What are the treatment options for clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a foot position present from birth in which the foot turns inward and points downward. Treatment aims to bring the foot into a usable position without forcing it. The clinician checks flexibility, calf size, skin condition and how the foot changes during correction. Care is planned around the child’s age, previous treatment, growth and whether the deformity is flexible or has returned.

Clubfoot casting uses a series of carefully changed casts to guide the foot gradually toward a better position. After correction, a brace helps maintain the result during growth, and attendance at fitting and review appointments matters. Parents are shown how to check toes, skin and brace fit. Physiotherapy or home exercises may support movement and muscle use. If a child develops a recurrent deformity that affects foot balance, tendon transfer surgery may redirect a tendon to improve the pull across the foot.

Contact the treatment team promptly if a cast becomes wet, cracked, loose or foul-smelling, or if toes are swollen, cold, discoloured or difficult to move. A brace needs review if it causes rubbing, blisters or persistent distress. Arrange an assessment when the foot begins turning inward again, walking changes, shoes stop fitting, or calf and foot use seem different from the clinician’s plan.

How flexible is the foot? What will each casting stage aim to change? How should the brace be worn and cleaned? Which signs mean the cast or brace needs urgent review? If the foot returns inward, could tendon transfer surgery help, and what rehabilitation would it involve?