India, July 5 -- My four-month-old baby's foot has remained turned inwards since birth. Have we missed the window for treatment? This is a question that often worries parents when they notice that their baby's foot still appears twisted several weeks or even months after birth. Fortunately, the answer is reassuring. Although treatment is ideally started within the first few weeks of life, children who present later can still achieve excellent outcomes with appropriate treatment. Clubfoot is a common congenital foot deformity in which one or both feet are twisted inwards and downwards. Affecting about one in every 1,500 births worldwide, it can be corrected successfully in most children with timely treatment. The exact cause of clubfoot remains unknown, although research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Importantly, it is not caused by anything the mother did during pregnancy, nor is it the result of poor positioning inside the womb. In most children, clubfoot occurs as an isolated condition. Less commonly, it may be associated with an underlying neurological, muscular or genetic disorder. Although it can sometimes be detected during an antenatal ultrasound, diagnosis and severity are best confirmed after birth through examination by an orthopaedic specialist. Parents should seek medical attention as soon as they notice that their baby's foot is persistently turned inwards or downwards and cannot be gently straightened. While clubfoot is not a medical emergency, it is an orthopaedic condition that should not be ignored or left to correct on its own. The earlier treatment begins, the easier it is to reshape a newborn's foot. Without treatment, clubfoot does not improve with time. As children begin to stand and walk, they may bear weight on the outer edge or top of the foot, leading to pain, difficulty wearing shoes, abnormal walking and long-term disability. Delayed treatment may also make correction more difficult. Fortunately, modern treatment has transformed the outlook for children born with clubfoot. The Ponseti method is now regarded as the gold standard of care worldwide. It involves gentle manipulation of the foot followed by weekly plaster casts that gradually correct the deformity. Most children achieve full correction after four to six casts. Around 70 to 80% of children also require an Achilles tenotomy, a minor procedure that improves correction. The procedure is quick, safe and significantly improves the final correction. After treatment, children wear a special brace to maintain the corrected position, while regular follow-up helps reduce the risk of relapse. Most children achieve normal developmental milestones and can participate fully in sports and everyday activities. For parents, the message is simple: do not wait. With early, appropriate treatment, clubfoot can be corrected remarkably well, allowing children to lead healthy, active lives. Dr Anupam Sibal is a leading Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with over three decades of experience and five books to his credit, including the bestseller Is Your Child Ready to Face the World?...