Talipes Equinovarus (Clubfoot):

What is talipes? 

Talipes equinovarus, also known as clubfoot, is a condition present at birth where a baby’s foot is twisted out of its normal position. It can affect one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral). Talipes affects around 1 in 1,000 babies born in the UK. There are roughly 700,00 lives births a year which means approximately 700 babies a year will be born with club foot. It is not painful for babies but without treatment, it can make walking difficult later in life. 

How is Talipes diagnosed?

  • Usually diagnosed at birth during a newborn examination. 

  • In many cases, it can be seen on ultrasound during pregnancy (from around 20 weeks) where the scan shows the position of the baby’s feet compared to their legs.. 

  • Your healthcare provider will assess the foot’s position and movement. 

  • X-rays are rarely needed unless the diagnosis is unclear or there are other concerns. 

What causes Talipes?

The exact cause isn’t always known, but it may include: 

  • Isolated (positional or idiopathic): Most common; develops while the baby is in the womb without a clear reason or as a result of the baby’s position in the womb, usually milder and easier to treat. 

  • Structural: Associated with other conditions: Sometimes linked to neuromuscular disorders (e.g., spina bifida or cerebral palsy) or genetic syndromes. 

  • It is not caused by anything parents did during pregnancy. 

What does it mean for my baby?

If talipes is isolated, treatment after birth is usually successful. Most babies respond well to gentle stretching, casting (Ponseti method), and sometimes a small surgery. 

What happens next?

You may be offered more scans to check for other anomalies. If none are found, the condition is likely isolated. After birth, your baby will be referred to an orthopaedic specialist for treatment. 

What are the outcomes from treatment?

  • Treatment for Talipes is highly effective, especially when started early and within the first few weeks of life. 

  • Some children do require minor surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon 

  • Mild differences may occur such as the affected foot may remain slightly smaller and calf muscles may be less developed but this rarely affects function 

What are the complications if it is untreated or poorly managed?

  • The foot will remain twisted, making it difficult to walk resulting in a persistent deformity 

  • A child may experience pain and stiffness as they grow. 

  • Complex surgery may be needed later in life as a result of permanent disability. 

Will it happen again?

Most cases are not inherited, especially if isolated. For parents who have had one child with club foot, the chance of it happening again is usually low. 

The chance can be slightly higher if: 

  • One of the parents was born with club foot 

  • More than one child in the family has been affected 

  • Club foot is linked to a genetic or medical condition