Intoeing, commonly referred to as pigeon toes, is a condition where a child's feet point inward when walking or standing. This alignment issue is often noticeable during infancy and can persist into later childhood. Factors that contribute to intoeing, include genetic predisposition and the natural development of the musculoskeletal system. In infants, intoeing may result from the position in the womb, as tight spaces can affect foot positioning. As children grow, it can be linked to conditions such as femoral anteversion, where the thigh bone is rotated inward, or tibial torsion, where the shinbone twists. While intoeing often improves as children grow, persistent cases may require evaluation by a podiatrist. If your child has this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively monitor intoeing.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Troy Wilde, DPM of Practice. 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 offices located in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
