Clubfoot is when one or both of a baby's feet turn inward and downward. To treat children with clubfoot, orthopedic surgeons use a series of casts, gentle movements and stretches of the foot, and a brace to slowly move the foot into the correct position. This is called the Ponseti method. With treatment, babies with clubfoot can grow up to lead normal, active lives. Here is some information on treatment.

The Ponseti Method Treatment

There are two parts to the Ponseti method — the casting phase and the bracing phase:

• Casting. The first cast is put on a week or two after the baby is born. Then, the baby returns to the surgeon about once a week for gentle moving and stretching of the foot, and placement of a new cast. The new cast turns the foot a bit more in the correct direction than the one it replaces. Most babies wear a series of 5 to 7 casts over a few weeks or months.
• Bracing. When the foot is in the correct position, the orthopedic surgeon will fit the baby with a brace (also called an "orthotic") instead of a cast. The brace is a bar with special shoes or boots at each end. It keeps the foot from twisting back to where it was before the casting. Most kids adapt well to wearing the brace and can learn to crawl and walk with it on. Your baby will wear the brace all the time for a few months, and then during sleep for a few years.

Your orthopedic care team will help you care for your child through every stage of treatment.