Treating Clubfoot Early Can Support a Positive Outcome for Children

By Thierry Benaroch, M.D., chief of staff and pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada

Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital orthopedic conditions seen in infants, affecting about one in every 1,000 newborns. To a parent, the diagnosis can feel daunting; the appearance of the foot is unexpected and the future may feel uncertain. One important message I share with families and health professionals is this: With early treatment and a structured approach, many children with clubfoot grow up able to walk, run and participate fully in daily life and physical activity.

While the diagnosis can be emotional, the prognosis is often encouraging.

Early Treatment Makes a Meaningful Difference

At Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, treatment typically begins within the first one to two weeks of life. At this stage, babies' soft tissues are more adaptable, which allows us to reposition the foot gradually using a well-established technique known as the Ponseti Method. This approach includes:

• Weekly gentle manipulation of the foot
• A series of soft casts
• In most cases, a minor outpatient procedure to release the Achilles tendon
• A structured bracing phase to maintain progress

With this method, many infants achieve effective correction and do not require major reconstructive surgery. Parents often share that seeing early progress helps them feel more confident about the path ahead.

Questions Families Commonly Ask

Will my child be able to walk normally?

Most children treated early are able to walk, run and participate in typical childhood activities.

Is clubfoot something I caused?

No. In most cases, clubfoot has no known cause. It is not the result of anything done or not done during pregnancy.

How long does treatment take?

The casting phase lasts 6 to 8 weeks, followed by bracing. Bracing is an important part of treatment and usually continues until about age 3, primarily during sleep after the initial full-time period of three months.

What if clubfoot is detected before birth?

If clubfoot is identified during pregnancy, meeting with a care team before delivery can help families prepare for the first steps of treatment.