About positional talipes

Positional talipes is a common problem with baby feet. A child with positional talipes has a foot or feet that are pointed and twisted out of normal position.

It happens when a baby is positioned in the womb with his feet tucked up underneath his body.

Symptoms of positional talipes

If your baby has positional talipes, her foot is pointed downwards and inwards, but you can move the foot gently into a normal position. There’s also usually a sharp bend in the ankle, and the bones on the inside of the foot look more prominent.

Positional talipes can affect one or both feet.

Clubfoot is another condition where the foot twists downwards and inwards. But with clubfoot, the foot can’t be gently moved into its correct position. This is because it’s a problem with the structure of the foot.

Diagnosis of positional talipes

Your midwife or paediatrician will probably pick up positional talipes during checks on your baby after birth.

Treatment of positional talipes

In most cases, positional talipes fixes itself within six months. You might just need to gently stretch and tickle your baby’s feet.

Occasionally, babies with more severe positional talipes need a cast and orthotics.

Positional talipes won’t affect your baby’s ability to crawl or walk.