What is Club Foot? Symptoms and Treatment

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Club Foot is a condition characterized by inward turning of the foot at birth. The incidence is 1 in 1000, one of the most common congenital abnormalities. The tendons connecting the muscles of the leg to the foot are shortened. This is not a painful condition. According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla – a child specialist in Karachi, in half the cases of club foot, both feet may be involved. Boys are more likely to be affected than girls. In the affected leg, the leg is slightly shorter than the other one. If left untreated, the child will walk on the outer side instead of walking on the sole, develop calluses and unable to wear shoes.


Treatment should be started immediately after birth and non surgical. It is known as Ponsetti method. The foot is gently manipulated in the corrected position and casting done.  Each week repositioning is done and casting is done. And this goes on weekly for 6-8 weeks. In 90% of the cases, Achilles Tenotomy needs to be done. A small cut is made in the tendon, and the tendon is released. So that any minor deformity is corrected. A thin cast is placed for 3 weeks until healing occurs. After this the baby will need to wear a brace to maintain proper positioning. The boot and brace will need to be worn for 3-4 years. Initially, the brace will need to be worn for 24 hours. Gradually, the time is decreased to 12 hours. Initially, the babies are fussy but gradually get used to it. Recovery is 100%.

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