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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 (about .4 inches) 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 Sept. 22, 2010.
- Clubfoot and other foot defects. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1211.asp. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
- Dobbs MB, et al. Update on clubfoot: Etiology and treatment. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2009;467:1146.
- Beaty JH. Congenital anomalies of the lower extremity. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/219666053-3/1057375123/1584/187.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50029-5--cesec34_1029. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
- Hoecker J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 27, 2010.
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