In-toeing and Out-toeing
Children often start walking with their toes and feet turned at an angle. “In-toeing” means the feet turn inward – sometimes referred to as walking “pigeon-toed” – while if they point outward, it’s called “out-toeing.” Most children walk with in-toeing or out-toeing which usually improves as they get older.
Most toddlers walk with in-toeing or out-toeing because of a slight twist or rotation of the lower or upper leg bones. It is uncertain why some children have these gait
abnormalities, but a family history may play a role. Cramping in the womb may also contribute to these conditions.
Symptoms
Most children have no symptoms other than observed walking with toes pointing in or out. However, some may exhibit pain in the foot, knee, thigh or hip by limping.
Treating In-toeing and Out-toeing
If your child’s in-toeing or out-toeing doesn’t improve by age 3, if he or she has pain, if one foot turns out more than the other, if gait abnormalities worsen or if there are other developmental delays, please come in for an evaluation.
Some types of torsions may require surgery to untwist the bones to prevent more serious problems when the child is older.
