My child walks pigeon toed - what should I do?
Have you noticed your child walks pigeon toed or is intoeing? Does you child trip over a lot? Or does their walking just seem awkward?
Typically our feet point straight ahead or slightly outwards, but in some people, due to a range of causes their feet point inward. This is called intoeing or "pigeon toes”.
Intoeing is very common in many young children, with most children under the age of two years having some degree of intoeing as part of their normal development, however this should reduce with time. Children that intoe may have difficulty sitting in a cross-legged position and tend to “W” sit on their knees with their feet flared out behind/beside them. Intoeing may cause your child to stumble, trip, appear clumsy and/or have difficulty running. You may also be experience difficulty getting their shoes to fit correctly and some children may be concerned about their feet looking different.
Intoeing can run in the family and is typically due to three main causative conditions including Metatarsus adductus (curved foot), Femoral torsion (twisted thighbone) or Tibial torsion (twisted shin). Causes of intoeing can spontaneously resolve through early childhood with bone development and not require treatment. However, if the degree of intoeing is severe or it does not resolve over time an appointment for your child with us at Simply Feet Podiatry will be beneficial where we can assess intoeing severity and formulate a subjective treatment plan. Treatments may range from conservative gait plates, orthotics, exercises and footwear to referral for surgical correction for severe late stages cases depending on causative factors.
If you are concerned about your Childs physical development it is important to seek Podiatric assessment to ensure early detection of any underlying issues. For further information just click the “Contact” button above and with specialist assessment from our Podiatrists so they can assess and determine the best way to help your Child.
