In toeing, more commonly known as pigeon toes, is a disorder that is commonly seen in infants and children. The easiest way to describe this condition is that the child’s feet point in while walking. This can lead to many complications such as falling frequently and inability to keep up with friends at school. It is true that sometimes this can resolve on its own especially in infants but it is important to determine the cause of in-toe deformity because not all in-toes will resolve on their own. There are a few main causes of in-toe. The deformity can be in the foot itself when the long bones of the foot are pointing inwards but commonly the deformity is not located in the foot (although the in-toe presents in the foot) but actually occurs higher up in the leg or hip. If the child’s leg bones are turned inwards while walking, this can lead to a presentation of in toeing in the feet. The same can be seen if the child’s knees or hips are facing inward.

Treatment of in-toe deformity cannot begin until a clear understanding of where the in-toe is coming from is determined by your podiatrist. If it is occurring in an infant it can sometimes be controlled by serial casting to hold the foot out of the in toe position. If it is occurring or first noticed after the child begins to walk at around 18 months, certain orthotics for the child’s shoes can be used to allow the child to hold there foot out of internal position when walking. If it is occurring in the knee or hips, certain bracing may be needed and sometimes if ineffective, surgical intervention can be discussed.

Call Quality Foot Care today at 215-230-9707 for an appointment with Doylestown’s community podiatrists. We would be happy to discuss the above or any other foot and ankle concerns you many have!