In-toeing in children
In-toeing, also called pigeon toed walking, is when your child's feet turn inwards when they walk. Many children grow out of it, often by age 5 or 6. Fiona at The Fresh Foot Centre in Narre Warren can assess your child from age 4 and advise whether treatment is needed.
What in-toeing is
In-toeing, or pigeon toed walking, is when your child's feet turn inwards when they walk. It is common in young children and in many cases it comes from the feet themselves. Most children who in-toe from the feet grow out of it by 5 or 6 years of age. Fiona can examine your child and work out which part of the leg is causing the inward turn.
Common causes
Metatarsus adductus, or curved feet, is one cause of in-toeing. The front of the foot turns inwards, usually because there was not enough room in the uterus. Children usually grow out of this by age 2 or 3.
Internal tibial torsion, a twisted shin bone, is another cause. The shin bone, the bone between the ankle and knee, turns inwards during walking. This is very common and children normally grow out of it by 8 years old without treatment.
Femoral anteversion is a twisted thighbone and usually becomes clear at 5 or 6 years of age. The upper end of the thigh bone near the hip has an increased twist, which lets the hip turn inward more than it turns outward. There can be weak hip muscles with it.
Does in-toeing need treatment
A lot of the time, your child will grow out of in-toeing, especially when it only affects the feet and shin bones. Twisted thighbone cases are best managed by a paediatric physiotherapist, who can help with stretching and strengthening exercises. For a twisted shin bone, Fiona can assist with stretching and strengthening programs, or an orthotic or insole in the shoe may be used. You can read more about custom orthotics on our orthotics page.
When to have it checked
A child who walks pigeon toed usually deserves a review in the 5 to 6 year old age group. Fiona sees children from 4 years old at The Fresh Foot Centre in Narre Warren. Bring your child in sooner at any age if they fall a lot at school, trip over themselves, or have trouble keeping up with their peers. In-toeing that affects only one leg should be checked.
Questions
Is being pigeon toed bad for my child?
Most children grow out of in-toeing without treatment. It becomes a concern when your child trips often, falls a lot, or struggles to keep up with other children.
What age do children stop in-toeing?
In-toeing from the feet often resolves by 5 or 6 years old, and a twisted shin bone usually corrects by about 8 years old. Have it checked at 5 or 6 if your child still in-toes.
Do pigeon toed children need orthotics?
Not always. Some children with a twisted shin bone may benefit from an orthotic or insole in the shoe. Fiona can assess your child and advise whether orthotics, exercises, or simply monitoring are appropriate.