Prenatal diagnosis by ultrasound can allow parents to learn more about this condition and plan ahead for treatment after their baby is born.More testing and imaging is typically not needed, unless there is concern for other associated conditions. Treatment
Treatment is usually with some combination of the Ponseti method and French method. The Ponseti method involves a combination of casting, Achilles tendon release, and bracing. It is widely used and highly effective under the age of two. The French method involves realignment, taping, and long-term home exercises and night splinting. It is also effective but outcomes vary and rely on heavy involvement of caregivers. Generally, the Ponseti method is preferred. Another technique, the Kite method, does not appear to be as effective. In about 20% of cases, additional surgery is required after initial treatment. Ponseti method
The Ponseti method corrects clubfoot over the course of several stages. Serial casting: First, the foot is manually manipulated into an improved position and held in place with a long leg cast which extends from the toes up to the thigh. After a week this cast is removed, the foot is re-manipulated, and placed into a new cast. This process repeats and the foot is gradually reshaped over the course of 4-6 serial casts, although some feet may require additional casts. The goal of the initial cast is to align the forefoot with the hindfoot. Ponseti describes the forefoot as pronated in relation to the hindfoot, so supinating the forefoot and elevating the first metatarsal improves this alignment.
It is successfully treated with surgery. Gimpy, a coworker of the main character in the 1959 science fiction short story "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes, has clubfoot. Kashiwagi, a character in the 1956 novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima, has clubfoot. It parallels the main character, Mizoguchi, who has a stutter. Johnson, a character in the 1965 short story "The Lame Shall Enter First" by Flannery OConnor, has clubfoot. It is a major symbol in the story. The main character of the 1974 science fiction novel The Bladerunner by Alan E. Nourse has clubfoot. The main character of the 1985 novel Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind, has clubfoot. It causes a limp. Senji, a character in the 1987 to 1991 fantasy book series The Mallorean by David Eddings, has clubfoot. Kwai Geuk-Chat, a character in the 1993 film Once Upon a Time in China III, which is part of the 1991 to 1997 Once Upon a Time in China series, has clubfoot. He is nicknamed "Clubfoot Seven Chiu-Tsat" – "Clubfoot" because of his foot, and "Seven Chiu-Tsat" because he is the seventh member of the character Chiu Tin-baks apprentices, disciples, and henchmen. Mordred, King of Dumonia, a character in the 1995 to 1997 historical fantasy book series The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell, has clubfoot. It is often used as a symbol for his weakness as a ruler. Charlie Wilcox, the main character of the 2000 childrens book of the same name by Sharon McKay, has clubfoot.