Understanding Talipes (Clubfoot) and How Physiotherapy Can Help Your Baby
Talipes is a relatively common foot condition in babies where one or both feet are turned, twisted, or pointed in an irregular direction. You may also hear it called clubfoot.
While it can look concerning at first, most cases are mild and respond very well to physiotherapy and gentle home exercises.
Types of Talipes
There are two main types of Talipes — Positional (Flexible) and Fixed (Structural) — and understanding the difference helps determine the best treatment approach.
1. Positional or “Flexible” Talipes
This is the most common type. In positional Talipes, your baby’s foot posture is flexible and can be gently moved into a normal position.
It’s often caused by how your baby was positioned in the womb — for example, limited space or pressure on one side of the foot or ankle.
Sub-types include:
Equinovarus: the foot points downwards and inwards
Calcaneovalgus: the foot points upwards and outwards
In these cases, the muscles on one side of the foot and ankle are tight, while those on the opposite side are weaker.
The good news? Flexible Talipes typically improves with gentle stretches, strengthening, and parent-guided exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
2. Fixed or “Structural” Talipes
This type is less common. Here, the foot structure itself is affected and cannot be easily moved into a normal position.
Because this type involves bony or soft-tissue changes, it won’t resolve with stretching alone and usually requires specialist referral for further assessment, imaging, and sometimes splinting or casting. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed.
What About Metatarsus Adductus?
Another similar and common condition is Metatarsus Adductus, where the front half of the foot (the forefoot) turns inward.
Like Talipes, it’s usually related to how your baby was positioned in the womb and can range from flexible to fixed.
Most mild cases improve naturally over time, especially with physiotherapy guidance and simple at-home exercises.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
At Wisdom Physiotherapy, we take a gentle, family-centred approach to helping babies with Talipes or Metatarsus Adductus.
Your physiotherapist will:
Provide a thorough assessment to identify the type and severity of Talipes or Metatarsus Adductus
Teach you gentle stretching techniques to reduce muscle tightness
Prescribe strengthening exercises to encourage activation of the underused muscles
Complete a hip screening, as babies with Talipes or Metatarsus Adductus should also have their hip joints checked
With the right guidance and early intervention, most babies show excellent improvement within the first few months.
What Parents Can Do at Home
Encourage movement: allow your baby to kick and move their legs and feet freely throughout the day
Swaddle gently: avoid wrapping your baby’s legs or feet too tightly when swaddling
Follow your physio’s exercises: regular stretching and massage make a big difference
Gentle foot massage: helps relax tight muscles and promote flexibility
Consistency is key — short, regular sessions at home can make a huge difference in your baby’s progress.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve noticed your baby’s feet appear turned, stiff, or difficult to move, it’s best to have an assessment sooner rather than later. Early physiotherapy helps prevent future issues with walking and ensures your baby develops strong, balanced feet.
Our physiotherapists in Nedlands and Claremont are experienced in treating infants with Talipes and other early developmental conditions. We’ll guide you every step of the way with practical advice, hands-on support, and peace of mind.
Book an appointment today to have your baby assessed — early intervention makes all the difference in supporting healthy development and confident little steps.
To make an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists for your baby, call us on (08) 6389 2947 or click here to book online.
