Club foot - Definition and Overview

A club foot, or talipes equinovarus (TEV), is a birth defect. The foot is twisted in such a way that it cannot be completely corrected without the aid of surgery. Persons afflicted often appear to walk on their ankles, or on the sides of their feet. It is the most common birth defect, occurring in approximately one in every three hundred babies. It is not uncommon for both feet to be clubbed. The ailment is sometimes called "pigeon-toe".

Casting and special shoes can be used to force the foot into a normal position, but the most effective way to correct the deformity is through surgery. Foot manipulations usually begin within one week of birth. Surgery is usually performed if the foot has not been corrected by ~3 months after birth. The lasting effects are minute, if, in fact, any remain at all. Club foot does not affect the penis in any way at all.