Walking with the feet inward, known as “intoeing” in medical terms, is a common condition in childhood. Although it may be a cause for concern for many parents, in most cases it is a normal developmental phase that corrects itself over time.
However, it is important to understand the causes, know when it is necessary to seek medical help and what treatment options are available.
Reasons why a child walks with the feet inwards
There are several reasons why a child may walk with his or her feet inward, and these reasons may vary depending on the age of the child.
Here we explain the most common ones:
- Internal tibial torsion: This is one of the most common causes of in-toeing.
Internal tibial torsion occurs when the tibia (the long shin bone) is turned inward.
It is most common in infants and young children, as their skeleton is still developing.
In most cases, internal tibial torsion corrects naturally as the child grows. - Femoral anteversion: Femoral anteversion is when the femur (the long thigh bone) is twisted inward.
This is usually most noticeable when children begin to walk.
Like tibial torsion, femoral anteversion usually corrects itself over time, especially during the preschool and school years. - Metatarsus adductus: Metatarsus adductus is a deformity in which the bones of the child’s foot are curved inward.
This condition is more common in infants and may be caused by the baby’s position in the womb.
In most cases, metatarsus adductus improves as the child grows, although more severe cases may require treatment. - Genetic inheritance: Sometimes in-toeing can be hereditary.
If a parent had the same condition during childhood, the child is more likely to experience it as well. - Muscular and skeletal development: During growth, children’s bones and muscles are constantly developing and adjusting.
Sometimes this growth is not completely symmetrical, which can lead to walking with the feet turned inward.
When should you be concerned?
Although most cases of intorsion resolve on their own, there are certain signs that may indicate the need to consult a physician:
- Persistence beyond age 8: If toe-in walking does not improve or worsens after age 8, further evaluation may be necessary.
- Pain: If the child experiences pain in the legs, knees or hips while walking, this could be a sign of a more serious problem.
- Difficulty walking or running: If walking with the feet inward affects the child’s ability to walk or run properly, it is important to seek medical guidance.
- Noticeable asymmetry: If one foot or leg appears to be more affected than the other, this could indicate an underlying problem that needs attention.
Solutions and treatments
Most children who walk with their feet turned in do not require treatment, as the condition usually improves with time.
However, in some cases, the following options may be considered:
- Observation and follow-up: In most cases, the main recommendation is to observe and monitor the child’s progress as he or she grows.
Physicians usually review progress at each pediatric follow-up visit. - Physical therapy: In cases where torsion affects mobility or causes pain, physical therapy may be helpful.
Specific exercises can help strengthen the leg muscles and improve the child’s posture. - Use of orthoses or splints: In rare cases, and if the condition is severe, physicians may recommend the use of orthoses (support devices) or splints to help correct the position of the bones.
- Surgery: Surgery is extremely rare and is only considered in severe cases where toe-in walking does not improve with age and causes significant mobility problems or pain.
This type of intervention is usually reserved for adolescents or young adults with severe deformities. - Specialized footwear: Although in most cases no special footwear is needed, some doctors may recommend shoes with additional support if they believe it can help the child’s foot development and gait.
Conclusion
In-toeing is a common childhood condition and, in most cases, corrects naturally over time.
While it can be a cause for concern for parents, it is important to remember that most children outgrow this phase without the need for medical intervention.
However, if you are in doubt or if you notice that the condition persists or causes discomfort to your child, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or orthopedic specialist to ensure that their development is healthy and uncomplicated.
