In-Toeing

In-toeing means a child’s feet point inward instead of straight ahead or slightly outward. Also known as “pigeon-toed,” in-toeing is a common gait (walking) abnormality that usually does not require treatment. In most cases, children outgrow in-toeing.

There are three common conditions causing children’s feet to curve:

Tibial Torsion – Usually evident when a child begins walking, tibial torsion is the inward twist of the tibia, or the shinbone. This is common in babies and generally is self-correcting by the time a child turns 1, but 90 percent of children with tibial torsion are corrected between the ages of 4 and 6.

Metatarsus Adductus – This is a common birth defect where a child’s feet bend inward, starting from the middle of their foot to their toes. In the most severe cases, it may look like a clubfoot. This condition usually corrects itself on its own.

Femoral Anteversion – Femoral Anteversion is the inward twist of the upper thighbone in the hip area, and is usually excessive. Children with femoral anteversion usually exhibit symptoms between the ages of two and four years old. All children are born with some gradual twisting on the thigh bone. As they grow and the surrounding ligaments tighten, the condition is usually corrected by the time a child reaches the ages of 6 to 8 years old.

Symptoms of In-Toeing:

Most children with in-toeing do not exhibit any associated symptoms. Some children may have some pain around the knee area.

Diagnosing In-Toeing:

Diagnosing in-toeing is done by your child’s doctor through a physical examination.

Treatment of In-Toeing:

Most cases of in-toeing correct themselves and do not require treatment.