Self-conscious about my clubfoot at the beach

Summer is coming and I'm dreading it. My clubfoot leg is visibly thinner and my foot is a size smaller. I HATE wearing shorts or going to the beach.

I know this is silly and I should be grateful my foot works but I can't help feeling self conscious. My mates all have "normal" legs.

Anyone struggle with body image? How do you deal? I'm 19

I relate SO much. I'm 22 and still struggle with different sized legs.

What helped: therapy. CBT therapist helped me reframe. My legs are STRONG. They work. Who cares if one is thinner?

Also - nobody is looking at your legs as much as you think. People are busy with their own insecurities. You are so much more than your clubfoot 💙

19 year old me would have written this. I'm 27 now and wish I could tell teenage me to stop worrying.

I wear shorts, go to the beach, swim. Nobody has EVER said anything negative. Most people don't notice unless I point it out.

Turning point: STEPS clubfoot meetup. Being in a room full of people with the same legs was incredible 💙🏖️

mate im 21 and have the exact same thing. skinny calf, smaller foot. hated it as a teenager.

you know what changed? telling people confidently instead of hiding. "yeah my leg is different, born with clubfoot, basically a superpower" 😂 when you own it, people respect it.

rock those shorts 💪🦶

As a mum of a clubfoot toddler, this thread makes me emotional. I worry about this for my son when he's older.

Please know you are valued and strong. Your body has been through more than most can imagine. Be proud of your legs 💙💙

Body image concerns are one of the most under-discussed aspects of clubfoot. Your feelings are completely normal.

1. Calf asymmetry and size difference are expected outcomes, not complications
2. Talking to someone (therapist, peer support) makes a huge difference
3. STEPS has peer support programmes for teens and young adults

You're brave for posting this 💙