Clubfoot is a deformity in which one or both feet are twisted into an abnormal position at birth. The condition is also known as talipes. True clubfoot is characterized by abnormal bone formation in the foot. There are four variations of clubfoot, known as talipes varus, talipes valgus, talipes equinus, and talipes calcaneus. In talipes varus the foot generally turns inward so that the leg and foot look somewhat like the letter J. In talipes valgus the foot rotates outward like the letter L. In talipes equinus, the foot points downward, similar to a toe dancer. Finally, in talipes calcaneus, the foot points upward, with the heel pointing down. Talipes varus is the most common form of clubfoot.

Clubfoot is relatively common and occurs more often in boys than in girls. It can affect one foot or both. Sometimes a child's feet appear abnormal at birth because of...