Clubfoot (congenital talipes equinovarus, or CTEV) affects roughly 1 in every 1,000 babies. The foot is turned inward and downward at birth. It is not caused by anything the mother did during pregnancy, and it is not painful for the baby — but left untreated, it leads to a lifelong limp, pain and difficulty wearing shoes.
The good news
With early treatment, more than 95% of children with clubfoot go on to walk, run and play sport normally. The key word is early: treatment ideally starts within the first two weeks of life, when the baby's ligaments are soft and easy to stretch.
How the Ponseti method works
The Ponseti method is the global standard of care and the approach we use at Mynah Speciality Clinic. It has three phases:
- Weekly gentle manipulation and casting for 5–8 weeks. Each cast holds the foot in a slightly better position than the last.
- A small procedure (tenotomy) to release the tight Achilles tendon, done under local anaesthesia in most babies.
- A boots-and-bar brace worn full-time for about 3 months, then at night until age 4–5 to prevent the foot from turning back.
What parents can expect
Casting appointments take about 20 minutes. Babies are usually settled with a feed just before. The brace stage is the part that needs the most patience from parents — consistency with the brace is the single biggest factor in avoiding relapse.
When to see a specialist
If your baby's foot looks turned in, or if clubfoot was seen on an antenatal scan, book a paediatric orthopaedic consultation as soon as possible after birth. Even if treatment was started elsewhere and stopped, it is never too late to be assessed.
Frequently asked questions
Is clubfoot painful for my baby?
No. Clubfoot does not hurt a newborn. Pain and disability develop only if the foot stays uncorrected into walking age.
Will my child need major surgery?
With the Ponseti method, major corrective surgery is rarely needed. Most children need only casting, a minor tendon release and bracing.
Can clubfoot come back?
Relapse is possible, mainly when the brace is stopped too early. Regular follow-up until the child is around 5 catches any recurrence early.
This article is for general information and does not replace an individual consultation. If you are worried about your child or yourself, please book an appointment.