Intoeing

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

What is intoeing?

Intoeing means your child walks with his or her toes pointed in. It is also called pigeon toe. One or both of your child's feet may be affected. Your child may start to show signs of intoeing any time up to about 8 years of age. Intoeing is common in children. It can be mild or severe and often goes away without treatment.

What causes intoeing?

Many types of intoeing are genetic (passed from parent to child). The following are common conditions that can lead to intoeing:

Feet in a curled position while in the womb
A twisted shinbone or thighbone
A muscle imbalance or nerve problem, such as cerebral palsy
Hip dysplasia (dislocated hip joint)
A condition called clubfoot that causes the foot to turn inward

What are the signs of intoeing?

The signs will depend on what is causing the intoeing.

A deep crease in your infant's foot that is rigid or hard to straighten, and a sharply curved outer foot
Feet that turn inward when your child walks or runs
A knee that points inward, and a turned in hip
Bowed legs
A big toe that points away from the toe next to it
Sitting with bottom and thighs on the floor, knees bent, and feet behind (called W-sitting because the legs form a large W)
Problems walking, such as tripping often

How is the cause of intoeing diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask when your child's intoeing started and if it is getting worse. Tell the provider if you notice any serious problems your child has walking or running. Tell the provider if anyone in your child's family has intoeing or if you had any problems during pregnancy or delivery. The provider may also ask when your older child started walking. X-rays and similar tests are usually not needed unless the intoeing is severe or other problems are found. Your child's healthcare provider may use any of the following to find the cause and to plan treatment:

A physical exam is used to examine your child's feet, legs, and hips. Your child's provider may have your child lie on his or her stomach with knees bent. This allows the provider to see if the foot is lined up with the thigh or the toes point inward. The provider may also measure how far your child's hip joints can rotate. Your child's legs will be moved in different directions when your child is face up and face down.
A walking test can help the provider see how your child's feet and legs point as he or she walks. The provider will also look to see if your child's legs are bowed.
A sitting test will help the provider see if your child sits in the W pattern. Children with a twisted thighbone prefer to sit in this position because it is more comfortable for them.

How is intoeing treated?

Your child's intoeing may need treatment if the foot position does not straighten on its own. Treatment may also be needed if your child's intoeing is caused by a problem such as cerebral palsy or clubfoot. Most intoeing treatment is meant for babies who have not started to walk. Your child's healthcare provider can tell you if your toddler or older child needs treatment.

Stretches may help your infant's foot straighten. Your child's healthcare provider will tell you if stretches might help. They do not work for every infant. If the stretches are recommended, the provider will show you how to do them.
Casts or braces may be used to help move your child's feet to the correct position. A healthcare provider will apply a cast or brace and leave it in place for a time. It will then be removed and the foot will be moved closer to the correct position. Then a new cast or brace will be applied. This will continue for up to 6 months. Your child's provider may wait until your child is 4 to 6 months old before starting. This is to make sure the intoeing is not going to go away on its own. The goal is to have the intoeing corrected before your child starts walking.
Surgery is only used for severe forms of intoeing that are not corrected with other treatment. Healthcare providers wait until the child is 9 or 10 years old to do surgery, to be sure it is necessary.

What can I do to help manage my child's intoeing?

Do not use any corrective devices unless directed. Shoe inserts and cables do not help fix the problem. They can also make it hard for your child to play and walk.
Ask about your child's activities. Ask if your older child can do activities such as sports. He or she may need to wait if intoeing causes him or her to trip.

When should I contact my child's healthcare provider?

Your child develops a limp when he or she walks.
Your child has leg pain or swelling.
You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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