In-toeing and Out-Toeing
As a parent, you get to experience some of life’s greatest moments with your children. You watch as they discover their toes, learn how to crawl, and take their first steps.
As you start chasing your little ones around, you laugh at their adorable childlike gait. It’s awkward and unbalanced. While your child continues to learn how to move and walk on their two feet, you might start to notice some inward or outward rotations of their feet. This is known as in-toeing or out-toeing.
How to Tell if Your Child is In-toeing or Out-Toeing
It’s surprisingly difficult to know if your child is in-toeing or out-toeing. Children have unusual movements as they get to know their bodies and grow into their little legs. Often, stumbling and falling are a part of the learning process. However, as your child continues to perfect his walking abilities, you might start to notice that the direction of his toes remains abnormal.
If you notice your child walks a little bit “pigeon-toed” or with his feet turned inward, or if you notice your child’s feet point outwards, it’s time to talk to a children’s podiatrist.
In-toeing and Out-toeing Risks
In-toeing and out-toeing can pose long-term health risks if not corrected. Some of these health risks include:
- Poor balance while walking
- Increased muscle strain
- Walking difficulties
- Foot deformities, such as hammertoe or bunions
As your child develops, it is important to be aware of this common problem so that you can give your child the treatment he or she needs before it’s too late.
Causes of This Common Children’s Foot Condition
Knowing the causes is the first step in helping your child prevent long-term health problems. Here are a few of the reasons why your child might develop this foot condition:
- There is an unusual curve in his feet
- There is a slight rotation in his feet or ankles
- Something happened during pregnancy to cause your child’s feet to develop differently
- It runs in the family
Regardless of why your child has in-toeing or out-toeing, it is important that you correct the problem soon. Your child is developing, which makes it easier to treat this common condition and help your child’s feet continue to grow as normal.
Be on the lookout for common symptoms, such as limping, swelling, pain, or clumsiness. If you see any of these symptoms in addition to the feet pointing inward or outward, contact our pediatric podiatrist. We’ll perform a basic physical exam and help your child’s feet feel their best. Call today to schedule your appointment at 855-919-4548.
