Baby feet positional issues
It is common for newborn babies to have moulded feet due to Intra-uterine positioning. This is usually fully correctable, and will improve within the first few months after birth.
Congenital talipes equinovarus CTEV (clubfoot) is a true, rigid fixed foot, with a smaller leg and calf, and a high riding small heel. This is usually identified on antenatal scans and is treated with Ponseti casting
Action: Key assessment points
Description:
- Assess ankle and foot range of movement (passive and active)
- Examine hips for DDH (see Developmental Hip Dysplasia guidelines)
- Quick check of neck range of movement and head shape
Action: Referral not indicated
Description:
- The foot is flexible and fully passively correctable
- Educate and reassure parent/guardian and give appropriate Acute Paediatric Physiotherapy leaflet Positional talipes equinovarus, Calcaneovalgus feet, Metatarsus adductus
Action: Refer to Paediatric Physiotherapy
Description:
- The foot has persisting tightness/stiffness (not fully passively correctable)
Action: Refer to Paediatric Orthopaedics
Description:
- Refer all CTEV (clubfoot) or rigid/fixed foot postures
Action: Refer to ultrasound for a hip scan
Description:
- Calcaneovalgus or metatarsus adductus, if the baby has not been referred directly from maternity
- If clinically indicated (please see Developmental Hip Dysplasia guidelines)
