Clubfoot

About one in 1,000 babies in the United States is born with clubfoot. This congenital foot deformity causes a baby’s feet to turn inward and, when left untreated, makes walking difficult. At Pediatric Orthopedics of Nevada in Las Vegas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon David Stewart, MD, offers treatments for clubfoot to maximize children’s musculoskeletal function and mobility as they grow and take their first steps. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both of a baby's feet turn inward, and the bottom of their feet face sideways or upward. About half of babies born with clubfoot have problems with both of their feet, rather than just one foot. 

Clubfoot occurs because of problems with a baby’s tendons that connect bones to muscles. It doesn’t go away on its own, but early medical intervention can help correct this common congenital condition. 

What are the symptoms of clubfoot?

Clubfood may appear as:

• Kidney-shaped foot
• One or both feet turn inward
• A foot that faces the opposite leg
• High foot arch
• Deep crease on the inside of the foot
• Smaller calf muscle(s)
• Ankle stiffness
• Shorter foot
• Reduced range of motion in the affected foot

When left untreated, young children with clubfoot can have a difficult time standing, walking, running, or doing similar activities. 

They might move in an unusual way, such as walking on the tops or sides of their feet. Babies with clubfoot may have an increased chance of developing foot infections, calluses, or arthritis. 

What are the risk factors for clubfoot?

Clubfoot risk factors can include:

• Genetic conditions
• Family history of clubfoot
• Smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy
• Having another congenital condition
• Infections or other complications during pregnancy
• Being a boy

Boys are twice as likely to have clubfoot as baby girls. 

However, the exact cause of clubfoot isn’t clear and may stem from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. 

How is clubfoot diagnosed?

Dr. Stewart examines your child’s feet and ankles to determine if they have clubfoot or a similar condition. If your child can walk, he examines their gait. He might recommend X-rays or other imaging procedures to confirm a diagnosis and determine how to best treat your child’s clubfoot.

How is clubfoot treated?

Your child’s personalized clubfoot treatment plan may consist of:

• Stretching
• Casting
• Splinting
• Taping
• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Assistive equipment
• Specialized shoes
• Manual manipulation
• Surgery

Dr. Stewart specializes in the Ponseti method, a treatment that combines serial manipulation with casting using a specific protocol. This treatment also consists of Achilles tendon lengthening for most patients and bracing full-time at first, followed by nighttime wear until age five for many patients.

He may suggest your child complete more than one type of clubfoot treatment to optimize their results. He follows up to ensure an exceptional outcome and better quality of life. 

Schedule a clubfoot evaluation at Pediatric Orthopedics of Nevada by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.