Quick read
Key points
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Positional talipes is a condition where a newborn baby's foot or feet appear turned inward or downward, caused by the baby's position in the womb rather than a structural problem with the bones and joints. Unlike structural clubfoot, positional talipes can usually be gently corrected by hand and doesn't involve tightness in the underlying tissue.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Your newborn's foot shape is noted at their newborn check and you'd like it explained
01 · Know
What is Positional Talipes (TEV) in Newborn Babies?
Positional talipes is a condition where a newborn baby's foot or feet appear turned inward or downward, caused by the baby's position in the womb rather than a structural problem with the bones and joints. Unlike structural clubfoot, positional talipes can usually be gently corrected by hand and doesn't involve tightness in the underlying tissue.
It's common and usually resolves well with simple stretching exercises, sometimes guided by a physiotherapist, without needing casting or surgery, which are reserved for structural clubfoot.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Assessment distinguishes it from structural clubfoot
A doctor or physiotherapist can usually tell positional talipes apart from true structural clubfoot by checking whether the foot can be gently moved into a normal position — this distinction guides the right treatment approach.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1Your newborn's foot shape is noted at their newborn check and you'd like it explained
- 2The foot doesn't seem to be straightening with gentle stretching over the first weeks
- 3You have any concerns about your baby's foot shape or movement
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Follow Physiotherapy Guidance Specifically for Your Baby
Stretching exercises should be shown to you by a physiotherapist or doctor, tailored to your baby's specific foot position, rather than attempted based on general advice alone.
- 1Attend the physiotherapy referral if recommended.A physiotherapist can teach you specific, gentle stretches to do with your baby regularly.
- 2Perform stretches as shown, not more than advised.Gentle, consistent stretching as demonstrated is more effective and safer than trying to do more than recommended.
- 3Attend follow-up checks.These confirm the foot is straightening as expected over the following weeks and months.
- 4Ask questions if anything is unclear.Understanding the difference between positional talipes and structural clubfoot can offer reassurance.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Positional talipes is common and usually corrects well with simple, guided stretching exercises, without needing casting or surgery.
A physiotherapist can confirm the diagnosis and show you exactly how to help, tailored to your baby.