Is clubfoot casting done with plaster of Paris?

Clubfoot is an inward and downward positioning of the foot present from birth. During casting, the clinician gently moves the foot toward a better position and moulds the plaster around the leg and foot to hold that correction. The cast is removed and replaced at planned visits so the position can be adjusted progressively.

The cast must be shaped carefully around the heel and foot. A parent may also receive a brace plan after the casting phase, because maintaining the corrected position is part of long-term care. The exact schedule and need for additional treatment depend on the child’s examination.

Keep the cast dry and check the toes each day for colour, warmth, movement and unusual swelling. Keep the cast away from objects that could damage the skin, and never trim or remove it at home. Attend each scheduled review so the team can inspect the skin and adjust the correction safely.

See [Plaster of Paris](/materials/plaster-of-paris/) for material information and [Clubfoot Casting](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/clubfoot-casting/) for the treatment overview.

Call the treating team promptly if toes become pale, blue, cold, persistently swollen or difficult to move, or if the cast slips, cracks, becomes wet or causes rubbing. A child who develops severe pain, fever, unusual sleepiness or a foul smell from the cast needs medical review.

Will plaster of Paris be used for my child’s casts? How should the leg be positioned at home? What signs show that the cast is too tight? When is the cast changed, and when will bracing begin?