Health Topics

Treatment most commonly consists of a series of castings in the newborn over a period of several weeks with frequent cast changes to gradually correct the deformity. Often, the heel cord needs to be lengthened during this time. This requires a small incision, followed by a final cast.

For those feet that do not respond to casting, surgery is required once the child gets a little older (between 6 - 12 months). Additional surgeries may be required as the child gets older if some deformity still exists.

The goal of treatment is a normal appearing foot that fits well in shoes, functions normally and does not cause pain.

• Any drainage is noticed on the cast
• Any foul smelling odors come from inside the cast
• If the skin at the edges of the cast become very red, sore or irritated
• If your child runs a fever of 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit or higher without an explanation, like a cold or viral illness

If you need to reach the Orthopaedic Nurse before 4 pm, Monday through Friday, please call 513-636-4567. After 4 pm, and during weekends and holidays, please call 513-636-4200 and ask that the Orthopaedic Resident on call be paged.

For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.