Second opinions are your right as a client/customer/patient/human. Doctors can often make us feel like their opinion is the best and the only opinion possible. This couldn't be further from the truth.
While some doctors are very good at some things, they may not be the best choice for clubfoot.
When you feel that something isn't quite right, or more importantly, if you see changes in your child's foot that do not seem correct, it is time to check with another doctor. Or even more than one other doctor if you continue to question your results.
Doctors are not all created equal, and that is especially true when it comes to the Ponseti Method.
Many doctors modify the method, sometimes with disastrous results. When this occurs, finding a skilled physician is essential.
We are working on finding you ways to get second opinion links and some more targeted information for everyone. In the meantime, depending on your location you can try one of the doctors in our US Ponseti Doctors or International Ponseti Doctors listings.
If you have suspicions that your child's foot has become complex due to improper castings or is atypical (from birth), one of the quickest ways to consult with one of the very best Ponseti doctors who have their contact information presented publicly and available to parents for consult. Beware of any doctor who isn't willing to give you a direct line to them via some kind of direct access.
One common way to get a little clarificaiton is to message Dr. Matthew Dobbs, MD via Facebook Messenger. He usually answers within 24 hours and will go over your images with you and recommend a loose treatment plan so you can either follow up with a doctor closer to you. Or, often families will travel to Florida to be treated by Dr. Dobbs. His consults are not cheap, and your insurance may not cover the consult. However, if you are wanting confirmation about a poor outcome and want to know if you need to seek out skilled hands to help your child, send him a message. If he says come see me, you need to find another doctor. If you need help finding resources and ways to get the care your child needs, please contact us. There are physicians across the globe who are skilled and can help your child. Your only choice is not always "go to Florida and spend all your savings". Really. You can find skilled hands closer to home. Please seek out advice online as well as though this site.
Another source for help is Dr. Morcuende in Iowa City at the Ponseti Clubfoot Clinic where Dr. Ponseti worked with Dr. Morcuende for many years He is another great source of individual attention and who will reply via email. His office will help you coordinate travel and accomodations, and he also does fast casts for out of town patients.
There are many other doctors globally who will consult with you via email or text, or Facebook Messenger. The ones with their contact information provided are more likely to communicate than any others. These providers welcome inquiries and can often help you find lodging that is inexpensive so that you can stay long enough for treatment. Check the Red Light Green Light Clubfoot Parental Review Listing for more information.
Many of these providers offer "fast casts" which are proven to be just as good as week long casts. It turns out, not only do fast casts work for even the most severe feet, 24 hour casts seem to also do just as well for severe feet. The research shows this here:
Other doctors in the US, Canada, and UK that can be trusted to treat complex/atypical clubfoot are listed here on the Complex and Atypical Providers page.
