Treating Clubfoot Early Can Support a Positive Outcome for Children

By Thierry Benaroch, M.D., chief of staff and pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada

Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital orthopedic conditions seen in infants, affecting about one in every 1,000 newborns. To a parent, the diagnosis can feel daunting; the appearance of the foot is unexpected and the future may feel uncertain. One important message I share with families and health professionals is this: With early treatment and a structured approach, many children with clubfoot grow up able to walk, run and participate fully in daily life and physical activity.

While the diagnosis can be emotional, the prognosis is often encouraging.

Early Treatment Makes a Meaningful Difference

At Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, treatment typically begins within the first one to two weeks of life. At this stage, babies’ soft tissues are more adaptable, which allows us to reposition the foot gradually using a well-established technique known as the Ponseti Method. This approach includes:

• Weekly gentle manipulation of the foot
• A series of soft casts
• In most cases, a minor outpatient procedure to release the Achilles tendon
• A structured bracing phase to maintain progress

With this method, many infants achieve effective correction and do not require major reconstructive surgery. Parents often share that seeing early progress helps them feel more confident about the path ahead.

Questions Families Commonly Ask

Will my child be able to walk normally?

Most children treated early are able to walk, run and participate in typical childhood activities.

Is clubfoot something I caused?

No. In most cases, clubfoot has no known cause. It is not the result of anything done or not done during pregnancy.

How long does treatment take?

The casting phase lasts 6 to 8 weeks, followed by bracing. Bracing is an important part of treatment and usually continues until about age 3, primarily during sleep after the initial full-time period of three months.

What if clubfoot is detected before birth?

If clubfoot is identified during pregnancy, meeting with a care team before delivery can help families prepare for the first steps of treatment.

A Collaborative Care Approach

Clubfoot care involves both clinical expertise and family participation. I emphasize to caregivers that bracing plays a critical role in maintaining correction, especially during periods of rapid growth. Our team works closely with families to provide guidance, troubleshooting support and reassurance throughout the process. This shared approach helps set the foundation for long-term success.

Accessing Care at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada

Our program is designed to support continuity and access. Families often appreciate seeing the same clinical team throughout their child’s care journey, which helps build familiarity and confidence. When appropriate – especially after the early casting phase – follow-up visits may be conducted through telemedicine, which can be helpful for families living outside the Montreal area.

The goal is to ensure every family feels informed, supported and equipped throughout treatment.

Long-Term Outlook

Parents frequently ask what the foot will look like in the future. Some children may have a slightly smaller foot or thinner calf muscle on the affected side. These differences are typically cosmetic and do not limit activity. The most important factor in preventing a relapse is consistent bracing and follow-up during growth.

A Message for Families and Referring Clinicians

For families, a clubfoot diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, but there are strong reasons to feel hopeful. With early intervention, serial casting, structured bracing and ongoing monitoring, many children go on to live active and unrestricted lives.

For referring clinicians, early referral supports the best timing for intervention and helps families access guidance and reassurance early in their journey.

At Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, our team is committed to combining clinical experience with a supportive, family-centered approach. Together, we work toward the best possible outcome for each child.