Clubfoot and Adulthood
Congenital Talipes Equinovarus ( also known as Talipes or Clubfoot) is most commonly a condition that a child is born with (congenital), but it can also develop some time after birth. Modern treatments (usually the Ponseti method) work well, with a low risk of recurrence as children grow into adults. However, some adults might notice signs and symptoms coming back in later life.
This means that the relationship to and perspective on the condition they experienced in their childhood may change. This page provides information and stories from Adults with Clubfoot, Adults who were Surgically Treated for Clubfoot when they were Children, and Adults who Experience Symptoms Related to Clubfoot.
Steps Ambassadors
Children with clubfoot grow up to be healthy, happy, and successful adults. Just like our ambassadors!
Maggie Alphonsi, MBI
Maggie Alphonsi (Margaret Omotayo Sanni Alphonsi MBE) was born with clubfoot; she has not only been on the World Cup-winning UK women’s rugby team but is also known as the face of international women’s rugby.
Click here to read about her experience.
Victoria Baskett
Victoria Baskett is a paralympic sprinter and a social research PhD candidate. She was born with bilateral clubfoot (talipes on both feet), but her mum made sure she never felt different to her friends.
Steps Adults – Working group
Steps created a working group of adults who were treated for clubfoot as children. They came together to share their different experiences, top tips, and all the activities they now enjoy. These resources are designed to support those whose lives are affected by clubfoot including families, children, and other adults.
Steps is proud to have brought this group together to share their experiences and is grateful to each of them for their support in this project.
Read Toms Story
Read Garys Story
Read Harriets Story
Clubfoot treatment in adulthood
While modern treatment for children with clubfoot focuses mainly on non-surgical treatments ( See our Children’s clubfoot pages), this has not always been the case. Before the Ponseti method was designed doctors often did surgery to the bones of the foot to alter their position and treat the clubfoot symptoms. As patients reached adulthood, they sometimes found that the feet and sites of the surgeries became painful, and stiff, with swelling around the joints (all signs of arthritis).
Studies show that with the Ponseti method, there are both fewer surgeries necessary, and where surgery is needed, it is less extensive and shorter.
However, some adults who did not undergo the Ponseti method in childhood still experience the arthritic symptoms, like Steps supporter and trustee Ryan.
Ryan
Ryan has been an incredible member of the Steps extended family, raising awareness of both Clubfoot and the Charity. Ryan was born with “bilateral talipes” but did not have access to non-surgical treatment when he was a child, this has not stopped him from climbing a mountain or trekking the Jurassic coast.
Sources of Support
Our helpline (01925 750271) is open from 9am until 5pm on weekdays, for any questions. Please note medical enquires will be passed onto specialists and may take time to respond to.
You can also email us at info@steps-charity.org.uk or fill in a contact form on our website.
The Steps closed Facebook Group is a friendly and safe way of discussing your worries, sharing tips, and finding emotional support.