Metatarsus Adductus

Some children may benefit from gentle stretching exercises. In more rare cases, when the foot remains stiff casting and/or bracing may be considered.

It is advised to avoid tight baby grows, tights, socks or shoes which could restrict the movement of the foot and ankle.

Perform these simple exercises on your baby’s foot when your baby is relaxed.

Carry out each exercise for 10-30 seconds, as tolerated. They should never be painful. They can be completed regularly throughout the day, for example every nappy change.

Exercises

• Hold over the top of the foot using your fingers and thumb with the knee bent.
• Move the foot round to the middle so it lines up with the rest of the leg.
• Using your other hand, massage along the inner border of the foot.
• Tickle the outside edge of your baby’s foot, from their little toe to their heel bone, up the outer part of the ankle and lower leg.
• This will help the baby to activate their muscles to turn their foot outwards.

Speak to your Health Visitor or complete a Children and Young Person’s Physiotherapy self-referral form if:

• The foot feels stiff or cannot be corrected gently to midline.
• The foot appears painful.
• The position is not improving within 6 to 8 weeks of doing the exercises

In Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, babies presenting with metatarsus adductus should be referred for a hip ultrasound scan to assess their hip development. Please speak to your Health Visitor to arrange this.