If you’ve ever seen a baby’s tiny foot curled awkwardly inwards and downwards, you might dismiss it as “just the way they’re born.” But that little twist, called clubfoot, is no small matter. Left untreated, it can turn into a lifelong disability. And in India, where over 70% of cases in rural areas go untreated, clubfoot remains one of the most common yet most overlooked childhood deformities.The Twist at BirthClubfoot is a congenital condition where one or both feet are turned inwards and downwards, making it difficult for the child to walk normally. “Clubfoot may look like a simple deformity at birth, but when not addressed in time, it becomes a rigid, disabling condition,” explained Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Aakash Healthcare.India sees roughly 1 in every 300 children born with a bone deformity, according to the Indian Orthopaedic Association, and clubfoot leads the list. Yet, awareness remains staggeringly low. Families often think the foot will straighten on its own or that treatment is too costly, so the condition is neglected. Children who should be running and playing instead limp through life, sometimes in pain and often with a heavy emotional burden.Why India Lags BehindUnlike countries such as China, Uganda, and Malawi that have national clubfoot programmes, India still does not have a dedicated public health plan. This gap leaves thousands of children untreated every year. “Children with neglected clubfoot often face pain, difficulty walking, and emotional distress. They may get bullied in school and develop poor self-esteem, which impacts their overall development,” said Dr Chaudhry, who himself grew up with the condition before becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.The neglect is not just physical; it’s social. In communities where disability already carries stigma, children with clubfoot often become isolated, missing out on school and normal childhood experiences.Early Treatment Is Possible The irony is that treating clubfoot early is neither complicated nor expensive. The most widely used method is the Ponseti technique, which involves gentle manipulation of the foot, followed by a series of plaster casts and then bracing. “This method has a high success rate when started early, usually within the first few weeks after birth,” explained Dr Chaudhry.Parents often believe treatment means surgery, but that’s not the case when intervention happens early. “Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent the need for complex surgeries later and greatly improve outcomes,” he added.When Treatment Is DelayedBut what about children whose clubfoot is neglected? Is it too late for them? Dr Chaudhry said, “Even in neglected cases, it is absolutely possible to correct the deformity with modern surgical techniques. Surgery, followed by proper physiotherapy and braces, can help the child walk normally again. The earlier the intervention, the easier the recovery but it's never too late to act.”This is a crucial message for parents who assume that once their child starts walking with difficulty, nothing can be done. The truth is, whether it’s casting or surgery, medical science today offers hope.Spotting It EarlyDoctors recommend that all newborns undergo simple foot checks as part of routine postnatal screening. Parents should also be vigilant: if a baby’s feet appear turned inwards or if the child struggles when learning to stand or walk, medical advice should be sought immediately. Delay only makes matters worse.“Many parents wait, thinking the child will outgrow the twisted foot. But delay in treatment often makes it worse,” said Dr Chaudhry.Changing the StoryUltimately, the solution lies not only in treatment but also in awareness and policy. With a dedicated national programme, better newborn screening, and parent education, India can turn the tide. As Dr Chaudhry put it: “Clubfoot is a treatable condition. With awareness, early action, and the right care, we can ensure that no child has to grow up with a disability that could have been prevented.”
Email
Google
Facebook Email Google Facebook