What is positional talipes?

Positional talipes is a foot problem that is present from birth, where your baby's foot is in an unusual position. Even though your baby's foot naturally sits in this position, it is flexible and can be moved into the correct position with gentle pressure.

Around 1 or 2 in every 100 babies are born with positional talipes. It can affect just one foot or both feet.

Positional talipes usually goes away within a few months. It shouldn't cause any problems by the time your baby is old enough to start walking.

What's the difference between positional talipes and clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a different type of talipes where there is a problem with the bones and muscles of your baby's foot. With clubfoot, your baby's foot is also in an unusual position, but it isn't flexible. You can't move your baby's foot with gentle pressure, unlike positional talipes. It needs more intensive treatment to get into the right position, with a series of casts and surgery.

What are the symptoms of positional talipes?

For most babies with positional talipes, their foot points downwards and inwards — this is called 'talipes equinovarus'. For other babies with positional talipes, their foot points upwards and outwards — this is called 'talipes calcaneovalgus'.

Your baby's foot and ankle will move easily when you gently bend them into the correct position.

Your baby's hip joint might be out of position too. You may feel or hear a click if you move their hip.

What causes positional talipes?

It's not fully understood what causes positional talipes. It may develop during pregnancy if your baby doesn't have enough room to move their feet while they are lying inside your uterus.

How is positional talipes diagnosed?

Positional talipes is usually diagnosed by your doctor or midwife when they give your baby a routine head-to-toe check after birth.

Sometimes positional talipes is diagnosed on an ultrasound late in pregnancy, but this is not always accurate.

If your baby is diagnosed with positional talipes, it's important to make sure their hips are in the right position. This is because developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can also be caused by the way your baby was lying inside your uterus. Ask your doctor or midwife to check your baby's hips if they haven't already done so.

How is positional talipes treated?

Positional talipes usually gets better with gentle stretching exercises. It's a good idea to see a physiotherapist to show you exactly what to do.

Give your baby plenty of time and space to move their legs as much as they want. It's best not to wrap them tightly or dress them in tight-fitting clothes or shoes.

When your baby is 6 weeks old, take them to the doctor or child health nurse to check that their foot position is improving.

Exercises for positional talipes

Here's how to do foot exercises. Choose a time when your baby is settled. The exercises shouldn't be painful, so if they start crying, stop and check that you're doing them properly.

Talipes equinovarus

1. Use one hand to hold your baby's leg still.
2. With your other hand, gently turn your baby's foot outwards to line up with their shin.
3. Press the front of your baby's foot upwards.
4. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds.
5. Do this 3 times, every time you change your baby's nappy.
6. Stroke the outside of your baby's foot (the side of their little toe) — they should respond by pulling their foot outwards and upwards.

Talipes calcaneovalgus

1. Use one hand to hold your baby's leg still.
2. With your other hand, gently press the front of their foot downwards while lined up with their shin.
3. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds.
4. Do this 3 times every time you change your baby's nappy.
5. Press underneath the front of your baby's foot or behind their ankle — they may respond by pointing their toes downwards.
6. Massage the front of your baby's ankle and the top of their foot.

Resources and support

Talk to your doctor, child health nurse or physiotherapist if you're concerned about your baby's feet or if you're not sure how to do stretching exercises.

If your baby has the most common type of positional talipes — equinovarus — see this guide to foot exercises, including some handy pictures.