A Parent’s Guide to Intoeing

Your child is up and walking, and it’s an amazing milestone! But as you watch them toddle down the hallway, you notice something…their feet seem to turn inward when they walk.

You’ve heard it called “pigeon toes,” and it’s a condition known as intoeing. But how do you know if your child’s case is “normal,” or if it’s a sign of something that needs a specialist’s attention? Advanced Foot Care of NJ explains all that and more below.

Why Is This Happening? It’s Often Not the Foot

When parents see the foot turning in, they assume the problem is in the foot. However, the “twist” that causes intoeing most often comes from one of three places, and it’s usually related to how your child was positioned in the womb:

The Foot (Metatarsus Adductus): The foot itself has a “C” shaped curve. This is often seen in infants and usually resolves on its own.
The Shin Bone (Tibial Torsion): The lower leg bone (tibia) has a slight inward twist. This is the most common cause of intoeing in toddlers.
The Thigh Bone (Femoral Anteversion): The upper leg bone (femur) has an inward twist, which can cause both the knees and the feet to point inward (often called “W-sitting”).

For most children, these are just normal rotational variations in their bone structure.

As they grow, get stronger, and become more coordinated, these bones will “un-twist” naturally, and the intoeing will disappear.

When to Worry: A Parent’s Checklist

It’s time to stop worrying and call a specialist for an evaluation if you notice any of the following warning signs:

Is it Asymmetrical?

Is one foot turning in significantly more than the other? This is a key sign that it may not be a simple developmental issue.

Is Your Child in Pain?

Pain is never normal. If your child complains of foot, ankle, or leg pain or seems to be in discomfort, that’s your signal to get them checked.

Does it Cause Tripping?

All toddlers trip. But is your child tripping and falling constantly over their own feet? This may be a sign that the intoeing is severe enough to interfere with their balance and safety.

Is the Foot Rigid?

If the intoeing is coming from the foot (metatarsus adductus), can you gently straighten the outer border of their foot? If it feels stiff and “locked” in that C-shape, it needs to be evaluated.

Is It Getting Worse?

You should see the intoeing gradually improve as your child gets older. If it’s staying the same or getting worse after age 3, it’s time for a check-up.

How a Podiatrist Helps

Through a simple, painless physical exam (and sometimes X-rays, if needed), we can determine if the issue is in the foot, the shin, or the thigh, and how severe it is.

Even if the intoeing does need treatment, it’s almost always simple and non-surgical. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment can include: