Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get StartedPreparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYour baby will likely be diagnosed just after birth while you're still in the hospital. In some cases, your baby's doctor may refer you to a pediatric orthopedist, a doctor who specializes in bone and muscle (musculoskeletal) problems.
If you have time before meeting with your child's doctor, it's a good idea to make a list of any questions you have. Your time with the doctor is limited and appointments can go fast, so it helps to be prepared.
Tell your doctor:
- If you have family members — including extended family — who've had clubfoot
- If you had any medical issues or problems during your pregnancy
It's also a good idea to ask your doctor if he or she commonly treats newborns with clubfoot, or if you should get a referral.
- Clubfoot. American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00255. Accessed July 21, 2008.
- Chen RC, et al. A new dynamic foot abduction orthosis for clubfoot treatment. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 2007;27(5):522-528.
- Edmondson MC, et al. Long-term follow-up of the surgically corrected clubfoot. Journal of Pediatric Orthpaedics. 2007;16(3):204-208.
- Macnicol, MF, et al. Changing concepts in the management of congenital talipes equinovarus. Paediatrics and Child Health. 2008;18(6):272-277.
- Siapkara A, et al. Congenital talipes equinovarus: A review of current management. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2007;89(8):995-1000.
- Sud A, et al. Ponseti's vs. Kite's method in the treatment of clubfoot - A prospective randomized study. International Orthopaedics. 2008;32(3):409-413.
- Hoecker J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. August 7, 2008.