Understand the diagnosis
Understanding clubfoot
Start with what the diagnosis means. Your child's assessment helps the clinical team explain the type of clubfoot and the care they recommend.
What does clubfoot mean?
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet turn inward and downward. CTEV stands for congenital talipes equinovarus, a clinical term commonly used for clubfoot.
Why the assessment matters
Idiopathic or isolated clubfoot means it occurs without another identified condition. Some children have clubfoot associated with another condition and may need a different care plan. A foot held in an unusual position can also have other explanations, including positional talipes. The clinical examination helps distinguish these; appearance alone is not enough.
Why does it happen?
The cause is often not known. Clubfoot can run in families, and several factors may be involved. Ask your team what, if anything, your child's findings and family history mean for further assessment.
How treatment fits together
For many children with idiopathic clubfoot, the Ponseti method is the standard treatment approach. It usually involves gentle serial casting, an Achilles tenotomy for many children if needed, and then a foot-abduction brace to help maintain the correction. The exact plan can vary by child and clinical team.
Understand the Ponseti treatment journey →For your next appointment
Questions for your clinical team
- What type of clubfoot does my child have?
- Is it isolated, or is any other assessment needed?
- How will correction, bracing and follow-up fit together for my child?
Sources
Sources used for the Happy Feet guidance on this site.
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