Metatarsus Adductus

Metatarsus adductus is a common foot difference in babies and young children where the front part of the foot (the metatarsal bones and toes) curves inward towards the midline of the body, giving the foot a "C" shape. It's one of the most frequently seen foot conditions in infancy, and in the majority of cases it improves naturally as a child grows.

If you've noticed your little one's feet turning in, it's completely understandable to feel concerned. The good news is that metatarsus adductus is usually mild, often resolves on its own, and responds well to gentle, conservative care. Our podiatry team at Blueprint Podiatry in Tuggerah can assess your child, explain what you're seeing, and guide you on whether any treatment is needed.

What is metatarsus adductus?

In a foot with metatarsus adductus, the heel and ankle sit in a normal position, but the forefoot points inward. The outer border of the foot may look curved rather than straight, and there can be a slightly more prominent area at the base of the big toe.

It varies in severity. Some feet are flexible and can be easily straightened by hand, while others are firmer. Most cases are mild and flexible.

What causes it, and what are the symptoms?

Metatarsus adductus is often present at birth and is thought to relate to how the baby was positioned in the womb. It can sometimes occur alongside other conditions such as hip dysplasia, which is one reason a thorough assessment matters.

Common signs include:

• A foot that curves inward at the front
• Toes that point towards the other foot
• A curved outer edge of the foot
• In walking children, an in-toeing gait

It's generally painless and doesn't usually delay a child learning to walk.

How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and treat metatarsus adductus?

Our three registered podiatrists each hold a Bachelor of Podiatry and training in Foot Mobilisation Therapy, and every one of them is a certified running coach — which means a genuine understanding of how children's feet move and develop through to walking and running.

Assessment may include a detailed physical examination, checking the flexibility of the forefoot, reviewing your child's developmental history and, where appropriate, watching how they walk. If anything suggests a related concern, we'll discuss referral for further investigation.

For care, our approach is conservative and may include:

• Gentle stretching and manual techniques to encourage forefoot flexibility
• Foot mobilisation therapy to support natural alignment
• Monitoring over time to track how the foot is developing
• Advice on footwear suited to your child's stage
• Custom orthotics in selected cases — designed using weightbearing 3D scanning and 3D printed in-house

Surgery is rarely required for metatarsus adductus, and we focus on supportive, non-invasive care first.

When should you seek help?

It's worth having your child assessed if the foot looks rigid and won't straighten, if the curve seems to be worsening, if there's pain, or if you simply want reassurance.

Related services

• Customised Orthotics
• Biomechanical Assessment
• Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT)