Straight Info on In-toeing and Out-toeing

Shopping for your child can be a lot of fun! You might even buy a little pair of shoes for them to toddle around in. You will naturally want those shoes marching straight ahead, but sometimes growing feet may veer in different directions. Seeing in-toeing or out-toeing in your child can naturally be upsetting, but is it worth getting it checked out?

Much like pediatric flatfoot, in-toeing and out-toeing can be commonly seen in growing children, and are often outgrown over time. As a child learns to walk, they may initially turn the toes and feet at abnormal angles, looking “pigeon-toed” or waddling with feet turned outward.

It isn’t fully certain why this tends to happen with some children and not others, but there may be a hereditary link. If you learned to walk with your feet turned, your child just might do the same. Some also believe a child’s position in the womb might contribute to these conditions as well, with bones in cramped confines turning slightly.

Most times, in-toeing or out-toeing cause no pain or problems whatsoever. It is still worth keeping an eye on your children’s feet, however, in the rare case the cause of the abnormality is something that might not rectify itself with time, such as a neuromuscular disorder.

If your child’s gait doesn’t improve by age 3, is associated with limping or pain, or there is one foot that looks more affected than the other, schedule an appointment with us at Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper. We’ll be happy to see your child if you just want to be safe instead of sorry, too. Believe us, we understand! You can reach our office by calling (812) 481-7200 or using our convenient online form.