The extent of the infant's abnormality can vary widely. Some children have only a mild deformity in foot position, but in some cases the foot is fixed in a position that would make walking impossible. Clubfoot is present from birth (congenital), it is not painful and it is very treatable in infants.

Clubfoot can run in families. An infant is more likely to be born with clubfoot if a parent or a sibling had the condition. An infant with neurologic problems (such as cerebral palsy) may be more likely to have clubfoot. In most cases treatment provides excellent long-term outcomes.