What is Clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a condition causing the foot to twist downwards and inwards, usually visible at birth. A child with clubfoot may also have a shortened Achilles tendon, underdeveloped leg muscles and an increased arch. Clubfoot is relatively easy to correct if treated early on.  

What is Ponseti?

Ponseti is a non-invasive method of correcting clubfoot. Treatment of clubfoot is accomplished by gently stretching the foot into a normal position and holding this correction in place with a plaster cast.

Each week, the ligament can be stretched again to a further improved degree of correction of the deformity and a new cast is applied. Most cases of clubfoot are corrected after five to six cast changes.

Once the cast is removed a brace is applied immediately. The brace should be worn full time (day and night) for three months. After three months, the brace only needs to be worn at nighttime for an additional two years. In some cases, the Achilles tendon needs to be cut before braces can be worn to prevent a patient walking on his/her toes.