Paediatrics / In-toeing

In-toeing is commonly known as ‘pigeon-toed’ and occurs when a child walks with one or both of their feet turned in, rather than facing straight ahead or outward.

  • WHAT IS IN-TOEING?
    • Commonly known as ‘pigeon-toed’
    • Occurs when a child walks with one or both of their feet turned in, rather than facing straight ahead or outward
    • Usually in children under 4 years old
    • Can often correct on its own but may require some intervention
  • WHAT CAUSES IN-TOEING?
    • There are three common causes of in-toeing:
      • Metatarsus adductus:
        • These feet curve inwards, causing the pigeon toed appearance
      • Tibial torsion:
        • The shin bone is twisted inwards
        • Can occur in the womb by the way the baby is positioned
        • This changes the way the foot aligns
        • The bone will normally untwist as the child grows
      • Femoral anteversion:
        • Thigh bone is twisted inwards
        • Will also normally correct as the child grows but can be a slower process
        • The twisting of the thigh changes the alignment of the foot in relation to the body
  • WHAT PROBLEMS COULD ARISE FROM IN-TOEING?
    • The child may fatigue earlier than peers
    • Have difficulty with certain activities due to recurrent tripping/falling
    • May have more injuries due to the tripping/falling
    • Difficulty fitting footwear
    • Scuffing of footwear and uneven shoe wear on outside toe tips
    • May experience pain in the legs
  • HOW WILL A PODIARTIST MANAGE MY CHILD’S IN-TOEING?
    • In-toeing is best managed as early as possible so if you have any concerns its best to have a podiatrist examine your child’s feet so best possible outcome can be achieved
    • A full assessment of your child’s lower limb will be performed to locate exact cause of in-toeing
    • Gait plates
    • Orthotics
    • Footwear education
    • Stretching program
    • Strengthening program
    • Posture modifications – stopping any ‘W’ sitting!
  • WHAT IS IN-TOEING?
    • Commonly known as ‘pigeon-toed’
    • Occurs when a child walks with one or both of their feet turned in, rather than facing straight ahead or outward
    • Usually in children under 4 years old
    • Can often correct on its own but may require some intervention
  • WHAT CAUSES IN-TOEING?
    • There are three common causes of in-toeing:
      • Metatarsus adductus:
        • These feet curve inwards, causing the pigeon toed appearance
      • Tibial torsion:
        • The shin bone is twisted inwards
        • Can occur in the womb by the way the baby is positioned
        • This changes the way the foot aligns
        • The bone will normally untwist as the child grows
      • Femoral anteversion:
        • Thigh bone is twisted inwards
        • Will also normally correct as the child grows but can be a slower process
        • The twisting of the thigh changes the alignment of the foot in relation to the body
  • WHAT PROBLEMS COULD ARISE FROM IN-TOEING?
    • The child may fatigue earlier than peers
    • Have difficulty with certain activities due to recurrent tripping/falling
    • May have more injuries due to the tripping/falling
    • Difficulty fitting footwear
    • Scuffing of footwear and uneven shoe wear on outside toe tips
    • May experience pain in the legs
  • HOW WILL A PODIARTIST MANAGE MY CHILD’S IN-TOEING?
    • In-toeing is best managed as early as possible so if you have any concerns its best to have a podiatrist examine your child’s feet so best possible outcome can be achieved
    • A full assessment of your child’s lower limb will be performed to locate exact cause of in-toeing
    • Gait plates
    • Orthotics
    • Footwear education
    • Stretching program
    • Strengthening program
    • Posture modifications – stopping any ‘W’ sitting!

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