‘Why do my child's feet turn in?’
Physiotherapy for Children with Intoeing in Melbourne
Does your child walk with their feet turned inwards?
Intoeing is very common in babies and young children. Many children naturally improve as they grow, but an assessment can help identify why your child's feet are turning in and whether any support is needed.
What is Intoeing?
Intoeing, sometimes called "pigeon toes," is when your child's feet point inwards while walking or running. It is common in young children and is often outgrown. Intoeing can cause your child to trip often and appear awkward when walking and running.
What causes intoeing?
Intoeing usually occurs for one of three reasons:
Metatarsus Adductus
Metatarsus Adductus is where the front part of the foot curves inwards, giving the foot a "C-shaped" appearance, whereas typically the outside border of the foot would be straight. This is often related to positioning in the womb. In most babies the foot is flexible and will improve by 2-3 years of age. Some children will require gentle stretches and exercise or shoe inserts to assist them.
Learn more about Metatarsus Adductus here.
Internal Tibial Torsion
Internal Tibial Torsion occurs when the shin bone (tibia) is rotated inwards. It is very common in childhood and usually corrects without treatment by 8 years of age.
Internal Femoral Torsion
Femoral Femoral Torsion (also called Femoral Anteversionoccurs when the thigh bone (femur) rotates inwards. Children with this condition often sit comfortably in a "W" position and may have both their knees and feet pointing inward. It commonly improves naturally by around 10 years of age.
Signs your child may have intoeing
You may notice:
Feet pointing inwards when walking or running
Your child tripping or falling more often than expected
Difficulty keeping up with peers during running games
Feet appearing curved or "C-shaped"
Knees turning inward when walking
Sitting comfortably in a "W" position
One side appearing different from the other
When should I seek an assessment?
Although intoeing often improves naturally, it's worth booking an assessment if:
Your child is tripping or falling frequently
The intoeing appears to be worsening
One foot turns in much more than the other
Your child is experiencing pain
The intoeing is affecting sport, play or confidence
You are concerned about your child's walking pattern
An assessment can provide reassurance and ensure your child receives the most appropriate advice and support.
How can physiotherapy help?
Our paediatric physiotherapists will complete a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of your child’s intoeing. They will then provide education, exercises, and stretches to assist your child. Your physiotherapist will monitor your child’s intoeing over time to ensure it is improving with time and refer you if required, and can also assist in managing your child's running and tripping if this is a concern.
FAQ’s
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Most children with intoeing improve naturally as they grow, and many do not require ongoing treatment. Regular monitoring can help ensure your child's walking pattern is developing as expected and identify children who may benefit from additional support.
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Most children with intoeing do not require special shoes or orthotics.
Treatment recommendations depend on the underlying cause of the intoeing and your child's individual needs.
Your physiotherapist will advise if any additional intervention is appropriate.
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Your assessment may include:
Observing your child's walking and running pattern
Assessing foot, leg and hip alignment
Measuring joint movement and flexibility
Assessing balance, strength and coordination
Identifying whether tripping or falls are related to intoeing
Monitoring your child's development over time
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Depending on the assessment findings, treatment may include:
Education and reassurance
Gentle stretches where appropriate
Play-based exercises to improve strength and coordination
Advice on movement and footwear where appropriate
Ongoing monitoring as your child grows
Referral to a specialist if further investigation is required
Every child is different, and treatment recommendations are tailored to your child's individual needs.
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Most children with intoeing walk, run and participate in activities normally. Some children may trip more frequently or feel less confident with movement, and physiotherapy can help support these areas.