Intoeing: My Child Has Pigeon Toes!

Does your child suffer from intoeing?  Pigeon toes?  Feet which point inward?  For many children, pigeon toes is a common condition prevalent through growth and development which, under normal circumstances, will naturally correct by age five.  While not considered a disorder or disease, pigeon toes are of unknown origin but are believed to be attributed, to some degree, to hereditary.   As parents, understanding the origin of pigeon toes and treatment alternatives will provide for optimal growth and development in the young child with pigeon toes.  

Intoeing in children is commonly referred to as pigeon toes.   Because the tibia is the most fragile of the leg bones, an inversion of this lower leg bone can be attributed to a variety of conditions ranging from bow legs to pigeon toes.   Most commonly, when the tibia turns inward, this creates an intoeing affect often seen in small children.   What is important to note is the impact a contorted femur may have on the development of more severe symptoms.  While the intoeing in children is not pleasant to see, what is important to note is the pigeon toed child will not suffer from any health related complications, through life, as a result of the pigeon toes in young childhood.   In fact, the primary concern will be the child's ability to avoid tripping and falling.   Other than this, most pigeon toed children will continue to perform well in all physical activites of life.