Clubfoot Casting in Children

Clubfoot is a common congenital condition where a baby’s foot is twisted out of position, making it appear turned inward or downward. Fortunately, with early treatment, most children with clubfoot can grow up to walk, run, and play without limitation. At Iowa Ortho, our pediatric orthopedic specialists use the Ponseti method, a gentle, proven approach that corrects clubfoot through a series of casts and braces.

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot (also called talipes equinovarus) affects the bones, tendons, and muscles of a newborn’s foot and ankle. It can occur in one or both feet and varies in severity. Without treatment, the condition can cause pain, difficulty walking, and lifelong mobility issues.

The good news: when treated early, ideally within the first few weeks after birth, clubfoot can usually be corrected without surgery.

The Ponseti method: The gold standard for clubfoot correction

Developed by Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, the Ponseti method is the most effective and widely used treatment for clubfoot worldwide. This approach uses a series of gentle manipulations and casts to gradually move the foot into the correct position.

The steps of the Ponseti method
  1. Serial Casting – Your child’s orthopedic specialist will gently stretch and reposition the foot, then apply a cast from the toes to the thigh to hold it in place. This process is repeated weekly, typically over 5–8 weeks, with each cast moving the foot closer to normal alignment.
  2. Tenotomy (if needed) – In many cases, a small outpatient procedure called an Achilles tenotomy is performed to release a tight tendon at the back of the heel. This allows the foot to achieve full correction.
  3. Bracing (maintenance phase) – After the final cast is removed, your child will wear a foot abduction brace (shoes connected by a bar) to keep the foot in position and prevent recurrence. The brace is worn full-time for the first few months, then gradually reduced to nighttime use until about age 4 or 5.
Benefits of the Ponseti method
What parents can expect

During treatment, your Iowa Ortho provider will teach you how to care for your baby’s cast, watch for swelling or irritation, and understand brace schedules. Parental consistency with bracing is the key to maintaining long-term results.

Our goal is to make the process comfortable for both you and your child, offering support and education at every step.

Why choose Iowa Ortho for clubfoot treatment?
Helping little feet take big steps

At Iowa Ortho, we’re proud to help children with clubfoot achieve strong, healthy, and pain-free movement through expert care and the proven Ponseti method.

Schedule a pediatric orthopedic consultation today to learn how we can help your child take their first steps with confidence.