In medical parlance, walking with the feet inward is known as intraversion or adduction infantile gait.
This is one of the most common reasons for consultation among parents who come frightened of the possible complications that this type of walking can cause to their children’s health.
Sometimes, the query does not exactly refer to this gait. Parents often refer to the fact that their children tend to fall easily or that they are somewhat “clumsy” when walking.
What are the causes of walking with the feet inward?
We are going to show you what are the three main causes of walking with the feet inward in a child.
Metatarsus Adductus:
This type of pathology is caused by the metatarsal bones of the foot being curved inward. This is due to the position in which the baby was inside the mother’s womb due to its reduced space.
Internal Tibial Torsion:
In this type of pathology the tibial bone is rotated towards its internal part. This causes the child to walk irregularly and suffer constant falls.
Femoral anteversion:
In this case, the femoral bone at its junction with the hip causes internal rotation of the entire limb.
It is common for this type of pathology to occur in isolation or in combination. The fact is that the part of the foot is as important as the part that supports it.
What treatments are available for children who walk with their feet inward?
Many parents consult professionals who try to reassure them that everything will pass in time, as the child grows and his bones mature.
Although it is true that it can be solved spontaneously. Doing nothing and letting time pass without following up is counterproductive.
The treatment to correct this pathology is framed in a series of exercises that favor external rotation. In this way, a re-education in the way of walking will be achieved, which will help to avoid possible complications.
Depending on the evolution of the infant, it is advisable to use insoles to improve the angle and ensure the child’s proper gait.
Final recommendations.
If you have any suspicion that your child suffers from this problem, consult the appropriate specialist. There are many treatments that can resolve the situation. Do not wait for time to fix things because in severe cases, waiting for nature to fix the problem can end up in the operating room.
There are many options in between. Prevent your child from sitting in a W position or placing his or her bottom under the buttocks. Educating your daughter in good posture is vital to her musculoskeletal health. Encourage your child to exercise. We are made to move and being in a sedentary position all day will not help at all to strengthen your muscles.
You can perform a biomechanical study of the gait from the age of 3 years in order to make a diagnosis that allows time to act in case there is any pathology.
If your child has continuous stumbling or you have observed that when walking, his or her feet turn inward:
Contact us, we will bWe will find the reason and we will find the solution that best suits your needs.
Article prepared by Clínica San Román 6/04/2021
