Club feet. Feet of a baby with club feet or talipes, a birth defect in which one or both feet are twisted out of position. It is thought to be caused by pressure on the feet of the foetus in the uterus, although there is evidence for a genetic factor also. It can be treated by splinting or strapping the affected feet at an early age. In severe cases, surgery to cut the ligaments and tendons in the feet is performed, followed by immobilisation in a cast.