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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
In most cases, clubfoot twists the top of your baby's foot downward and inward, increasing the arch and turning the heel inward. The foot may be turned so severely that it actually looks as if it's upside-down. Also, the calf muscles in your child's affected leg are usually underdeveloped, and the affected foot may be up to 1 centimeter shorter than the other foot. Despite its look, however, clubfoot itself doesn't cause any discomfort or pain.
When to see a doctor
More than likely your doctor will notice clubfoot soon after the birth of your child. Your doctor can then advise you on the most appropriate treatment.
- 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.
