Clubfoot Diagnosis & Treatment in Montgomery, Prattville, & Wetumpka
Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity, meaning it is present at birth. With clubfoot, a baby’s foot is turned inward and downward because the bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues of the foot and lower leg have developed differently. Clubfoot can affect one or both feet and can range in severity. Although the condition itself is generally not painful for a baby, untreated clubfoot can eventually affect walking, mobility, and normal foot function as a child grows.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, Joshua J. Wolfe, DPM, provides specialized foot and ankle care for patients in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, and surrounding Central Alabama communities.
Ready to get started? Request an appointment online or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule an evaluation.
What Causes Clubfoot?
The exact cause of clubfoot is not always known. Researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Having a family history of clubfoot can increase a child’s likelihood of developing the condition. Certain environmental factors during pregnancy have also been associated with an increased risk. However, clubfoot can occur without a known risk factor or family history. Most importantly, the presence of clubfoot does not necessarily mean that anything occurred during pregnancy to cause the condition.
What Does Clubfoot Look Like?
Clubfoot is often recognizable at birth because of the position and appearance of the affected foot. It may affect one foot or both feet.
Common characteristics can include:
- A foot that turns inward and downward
- A heel that appears smaller than expected
- A deep crease along the bottom or inside of the foot
- An affected foot or leg that appears slightly smaller than the other side
- Underdeveloped calf muscles on the affected leg
- Limited ability to move the foot into a typical position
The appearance and severity of clubfoot can vary considerably from one child to another.
How Is Clubfoot Diagnosed?
Clubfoot is often identified based on the appearance and position of the foot. In some cases, it may even be detected before birth during a prenatal ultrasound. After birth, your physician can evaluate the position, flexibility, and structure of the baby’s foot to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the deformity. Imaging studies may be considered when additional information about the bones or structure of the foot is needed, but they are not always necessary to diagnose typical clubfoot.
Why Is Early Clubfoot Treatment Important?
Babies with clubfoot typically do not experience pain from the condition. However, without treatment, the abnormal position of the foot can make standing, walking, wearing shoes, and participating in normal activities more difficult as the child grows. Treatment generally begins early in infancy because a baby’s bones, joints, and soft tissues are more flexible during this stage of development. The goal of clubfoot treatment is to gradually correct the position of the foot and provide the child with a stable, functional foot as they grow.
The Ponseti Method for Clubfoot
The Ponseti method is a widely used nonsurgical approach for treating clubfoot in infants. Treatment gradually corrects the position of the foot through a series of gentle manipulations and casts. During treatment, the foot is carefully moved toward a more appropriate position and placed in a cast to maintain the correction. This process is repeated over a series of appointments as the foot gradually becomes better aligned. Many children treated with the Ponseti method also require a minor procedure involving the Achilles tendon as part of the correction process. After casting is complete, a specialized brace is typically used to help maintain the corrected position and reduce the likelihood that the clubfoot will return. Following the recommended bracing schedule is an important part of treatment. Your physician will provide specific instructions based on your child’s individual progress and needs.
Does Clubfoot Require Surgery?
Many cases of clubfoot can be managed without extensive surgery. However, some children may have a severe or complex deformity, experience recurrence, or require additional treatment when nonsurgical methods do not provide adequate correction. When surgery is considered, the specific procedure depends on the child’s age, anatomy, severity of the deformity, previous treatment, and other individual factors. Surgical treatment may involve addressing the tendons, ligaments, joints, or bones of the foot and ankle to improve alignment and function. Casting, bracing, or other supportive devices may also be needed following treatment. Your physician can evaluate the individual deformity and discuss which treatment options may be appropriate for your child.
Meet Our Foot & Ankle Specialist
Joshua J. Wolfe, DPM, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with advanced training in the evaluation and surgical treatment of complex foot and ankle conditions.
His areas of care include:
- Sports injuries of the foot and ankle
- Foot and ankle arthroscopy
- Complex foot and ankle conditions
Dr. Wolfe works with patients and families to understand the condition, available treatment options, and the appropriate path forward based on each patient’s individual needs.
Clubfoot Care in Montgomery, Prattville & Wetumpka
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons provides specialized foot and ankle care for patients throughout Central Alabama, with convenient locations in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
If your child has clubfoot or another foot deformity, an evaluation can help you better understand the condition and available treatment options.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an evaluation, call Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons at (334) 613-9000 or request an appointment online.