Complications

Clubfoot typically doesn't cause any problems until your child starts to stand and walk. If the clubfoot is treated, your child will most likely walk fairly normally. He or she may have some difficulty with:

• Movement. The affected foot may be slightly less flexible.
• Leg length. The affected leg may be slightly shorter, but generally does not cause significant problems with mobility.
• Shoe size. The affected foot may be up to 1 1/2 shoe sizes smaller than the unaffected foot.
• Calf size. The muscles of the calf on the affected side may always be smaller than those on the other side.

However, if not treated, clubfoot causes more-serious problems. These can include:

• Arthritis. Your child is likely to develop arthritis.
• Poor self-image. The unusual appearance of the foot may make your child's body image a concern during the teen years.
• Inability to walk normally. The twist of the ankle may not allow your child to walk on the sole of the foot. To compensate, he or she may walk on the ball of the foot, the outside of the foot or even the top of the foot in severe cases.
• Problems stemming from walking adjustments. Walking adjustments may prevent natural growth of the calf muscles, cause large sores or calluses on the foot, and result in an awkward gait.