Intoeing Specialist

What is intoeing?

Intoeing is a condition that affects the positioning of a child’s feet. It causes your child’s feet to point inward instead of straight ahead when they stand, walk, or run. The condition can start at birth or develop over time as your child grows.

Even with intoeing, your child can learn to walk and run normally. As they grow older, their feet might eventually straighten out with no podiatric intervention. If these intoeing symptoms continue past age eight with no improvement, the team at New York City Ankle & Foot may recommend treatments to correct the condition, including:

• Curved shins or thighs
• Limping
• Pain
• Swelling
• Frequent tripping or stumbling

When you come to New York City Ankle & Foot for help with intoeing, the team might take X-rays and other diagnostic imaging for a better view of the extent of the condition. 

What causes intoeing?

Three conditions cause intoeing in children. Each of them involves misalignment somewhere along the legs. Your child’s intoeing might be due to:

• Femoral anteversion: Thigh bones turning inward
• Tibial torsion: Shin bones turning inward
• Metatarsus adductus: Feet turning inward

In most cases, these conditions become apparent when your child starts walking. 

What are the complications associated with intoeing?

It’s rare for intoeing to cause any complications beyond some walking and running difficulties during childhood. Because of intoeing, your child might have some trouble participating in certain activities like dancing and sports. However, once they grow out of the condition, they can participate in these activities with no added risks or problems.

How is intoeing treated?

In most cases, intoeing corrects itself without treatment. If your child’s intoeing is severe, the team at New York City Ankle & Foot might recommend treatment to guide their growth and development. Available therapies for intoeing include:

Corrective casts or shoes

The team at New York City Ankle & Foot can provide your child with special footwear to wear between ages six and nine months old. Such footwear is necessary if your child’s feet are severely deformed or rigid. This treatment works best before your child starts walking. 

Corrective surgery

If your child’s intoeing originates in their shin or thigh bones, corrective surgery can straighten the bones to align their legs. Surgery is only necessary if the problem doesn’t correct itself by the time they’re between 8-10 years old.

For more information and guidance about intoeing in children, call New York City Ankle & Foot or book an appointment online today.