Medical Conditions

Calcaneovalgus Foot (Foot Bent Up at Birth)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published OrthoInfo, AAP, NIH guidelines

Last reviewed: May 2026

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth), here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Key takeaways

Calcaneovalgus foot is a very common, benign positional foot deformity noticed at birth in which the baby's foot bends upward (dorsiflexed) toward the front of the shin. It is caused by the foot being compressed in this position during pregnancy. The key feature is that the foot is flexible and can be gently moved to a normal position. Almost all cases resolve completely on their own within weeks to months with simple stretching exercises. It is important to distinguish this from vertical talus, a rigid deformity that requires treatment.
Usually normal when: Your newborn's foot bends upward toward the shin but can be gently and easily moved to a normal position (this flexibility confirms calcaneovalgus rather than a rigid deformity)
Call your doctor if: Your newborn has a rigid foot deformity that cannot be passively corrected, combined with other physical findings such as unusual body tone, multiple joint contractures, or signs of a genetic syndrome, requiring comprehensive evaluation
Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below

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What Parents Should Know

According to OrthoInfo, AAP, NIH guidelines, calcaneovalgus foot is a very common, benign positional foot deformity noticed at birth in which the baby's foot bends upward (dorsiflexed) toward the front of the shin. It is caused by the foot being compressed in this position during pregnancy. The key feature is that the foot is flexible and can be gently moved to a normal position. Almost all cases resolve completely on their own within weeks to months with simple stretching exercises. It is important to distinguish this from vertical talus, a rigid deformity that requires treatment. At 0-3 months, calcaneovalgus foot is noticed immediately at birth. The foot appears bent upward so that the top of the foot touches or nearly touches the front of the shin. It may look alarming, but the critical distinction is flexibility: when you gently push the foot downward into a normal position, it moves easily without resistance. Your pediatrician may show you gentle stretching exercises, holding the foot in a corrected (plantarflexed) position for a few seconds, repeated several times during each diaper change. Most cases show significant improvement within the first few weeks of life. It is generally considered normal when your newborn's foot bends upward toward the shin but can be gently and easily moved to a normal position (this flexibility confirms calcaneovalgus rather than a rigid deformity). However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your newborn has a rigid foot deformity that cannot be passively corrected, combined with other physical findings such as unusual body tone, multiple joint contractures, or signs of a genetic syndrome, requiring comprehensive evaluation.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal

Worth Discussing

Your newborn's foot bends upward toward the shin but can be gently and easily moved to a normal position (this flexibility confirms calcaneovalgus rather than a rigid deformity)

Both feet have similar range of motion and your baby does not seem bothered when the foot is moved

Your baby's foot or ankle develops sudden swelling, redness, or warmth, which could indicate an infection or other acute condition unrelated to calcaneovalgus

The upward bending of the foot is improving with gentle stretching exercises over the first few weeks

Your baby's foot does not move easily to a normal position when you gently push it down, suggesting the deformity may be rigid rather than positional

Your baby's foot has returned to normal position by 2-3 months of age with or without stretching

The foot has not improved by 3 months despite regular gentle stretching exercises

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Calcaneovalgus foot is noticed immediately at birth. The foot appears bent upward so that the top of the foot touches or nearly touches the front of the shin. It may look alarming, but the critical distinction is flexibility: when you gently push the foot downward into a normal position, it moves easily without resistance. Your pediatrician may show you gentle stretching exercises, holding the foot in a corrected (plantarflexed) position for a few seconds, repeated several times during each diaper change. Most cases show significant improvement within the first few weeks of life.

3-12 months

By this age, the vast majority of calcaneovalgus feet have resolved completely with normal foot position and full range of motion. If your baby's foot has not improved by 3-6 months, your pediatrician may want to take a closer look to ensure the condition is truly calcaneovalgus and not a more rigid deformity such as vertical talus or posteromedial bowing of the tibia. Rarely, a foot-ankle orthosis or referral to a pediatric orthopedist may be recommended for persistent cases.

1-3 years

It would be unusual for a true calcaneovalgus foot to persist into toddlerhood. By the time your child is walking, the foot should have completely normalized. If a foot deformity persists, your pediatrician should evaluate whether a different diagnosis is present. Children who had calcaneovalgus at birth have no long-term foot or ankle problems and require no activity restrictions.

3-5 years

Children who had calcaneovalgus at birth have normal foot development, arch formation, and gait by this age. No ongoing treatment, monitoring, or restriction is needed. If your child has flat feet or foot pain at this age, it is unrelated to the newborn calcaneovalgus and should be evaluated on its own merits.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

Describe when you first noticed calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) and how it has changed over time.
Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
Mention if your baby's foot does not move easily to a normal position when you gently push it down, suggesting the deformity may be rigid rather than positional.
Mention if the foot has not improved by 3 months despite regular gentle stretching exercises.
Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...

Your newborn's foot bends upward toward the shin but can be gently and easily moved to a normal position (this flexibility confirms calcaneovalgus rather than a rigid deformity)
Both feet have similar range of motion and your baby does not seem bothered when the foot is moved
The upward bending of the foot is improving with gentle stretching exercises over the first few weeks
Your baby's foot has returned to normal position by 2-3 months of age with or without stretching

Mention at your next visit when...

Your baby's foot does not move easily to a normal position when you gently push it down, suggesting the deformity may be rigid rather than positional
The foot has not improved by 3 months despite regular gentle stretching exercises
You notice the sole of the foot has a convex or rounded "rocker bottom" appearance, which may indicate vertical talus rather than calcaneovalgus

Act now when...

Your newborn has a rigid foot deformity that cannot be passively corrected, combined with other physical findings such as unusual body tone, multiple joint contractures, or signs of a genetic syndrome, requiring comprehensive evaluation
Your baby's foot or ankle develops sudden swelling, redness, or warmth, which could indicate an infection or other acute condition unrelated to calcaneovalgus

What You Can Do at Home

Keep track of when you notice calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
Remember that your newborn's foot bends upward toward the shin but can be gently and easily moved to a normal position (this flexibility confirms calcaneovalgus rather than a rigid deformity) — this is generally within the range of normal.
At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your newborn has a rigid foot deformity that cannot be passively corrected, combined with other physical findings such as unusual body tone, multiple joint contractures, or signs of a genetic syndrome, requiring comprehensive evaluation.

Toddler Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

Flat feet in babies and toddlers are completely normal. All babies are born with flat feet because the arch has not yet developed, and a fat pad fills the arch area. The arch gradually forms between ages 3-6, and most children develop normal arches without any treatment or special shoes.

My Baby Was Born with Clubfoot

Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) is a condition where one or both feet are turned inward and downward at birth. It affects about 1 in 1,000 babies and is very treatable. The Ponseti method, which uses gentle casting and bracing, corrects clubfoot in over 95% of cases without major surgery. Treatment typically starts within the first few weeks of life for best results.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) normal?

When should I call the doctor about calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth)?

Your newborn has a rigid foot deformity that cannot be passively corrected, combined with other physical findings such as unusual body tone, multiple joint contractures, or signs of a genetic syndrome, requiring comprehensive evaluation Your baby's foot or ankle develops sudden swelling, redness, or warmth, which could indicate an infection or other acute condition unrelated to calcaneovalgus

When is calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) normal?

Your newborn's foot bends upward toward the shin but can be gently and easily moved to a normal position (this flexibility confirms calcaneovalgus rather than a rigid deformity) Both feet have similar range of motion and your baby does not seem bothered when the foot is moved The upward bending of the foot is improving with gentle stretching exercises over the first few weeks

What causes calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth)?

Calcaneovalgus foot is a very common, benign positional foot deformity noticed at birth in which the baby's foot bends upward (dorsiflexed) toward the front of the shin. It is caused by the foot being compressed in this position during pregnancy. The key feature is that the foot is flexible and can be gently moved to a normal position. Almost all cases resolve completely on their own within weeks to months with simple stretching exercises. It is important to distinguish this from vertical talus, a rigid deformity that requires treatment. Common explanations include: Your newborn's foot bends upward toward the shin but can be gently and easily moved to a normal position (this flexibility confirms calcaneovalgus rather than a rigid deformity). Both feet have similar range of motion and your baby does not seem bothered when the foot is moved.

What should I mention to my pediatrician about calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth)?

You should mention calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) at your next visit if: Your baby's foot does not move easily to a normal position when you gently push it down, suggesting the deformity may be rigid rather than positional. The foot has not improved by 3 months despite regular gentle stretching exercises. You notice the sole of the foot has a convex or rounded "rocker bottom" appearance, which may indicate vertical talus rather than calcaneovalgus.

Is calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) normal at 0-3 months?

Is calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) normal at 3-12 months?

Should I go to the ER for calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth)?

Seek emergency care if your newborn has a rigid foot deformity that cannot be passively corrected, combined with other physical findings such as unusual body tone, multiple joint contractures, or signs of a genetic syndrome, requiring comprehensive evaluation, or if your baby's foot or ankle develops sudden swelling, redness, or warmth, which could indicate an infection or other acute condition unrelated to calcaneovalgus. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.

Does calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) go away on its own?

In many cases, calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) resolves on its own, especially when your newborn's foot bends upward toward the shin but can be gently and easily moved to a normal position (this flexibility confirms calcaneovalgus rather than a rigid deformity). By 3-5 years, children who had calcaneovalgus at birth have normal foot development, arch formation, and gait by this age. No ongoing treatment, monitoring, or restriction is needed. If your child has flat feet or foot pain at this age, it is unrelated to the newborn calcaneovalgus and should be evaluated on its own merits.

ORTHOINFO AAP NIH

References

[1]American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Common Foot Problems in Children. OrthoInfo, 2022. OrthoInfo
[2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Feet and Foot Problems. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
[3]National Institutes of Health. Calcaneovalgus. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, 2023. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Calcaneovalgus Foot (Foot Bent Up at Birth).

Things to mention

Describe when you first noticed calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) and how it has changed over time.
Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
Mention if your baby's foot does not move easily to a normal position when you gently push it down, suggesting the deformity may be rigid rather than positional.
Mention if the foot has not improved by 3 months despite regular gentle stretching exercises.
Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

Your baby's foot does not move easily to a normal position when you gently push it down, suggesting the deformity may be rigid rather than positional
The foot has not improved by 3 months despite regular gentle stretching exercises
You notice the sole of the foot has a convex or rounded "rocker bottom" appearance, which may indicate vertical talus rather than calcaneovalgus

Urgent signs to report immediately

Your newborn has a rigid foot deformity that cannot be passively corrected, combined with other physical findings such as unusual body tone, multiple joint contractures, or signs of a genetic syndrome, requiring comprehensive evaluation
Your baby's foot or ankle develops sudden swelling, redness, or warmth, which could indicate an infection or other acute condition unrelated to calcaneovalgus

My notes

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Bottom line

Most cases of calcaneovalgus foot (foot bent up at birth) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your newborn has a rigid foot deformity that cannot be passively corrected, combined with other physical findings such as unusual body tone, multiple joint contractures, or signs of a genetic syndrome, requiring comprehensive evaluation.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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