One or Both Feet That Are Turned Inward (Clubfoot) in Children: What to Know

Clubfoot is a condition where a child is born with one foot or both feet that turn inward (deformed). The bottom of the foot may face sideways or even upward.

In babies with clubfoot, a leg tendon is shorter and tighter than normal, causing the foot to turn inward. The twisting can range from mild to severe.

It's important to start treatment within 1–3 weeks after birth. After corrective bracing, a child may be able to walk, wear shoes, and play sports.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of clubfoot isn't known.

What are the signs or symptoms?

• A foot that twists inward.
• A lower leg that looks short, small, or thin.
• A deep crease along the bottom of the foot.

How is this diagnosed?

• Ultrasound imaging before birth.
• A physical exam at the time of birth.

How is this treated?

• Gently stretching the foot toward the normal position.
• Holding the foot in place with a full leg cast. In some cases, taping may be used instead of casting.
• Removing the cast each week, stretching the foot toward the normal position, and then placing a new cast. This process is continued for 5 to 8 weeks or until the foot is in a normal position.
• Wearing a special brace to prevent the deformity from coming back.
  • The brace has both shoes attached to a bar to keep the foot in a normal position.
  • At first, the brace will be worn almost all the time. After 3 months, the time in the brace is slowly reduced.
  • The brace may need to be used for several years.
• Surgery. This is done in some cases. It may include:
  • Cutting the tissue that connects the leg muscles to the heel (Achilles tendon). Your child will need to wear a cast for several weeks until it heals.
  • Doing other corrective surgery. This may be needed if stretching and bracing doesn't work, or if the deformity returns.

Follow these instructions at home:

If your child has a cast that can't be taken off:

• Do not let your child put pressure on any part of the cast until it's hard. This may take a few hours.
• Do not let your child stick anything inside it to scratch their skin. Doing this can lead to infection.
• Check the skin around the cast every day. Tell the provider if you see problems.
• It's OK to put lotion on dry skin around the cast.
• Keep the cast clean and dry.
• If the cast isn't waterproof:
  • Do not let it get wet.
  • Cover it when your child takes a bath or shower. Use a cover that doesn't let any water in.

If your child has a brace that can be taken off:

• Have your child wear the brace as told. Take it off only if your child's provider says you can.
• Check the skin around it every day. Tell the provider if you see problems.
• Loosen the brace if your child's toes tingle, are numb, or turn cold and blue.
• Keep the brace clean and dry.

General instructions

• After stretching and casting is over, make sure your child wears the brace as told.
• Check your child's feet for blisters every day.
• Keep all follow-up visits. Your child will need to see a treatment team that makes sure the deformity is healing correctly. This team includes:
  • A provider who treats and corrects deformities of the bones, joints, and muscles.
  • A brace specialist.
  • A physical therapist.

Where to find more information

1. Type "clubfoot" in the search box.
2. Find the links you need.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child has a fever.
• Your child is in pain.
• Your child has redness in the skin, or irritation or blisters from the cast or brace.
• Your child's foot keeps coming out of the brace.

• Your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Your child is 3 months old or older and has a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.
• Your child has a fever, and they look or act sick in a way that worries you.

If you can't reach the provider, go to an urgent care or emergency room.

Get help right away if:

• Your child's toes turn blue while in a cast.