in the shape or position of a baby's foot, leaving the foot with a club-like appearance. If left untreated, the condition can have an effect on adult height.

Height Changes

• The altered angle of the ankle commonly found in clubfoot may make it impossible for adults with untreated cases of the ailment to walk normally on the soles of their feet, the Mayo Clinic reports. To compensate, the affected individual may walk on the balls, outside or top of his foot, leading to relatively minor changes in height.

Related Consequences

• Consequences of these changes in normal gait may include awkward movements, arthritis, poor calf development and sores on the affected areas of the foot, the Mayo Clinic notes.

Preventative Treatments

• Treatments for children that can help prevent the adult complications of clubfoot include using casts to hold the foot in its proper position, stretching the foot between cast applications, use of a brace and surgery, according to Medline Plus.

Considerations

• Treatment may not fully correct the defect, but typically results in improved foot function, Medline Plus reports.

Additional Considerations

• The presence of additional birth defects may decrease the success of clubfoot treatments, Medline Plus notes.