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Ponseti treatment for club foot
PONSETI TREATMENT FOR TALIPES
Our paediatric consultants can realign your child's club foot using the Ponseti approach
What is a club foot?
This treatment aims to straighten a child's club foot (talipes), a condition where the ankle and foot point towards the body and the tendons are shorter than usual.
It ranges from mild to severe and in some cases, the foot looks like it's turned upside down. It can affect both feet.
It's a congenital defect, which means that a baby is born with it. Club foot may look painful, but it doesn't cause the baby any pain. If the condition isn't treated, the baby is likely to get arthritis, and may walk with an awkward gait.
Club foot is treated soon after birth, before the child starts walking. The Ponseti technique is a common and effective treatment for club foot. The foot is realigned and encased within a special boot until the child is five.
Need to know
A physiotherapist carefully stretches the baby's foot to loosen up the tendons. The foot is then placed in a plaster cast from toes to hip. After a week, the cast is removed at the hospital.
The physiotherapist will move the leg into the correct position again, before a second cast is put on the leg. The baby may need to wear up to six casts before the foot is in the right position.
When the foot is finally in the right position, it's put in a special boot. The child wears this until they are five-years-old and the foot has been corrected. They can wear the boot when asleep.
The physiotherapist will move the leg into the correct position again, before a second cast is put on the leg. The baby may need to wear up to six casts before the foot is in the right position.
When the foot is finally in the right position, it's put in a special boot. The child wears this until they are five-years-old and the foot has been corrected. They can wear the boot when asleep.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You can help to keep your baby calm during each round of physio with toys and a feed.
When your baby is wearing the plaster cast, make sure the child's toes are pink and warm — signs of a good circulation. Keep the plaster dry and ensure it doesn't get soiled from the nappy.
When your child has finished wearing the casts, they will need to wear the specially made boots constantly for the first three months. After this, they'll need to wear them for 12 to 14 hours a day. During naps is the best time. If the boots aren't worn for the correct amount of time, the foot may return to its original position.
When your child has finished wearing the casts, they will need to wear the specially made boots constantly for the first three months. After this, they'll need to wear them for 12 to 14 hours a day. During naps is the best time. If the boots aren't worn for the correct amount of time, the foot may return to its original position.
Ponseti treatment for club foot Consultants
Mr Andrew Goldberg OBE
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Mazin Ibrahim
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Jonathan Wright
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Gregory Bodley Firth
Orthopaedic Surgery
Our locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.