What Are the Treatments for Club Feet in Neonates?

Clubfoot, or club feet, is a congenital medical disorder that causes a newborn baby’s foot to be twisted into an abnormal position at a sharp ankle in relation to the ankle. Treatment for clubfoot is usually performed shortly after birth.

Casting

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the misaligned foot is manipulated into a more correct position and a cast is placed on the foot to hold the position. The foot is repositioned and recast each week for several weeks until the desired foot position is achieved.

Stretching

• The foot’s new position is maintained with stretching exercises and special shoes for as long as two years.

Braces

• Babies may need to wear braces after repositioning is completed to maintain a correct foot position.

Surgery

• Severe cases of clubfoot may require orthopedic surgery to lengthen tendons and ease the proper repositioning and recasting process.

Risk Factors

• Parents with a family history of clubfoot have a greater risk of having a baby with this disorder. Male infants have an increased chance of being born with clubfoot.