When children are learning to walk, they are likely to develop different walking patterns. You will notice that initially your child develops a haywire manner of walking. This is normal for all children but for some children, this style of walking gradually turns into a condition, which pediatricians call ‘pigeon-toeing’ or ‘intoeing’. In this condition, the toes of a child turn at a specific angle while moving. This is a normal observation for most kids who are learning to walk and may affect the gait and stature in long term. Then, how to deal with this condition will be the common concern for parents. Words below can be a good consultation of intoeing. 

What Is Intoeing?

1. 1.  Definition 

It is a state where your child turns his feet towards certain angle such that they face each other whenever your child walksruns or stands.

2. 2.  Should You Worry?

intoeing is observed in many children and is not to be taken seriously because children gradually develop the correct posture as they progress in learning how to walk, but the parents should be concerned if the child does not stop intoeing even after reaching an older age.

intoeing can lead to improper balance and wearing shoes can be a problem for such kids. In the long run, your child might learn walking much later than when most kids can. They might also lack behind in sports and other physical activities that require running and jumping such as football, basketball or baseball.

3. 3.  More Things You Should Know

Here are somepoints you need to know about intoeing to help you understand more about it.

• When your child walks or takes a rest against its back, its toes turn inward.
• Your child’s outside part of its feet bends.
• intoeing condition is usually not accompanied by pain.
• Falling and dropping may easily occur to your child with intoeing condition.
• Shoes worn by your child would be unequal.
• intoeing may postpone the walking development of your child.
• intoeing won’t lead to arthritis.

What Causes Intoeing in Children?

1. 1.  The Feet: Metatarsus Adductus

It is an inward curve of the foot. The child has a slight curve because of his natural position in the womb. Mostly these children need small exercises to correct their posture. Slightly move the feet outward in the direction where it should normally be and your child will gain a natural gait in a few months. However, in some cases, casts have to be applied to the child’s feet. If children do not recover their natural posture, surgeries may be suggested by your doctor, but such a necessity is rare.

2. 2.  The Lower Legs: Internal Tibial Torsion

It is a condition referring to slight twisting of the tibia bone, the larger bone of the lower leg. This condition can occur because of either genetic reasons or the way your child was positioned inside the womb.

The typical symptoms of such a child are straight knees and slightly curved feet. Special boots are designed for the optimal management of such cases. These boots have rods that assist to keep the feet straight. However, such measures are not always necessary because studies have shown that children develop a natural posture after a few years on their own.

However, for those who still have twisted tibia bone even after several years of initiating walking cosmetic surgery may be required to fix it.

3. 3.  The Upper Legs: Increased Femoral Torsion

This condition is characterized by inward twisting of the thighbone. Although posture corrects on its own naturally, there is nothing to worry about if it does not. This condition does not affect the balance and many individuals do not have many troubles with this posture either. Therefore, no specific treatment is to be concerned, unless another associated condition needs to be treated.

How to Diagnose Intoeing in Children?

The detection of intoeing condition, if no genetic reason is present, is usually prolonged for a few years. It is expected that the child will correct his posture over years, which usually happens. However, if not, your orthopedic practitioner will perform some simple evaluation tests to rule out any disorders. These assessments are employed to rule out any bone deformities, abnormalities in musculoskeletal structure and osteoarthritic conditions.

These examinations include rotational profiling, an analysis taking six different values of angles a child’s hips, feet and legs in various positions. These angles give a reference of any bone twisting or abnormality present. X-Rays are performed to gain an in-depth view of the bone and to decide different treatment strategies.

Advanced imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans and radiographic imaging may also be used for a detailed checkup.

How to Treat Intoeing in Children

Treatment is not what children with intoeing condition need, they may however, need some corrective behavior adjustments in the way they walk or posture of their legs. Try to let the child grow out of his unnatural gait himself. It takes approximately six months to one year before your child can correct his posture. The majority starts changing when your child begins walking. In some cases, using braces, special shoes or casts can hinder the natural progression a child should go through. As mentioned above, if your child is predisposed to arthritis, osteoporosis or any bone deformity for genetic reasons, your doctor may prescribe him a cast, which is usually applied before your child learns to walk, hence he does not get in the habit of in-toed walking.

If his condition persists up to ten years of age, surgical intervention should be sought as the last corrective resort.

The following video explains causes of intoeing in children and what parents can help in such condition:

When to See a Doctor

Though intoeing condition is not such a severe situation, seek a medical review if:

• The intoeing condition only manifests in one leg.
• The situation is serious with no progress for days.
• The intoeing results in stark feet.
• intoeing affects the child’s life for joining school activities.

If you have other concern about intoeing in your children, talk to the doctor and explain to him your concerns. Ask him to educate you on the possible signs and symptoms to look put for, which would indicate wrong progress in his walk and what measures can be taken to correct it.