Paediatric Surgery, by video or in person
Club Foot
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Club Foot
- One or both feet turned in and down at birth
- A foot that cannot be gently moved into a normal position
- A deep crease across the sole and at the back of the heel
- A smaller foot and calf on the affected side
Club foot, also called talipes, is when a baby is born with one or both feet turned in and down, so the sole faces inwards. The tendons and ligaments are too short and tight. It is not caused by anything the mother did, and it is not painful for the baby. It is very treatable. The Ponseti method, gentle stretching and weekly casts followed by a small heel procedure and boots, corrects most feet without major surgery, and most treated children walk, run and play normally. Treatment works best when it starts in the first weeks of life, while the foot is most flexible. Some babies have a foot turned in from their position in the womb that moves easily to normal, which is not true club foot and usually needs only stretching or nothing.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- One or both feet turned in and down at birth
- A foot that cannot be gently moved into a normal position
- A deep crease across the sole and at the back of the heel
- A smaller foot and calf on the affected side
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor soon after birth if your baby's foot turns in and does not move easily into a normal position, and ask for a referral, because treatment works best when it starts in the first weeks. See a doctor the same day if a cast makes the toes swollen, pale, blue or cold, or if your baby cries constantly in a cast. Go to a hospital if your baby has a fever with a hot, swollen limb.
Treatment options
- Examination of the feet, hips and spine
- Ponseti casting, with a new cast each week for about five to eight weeks
- A small procedure to release the tight heel cord, in most babies
- Boots and bar, full time for about three months, then at night for several years
- Surgery for a foot that does not correct with casting, or comes back later
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Will my child walk normally?
Most children treated with the Ponseti method walk, run and play normally. Wearing the boots and bar as advised is what keeps the foot corrected.
Can an older child be treated?
Yes. Casting can still help older children, though it may take longer and some need surgery. It is never too late to be seen.
Does club foot hurt my baby?
No. Club foot does not hurt a baby. Untreated, it can make walking painful and difficult later, which is why early treatment matters.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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Paediatric Surgery in Lagos →Paediatric Surgery in Abuja →Paediatric Surgery in Port Harcourt →Paediatric Surgery in Jos →Paediatric Surgery in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Club foot. NHS. Patient information.
- Club foot: treatment. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.