How long will my child need to see an orthopaedic surgeon?

Most children need follow-up for a few years after treatment has finished, some surgeons may prefer to keep your child "on the books" until the feet have stopped growing.
Sometimes as the child grows there can be a recurrence of the problem; conservative methods may be tried again or one of the surgical options may be more suitable.

What is the long term outcome?

Most children do very well with treatment and will be able to go to school and take part in sporting activities. There has only been one long term study following children through to adulthood and this was specifically to look at the results of the Ponseti Method. This study showed that the use of this method resulted in similar levels of foot pain in mid life to those experienced by people who were not born with clubfoot.

How do I decide what treatment to choose for my child?

This is something you need to discuss with your child's doctor and other health professionals but think about:

What type of treatments are offered at your centre'; Remember to ask them to describe them to you.
What are the success rates for each type of treatment?
How is the severity of the condition measured and how does this relate to the treatment offered?
What are the skills and experience of people at the centre?
Are there any complications with the treatment?
How does your centre measure the results of the treatment?
How much time will each form of treatment take?
How involved you will be in the treatment?
If you choose a centre far from home are you able to travel regularly?
How will your family and friends respond to the treatment?

Tips - getting the best from your clinic visit

Before you go, think about what you want to know. Jot down the questions you want to ask.
Take your partner, friend or relative with you. If one concentrates on asking the right questions, the other can take a few notes to help you remember what was said afterwards.
If you can't have someone with you, think about taping the conversation so you can play it back later
If you don't understand something, ask the doctor to explain further. Good ways to ask this include; "This is all very new to me, what do you mean by"
The doctor may be very busy and if you don't find out all you need to know, ask if there is anyone else who can take you through the procedure. Often a doctor's junior colleague will be able to explain and may have fewer appointments to get through. The nurses at the clinic or on the ward may be able to tell you more

Is it normal to feel like this?

People have all sorts of reactions - these are a few

"I was really upset on Tuesday afternoon and yesterday with worry, worrying if everything is going wrong?" "Is it my fault?" etc!"

"we found out he had clubfeet at our 20 week scan, and then our minds were completely taken over and we thought of nothing else until he was born!"

"I had a hell of a shock at my 20wk scan, even burst into tears in the room!"

"I was really very upset, and it spoiled my pregnancy, constantly worrying, and blaming myself."

But it usually gets better?

"He never stops running and jumping and is full of energy, he has recently completed the Ponseti Toddle, and is doing really well."

"with a great doctor her foot looks brilliant. Only last week they said how marvellous it looks."

"has now decided that he wants to come to every class with me because he wants to be a power ranger!! So much for talipes stopping them doing things eh?"