If you have noticed your child walking with their toes pointed inward toward each other, you are looking at a common gait pattern known as pigeon toes, or in-toeing, and it’s one of the most frequent reasons parents bring their little ones to us at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists. While it might look a bit awkward or cause your child to trip over their own feet occasionally, the good news is that most children outgrow this condition without any major intervention.
Here is a look at what causes pigeon toes and how you can manage it.
What Exactly Causes Pigeon Toes?
When it comes to foot problems, there are a lot of misconceptions about causation. Pigeon toes typically stem from one of three areas: the foot, the shin, or the hip. Depending on where the twist is located, the treatment and timeline for correction can vary.
- Metatarsus Adductus: This is a curve in the foot itself, often caused by the cramped position of the baby in the womb. You will notice the outside of the foot has a C-shape.
- Tibial Torsion: This is an inward twist of the shin bone. It is very common as toddlers begin to walk and usually straighten out as they grow taller.
- Femoral Anteversion: This is an inward twist of the thigh bone. If you notice your child likes to sit in a W position on the floor, this is often the culprit.
Key Facts Parents Should Know About Pigeon Toes
Understanding the reality of in toeing can save you a lot of unnecessary worry. Here are the most important takeaways for your child’s foot health:
- Spontaneous Correction: The vast majority of cases resolve on their own according to the NIH. As your child’s bones mature and their muscles get stronger, the in-toeing usually disappears by age eight or ten.
- The Tripping Factor: pigeon toes can make children a bit more prone to tripping because their toes can catch on the back of their opposite heel. This is usually just a temporary phase of clumsiness.
- The W-Sitting Habit: You should encourage your child to sit cross-legged rather than in a W position. W-sitting puts extra stress on the hips and can slow down the natural straightening of the legs.
- Pain is Not Normal: Pigeon toes should not be painful. If your child complains of aching feet, legs, or hips, it is time to see a podiatrist.
- Footwear Choices: For most in toeing, you do not need special orthopedic shoes or custom orthotics.Flexible, well-fitting sneakers that allow for natural movement are usually the best choice.
When to Consult a Podiatrist for Your Children’s Pigeon Toes
While you can usually wait for nature to take its course, a professional evaluation provides peace of mind. A podiatrist can measure the exact degree of the twist and ensure there are no underlying hip or neurological issues…
And in some cases, we can prescribe specific stretches or physical therapy to help the process along.
For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.