An idiopathic clubfoot is more difficult to correct because the muscles, tendons and bones are more rigid. Shortened tendons on the inside of the lower leg together with abnormally shaped bones that restrict movement outwards cause the foot to turn inwards. The goal of treatment is to achieve and maintain as normal a foot as possible. The extent of the required treatment varies, depending upon the rigidity of the foot. Treatment may take several months but most children learn to crawl, stand and walk at the normal age.
Treatment begins shortly after birth.
It involves slowly stretching out the tightened muscles and holding the foot in an improved position with a cast. This procedure is known as manipulation and casting. The casts are made of plaster and extend from the toes to either just above or below the knee. They are changed frequently each time repositioning the foot a little closer to normal. For the first 2-3 weeks the casts are changed every second to fourth day.