Frequently Asked Questions About Clubfoot
What Is Clubfoot or Talipes Equinovarus?
It is a congenital condition that affects the position of the foot at birth.
It can be corrected with treatment starting in the first days of life.
Here are the answers I wish I had found when this journey first started.
What Does “Atypical” Clubfoot Mean?
It is a stiffer variation of clubfoot.
It requires more follow-up, but it can still be treated successfully.
Is It Something I Did During Pregnancy?
No. Absolutely not.
Clubfoot is not caused by anything the mother did or didn’t do.
In most cases, the exact cause is unknown, and it is considered a spontaneous condition that happens during the baby’s development.
What Is the Treatment?
The most common treatment is the Ponseti Method, which includes:
Weekly casts for several weeks.
Then, a small procedure (tenotomy).
After that, special boots with a bar (F.A.O.) that are worn for years—first all day, and later only at night.
Will They Have to Break My Baby’s Bones?
No. That is an old idea or a misunderstanding.
With the Ponseti Method, no bones are broken.
The correction is done gently and progressively with casts that slowly shape the foot.
In some specific cases, surgery may be needed later, but it is not common if treatment starts early.
Will My Baby Be Able to Walk Normally?
Yes.
Most children who receive early treatment can walk, run, play, and live a completely normal life.
It is important to follow the treatment properly and not stop using the night boots too soon.
Does It Hurt?
The treatment does not cause pain to the baby.
At first, changing the casts or wearing the boots might feel uncomfortable or annoying,
but babies adapt very quickly.
How Can We Help as a Family?
Stay informed and calm.
Give emotional support to the parent who carries most of the process.
Respect the baby’s and the family’s pace.
And always remember that every little step counts, even the ones that seem small.
How Long Will My Baby Have to Wear the Boots?
23 hours a day for about 3 months,
then only at night until around age 4 or 5.
But it depends on each case, and the specialist will decide the best process to follow.
Can My Baby Sleep and Move With the Boots On?
Yes.
They sleep and move normally after a short adjustment period.
