Club Foot (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus) Treatment at Danat Al Emarat

Seeing your baby's foot turned inward at birth can be concerning, but club foot is a common condition that can be treated very successfully when identified early.

Club foot, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted out of their normal position. The affected foot typically turns inward and downward due to tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the foot and ankle.

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most children with club foot go on to walk, run, play, and participate in everyday activities without significant limitations.

At Danat Al Emarat, our pediatric orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans designed to support healthy growth, mobility, and long-term foot function.

What Causes Club Foot?

The exact cause of club foot is not always known, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetic and developmental factors during pregnancy.
Possible contributing factors include:

• A family history of club foot or similar foot conditions.
• Abnormal development of muscles, tendons, or bones before birth.
• Certain neurological or neuromuscular conditions.
• Developmental factors affecting fetal growth and positioning.

In many cases, club foot occurs in otherwise healthy children with no identifiable underlying cause.

Signs & Symptoms of Club Foot

Club foot is usually diagnosed shortly after birth because of its characteristic appearance.
Common signs include:

• One or both feet turning inward and downward.
• A foot that appears shorter or more rigid than normal.
• Limited range of motion at the ankle.
• Tightness in the foot and lower leg.
• Differences in calf muscle size on the affected side.

The severity of the condition can vary from child to child.

How Does Club Foot Affect a Child's Development?

Without treatment, club foot can impact the way a child stands, walks, and balances as they grow.
Children may walk on the outer edge or even the top of the foot, which can lead to difficulties with mobility and physical activity over time. Early treatment helps prevent these challenges and supports normal movement and development.

Diagnosis & Evaluation

Club foot is typically diagnosed through a physical examination shortly after birth.
In some cases, the condition may also be identified during pregnancy through prenatal ultrasound.
Additional investigations are not usually necessary unless specialists suspect an associated condition or need further information about the severity of the deformity.

Treatment for Club Foot

Early treatment is one of the most important factors in achieving successful outcomes.
The goal is to gradually correct the position of the foot and support normal growth and development.
Treatment may include:

• Serial casting: A gentle technique that gradually repositions the foot through a series of casts changed over several weeks.
• Tendon release procedure (tenotomy): A minor procedure sometimes performed to improve flexibility and correction.
• Bracing: Special braces worn after correction to maintain alignment and reduce the risk of recurrence.

In the vast majority of cases, club foot can be successfully treated without major surgery.

Long-Term Outlook

The outlook for children with club foot is highly positive, particularly when treatment begins early.
Most children achieve excellent foot function and are able to walk, run, play sports, and participate fully in daily activities. Regular follow-up appointments throughout childhood help ensure correction is maintained and allow any recurrence to be addressed promptly.

Why Choose Danat Al Emarat?

A diagnosis of club foot can feel overwhelming for parents, but effective treatment is available and outcomes are often excellent. Our pediatric orthopedic team provides expert, family-centered care from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, helping children build a strong foundation for healthy movement and development as they grow.