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Exercises for Club Feet

The term "club foot" is used to describe of foot defects that appear at birth. Most babies with the condition will have feet that twist to one side. In most cases, babies with club feet are otherwise healthy. Though surgery is available to correct a club foot, the Mayo Clinic recommends the Ponseti method, which involves a series of repositioning exercises, or the also effective French Method. According to Medical-Dictionary.com, correcting club feet is usually done in the first three months of life.

  1. Ponseti Method

    • According to Ponseti International Association, most babies with club feet can be cured in six to eight weeks. The Ponseti Method is best employed during the baby's first week or two, because the tissues that make up the ligaments and tendons are still very elastic. Once per week, the baby's feet are stretched and manipulated back into the proper position. After the stretching exercises, the baby's feet are set in a plaster cast which helps align the bones.

    The French Method

    • According to SurgeryEncyclopedia.com, the French Method for correcting club feet is more intense than the Ponseti Method. This regimen involves daily physical therapy where the foot is gently stretched. After the stretching exercises, which involve manipulating the foot back into shape, the foot is then taped into position. However, you can remove the tape to clean the foot and do stretching exercises at home. You will need to bring the baby to physical therapy five times per week for three months. Taping the foot will continue until the baby starts to walk.

    Home Practice

    • Although the Ponseti and French Method are effective for correcting club feet, you will need to pursue various exercises to help your child continue his club foot correction at home once the the treatment is finished. One of the goals is to strengthen the muscles on the outside of the foot. Swimming is great therapy since it uses all of the foot muscles without much resistance. Other helpful exercises include having your child use the side of his foot to kick a ball, walk up slides on a playground or use his toes to pick up small objects like jacks or other toys.

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