Cleft foot is a congenital condition, meaning your baby was born with it after the foot didn't properly develop while in the womb. Many times, the condition will be diagnosed during pregnancy. Otherwise, cleft foot is clearly visible upon birth.
Cleft foot may be associated with cleft hand; however, there is no association with cleft lip or palate. Many times, cleft foot has a genetic origin. For that reason, our geneticist can provide counseling or education regarding cleft deformity.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
What to expect during your child's exam:
Surgical, non-surgical or no need for further treatment? We are here to help you make the best decision for your child.
Some cleft feet function well and may not need treatment, including surgical intervention or special footwear. However, if the family or child is unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of the foot – a discussion with your orthopedic surgeon can help you to decide whether an operation to address the condition is the right choice for your family.
Sometimes, accommodative shoes are necessary. Custom inserts to reduce callouses may also be a helpful option. If your child is able to wear an off-the-shelf shoe and he or she has full functional use of their foot – the condition may be considered mild, and special shoes or inserts are not needed.
Cleft foot may cause toes to bend to as much as a 90 degree angle, making surgery necessary to gain full function. Surgery can also bring the toes together to eliminate the appearance of the cleft. If surgery is needed, it is not uncommon for more than one operation to be required in order to achieve the best results.
Despite what can appear to be a significant deformity at birth, children with cleft foot are generally able to run, play and enjoy all of the typical activities of childhood.
