Children are born with this condition. The foot is curved inward at the ankle. The toes are often pointed downward. With the ankle in this position, the foot cannot straighten out. The child won't be able to put the foot flat on the floor when walking. Instead, the child walks on the outside edge of the foot. This can create many problems.

Early intervention is always advised. With the Ponseti method, the bones of the foot are manipulated into a more neutral or normal position. A cast is placed on the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

Each week, the cast is removed and the foot is moved a little closer to neutral. Another cast is placed on the lower leg. This procedure is repeated each week until the deformity is corrected.

When the final cast is removed, the child wears a special foot abduction brace. The brace continues to hold the foot and ankle in neutral alignment while the child grows and develops. At first, the brace is worn everyday, all day. It can be taken off to bathe and dress the child.

After about three months, the child can move freely during the day. The brace is only worn at night and during naptime. The treatment is very successful. All reports are that parents are very pleased with the results.

There are two possible problems to deal with. The first is getting the child used to the brace. Most parents report this takes a week or two at most. But it can mean having a fussy child. Many parents report no problems adjusting at all.

Parents are instructed to watch for any pressure sores or skin irritation. This is more likely to happen and is reported in up to 45 per cent of cases studied. The brace may need some slight adjustment to take care of the problem.