Intoeing, commonly known as pigeon toes, is a condition where a child's feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead. This condition often appears in infants and young children and can involve one or both feet. In many cases, intoeing is due to natural variations in bone alignment and often improves as the child grows. For infants, the inward curve may be caused by a condition called metatarsus adductus, where the front part of the foot turns inward. As children get older, intoeing may be related to the twisting of the tibia, or shinbone, or the femur, or thighbone. While intoeing in children often resolves on its own without treatment, a podiatrist can evaluate the condition to determine if stretches, braces, or in rare cases, surgery may be required. Early consultation helps to ensure that your child's gait develops normally and prevents future complications. If your child is intoeing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
