In-toeing or pigeon toe (feet turn in when walking)

What problems may occur?

Children who in-toe may appear to trip more often at first but this soon resolves. They can be just as good at sport and are no more likely to suffer back or hip problems or arthritis than anyone else. It will not get worse and should improve over time. Falling is not caused by in-toeing but is part of the process of learning to walk. ln-toeing will not affect your child's ability to walk, run or jump in the long term.

ln-toeing may be more obvious if your child has flexible joints or when they are tired.

Femoral anteversion

This is where the femur   (thigh bone) turns inwards causing the whole leg to tum in and is the most common cause of in-toeing. It is most evident between the ages of 2-4 and will usually resolve spontaneously by the age of 10. This is twice as common in girls as boys and can run in families.

Tibial Torsion:

This occurs when the shin bone is twisted causing the foot to tum in even though the kneecaps point forwards. This will normally correct by age 4-5 as the bones grow, the walking pattern matures and the knees straighten. Splints or special shoes are not necessary

Metatarsus Adductus

This is when the foot curves in and often results from cramped space in the womb and is evident from birth. Most will resolve spontaneously but in severe cases when the foot is stiff, stretches or advice on footwear may be necessary

Tight or weaker muscles

The hamstrings are the muscles at the back of the thigh and tightness in these muscles can also cause in-toeing. Following a growth spurt, tightness may cause in-toeing to worsen. A programme of stretches may help improve this. Sometimes, the muscles on the outside of the hip that tum the leg out can be slightly weaker resulting in the legs turning in-strengthening these muscles can help in some cases.