Metatarsus Adductus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Metatarsus Adductus?
A pediatrician, a doctor for babies and children, usually spots metatarsus adductus. A pediatric orthopedic doctor, a bone and joint specialist for children, should be involved in treating more severe cases. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is metatarsus adductus?
Metatarsus adductus is a foot deformity that occurs in infants. The bones in the front half of the foot bend or turn in toward the side of the big toe.
It is the most common foot deformity that babies are born with. It occurs in about 1 to 2 of every 1,000 births.
Symptoms
The front of the foot is bent or angled in toward the middle of the foot. The back of the foot and the ankles are normal. About one half of children with metatarsus adductus have these changes in both feet.
Club foot is a different problem. In club foot, the foot is pointed down and the ankle is turned in.
Metatarsus adductus is one of the reasons why people develop in-toeing, which means the feet turn inward.
Causes and who gets it
Metatarsus adductus is thought to be caused by the infant's position inside the womb. Experts say the exact cause is still unknown.
Risks may include a breech position, which means the baby's bottom was pointed down in the womb. Another risk is oligohydramnios, a condition in which the mother does not make enough amniotic fluid. There may also be a family history of the condition.
It is seen more often in girls than in boys.
Newborns with metatarsus adductus may also have developmental dysplasia of the hip, which allows the thigh bone to slip out of the hip socket.
How doctors diagnose it
Metatarsus adductus can be diagnosed with a physical exam. A careful exam of the hip should also be done.
The doctor also checks how rigid, or stiff, the foot is when they try to straighten it. If the foot is very rigid, the provider may order other tests.
X-rays are not very reliable in children, because the foot bones have not yet hardened enough to measure angles well.
Treatment
Treatment is rarely needed. In most children, the problem corrects itself as they use their feet normally. If the foot is very flexible and easy to straighten, no treatment may be needed, and the child will be checked regularly.
If the problem does not improve or the foot is not flexible enough, other treatments will be tried:
- Stretching exercises, if the foot can be easily moved into a normal position. The family is taught how to do them at home.
- A splint or special shoes, called reverse-last shoes, worn for most of the day to hold the foot in the correct position.
- Rarely, a cast on the foot and leg. Casts work best if they are put on before the child is 8 months old.
Casts can cause problems such as skin bruises, circulation problems, deep wounds, and nerve injury.
Surgery is rarely needed. Most of the time, the provider will delay surgery until the child is between 4 and 6 years old. Results of surgery can vary, and the problem can come back.
The outcome is almost always excellent. Almost all children will have a foot that works.
When to see a doctor
Contact your child's provider if you are concerned about the appearance or flexibility of your infant's feet. The hip condition should also be checked from time to time in babies who have metatarsus adductus.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can check your child's feet and hips. They can also keep checking them over time.
Common questions
Does metatarsus adductus go away on its own?
Often, yes. In most children, the problem corrects itself as they use their feet normally. Up to 90% of fully flexible cases clear up by 1 year of age.
Is metatarsus adductus the same as club foot?
No, club foot is a different problem. In club foot, the foot is pointed down and the ankle is turned in. In metatarsus adductus, the back of the foot and the ankles are normal.
Will my child need a cast or surgery?
Most children do not. Treatment is rarely needed. A cast is rarely needed. Surgery is rarely needed.
Will my child be able to walk and play sports?
Yes, almost all children will have a foot that works. In-toeing does not interfere with the child becoming an athlete later in life.
Can metatarsus adductus come with hip problems?
Yes, sometimes. Newborns with metatarsus adductus may also have developmental dysplasia of the hip. A careful exam of the hip should be done.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Metatarsus adductus
- NCBI Bookshelf (StatPearls) - Pediatric Foot Alignment Deformities
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
