Club foot can often be diagnosed before a baby is born. However, sometimes it is discovered at birth during the physical examination of the baby.
Unborn babies
Club foot can be detected in an unborn baby using an ultrasound scan. However, it cannot be treated before birth.
If club foot is detected in the womb, you may have further tests to determine whether your baby has any other problems, such as restricted growth (see below).
An ultrasound scan is a fairly accurate method of diagnosing club foot, but it is not 100% reliable. Therefore, if club foot is suspected, you will be told about the condition and the type of treatment that will be needed. Your child may be referred to a specialist in treating conditions that affect the bones, such as an orthopaedic surgeon.
At birth
Your newborn baby will usually be given a physical examination within 24 hours of being born. This will include examining the baby’s feet and legs. Club foot will usually be immediately visible.
If your baby has club foot they will be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon immediately. This is because treatment ideally needs to be started within a week or two of birth.
Other conditions
If club foot is diagnosed, your baby may also be checked for other, associated conditions such as:
- spina bifida – a series of birth defects that affect the development of the spine and the brain
- muscular dystrophy – an inherited condition that gradually causes the muscles to weaken and is therefore not necessarily seen at birth
- conditions that cause short stature, stiff joints and collagen defects. Collagen is a protein that supports tissue and gives it strength
