My daughter was born with severe bilateral clubfeet. She’s three years old now and walking just fine, but her feet are still so curved. She looks funny. Can anything more be done about this?

You may be describing a residual foot position called forefoot adduction. This is the most common reason parents are dissatisfied after surgery to correct clubfeet.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes FFA. Obviously there is a shift in the normal position of the bones in the foot and/or ankle. But which bone is the kingpin? And what can be done about it? These are questions researchers are actively seeking answers to.

A recent study from Sweden used ultrasound to look at the position of one particular bone called the navicular. It’s located on the medial (inner) side of the foot. It has connections to the talus bone in the ankle and the three bones of the forefoot. It’s unique position makes it the most likely place to start looking for the cause of FFA.

But the results of the study actually showed the position of the navicular bone is NOT linked with the severity of FFA. More study is needed of the foot and ankle to find the cause and ways to prevent or correct FFA.

In the meantime, you may want to go back to the surgeon who has been helping you. There may be something that can be done for your child now to improve her foot form and function while she’s still so young.