FIXING IN-TOEING IN CHILDREN
Today at Sole Therapy we had a mother bring her daughter in concerned that her daughters’ feet turn inwards and that she isn’t walking straight.
Consequently, this has resulted in a reduction of activity and increase in clumsiness often falling over and falling behind compared to her friends in any for of physical activity. Her walking has lead her to be teased and bullied by other children as she walks differently.
In-toeing or “pigeon toeing” is a very common developmental pathology which often occurs due to confined womb positioning and/or structural abnormalities. Clinically we have observed that children who walk with an internal foot position have a higher risk in developmental growth issues of the hips and back over time. We believe and have clinical seen great results for these children if postural foot and leg abnormalities are treated early by our practitioners here at SOLE THERAPY.
There is currently quite a bit of debate whether to treat children who present with internal rotation of the leg and foot. Most Paediatric Specialists suggest the child will grow out of this posture. Would you risk your child's opportunity to live their best life with the "wait and see approach?
There are three common causes of in-toeing that we treat here at SOLE THERAPY. These are described below.
1. Metatarsus Adductus: the foot is turned inwards The outside of the foot is normally straight. In metatarsus adductus, the foot curves inwards (Figure 1). Metatarsus adductus is thought to be related to the position of the baby in the mother’s uterus. In most babies the foot is flexible, and improves without treatment by the age of two or three. Gentle exercise may help. Some children require shoe inserts or a short period of casting to help straighten their feet.
2. Internal Tibial Torsion: the lower leg Internal tibial torsion is where the bone of the lower leg turns inwards between the knee and the ankle (Figure 2).
- Internal Femoral Torsion: the thigh bone Internal femoral torsion is where the thigh bone turns inwards between the hip and the knee (Figure 3).
Your child will go through many significant changes in the structure and alignment of their legs throughout their development. Alignment is an important contributing factor to your child standing and walking. Often, parents will ask me if their child’s legs are aligned properly. The following information is based on normal development of a child.
Early screening is key with kids feet. The arch forms between ages 3 and 7 years of age. With every SOLE THERAPY intervention we use conservative treatment modalities that always promote healthy developmental milestones so your child can live their best life from the ground up.
Faulty biomechanics need to be assessed by our Podiatrist's here at SOLE THERAPY as in-toeing can affect a child's ability to participate in sport and daily activities to their full potential.
We see a lot of children here at SOLE THERAPY and help
common correctable physical findings that may include:
1) Muscle imbalance
2) Leg length difference
3) Pelvic misalignment
4) Excessive ankle pronation/supination
5) Instability/hyper mobility
In-toeing is normal in children. However, consult our podiatrists if:
• In-toeing affects only one leg
• In-toeing is severe, and not improving with time
• In-toeing is causing tripping in a school-age child that affects participation in activities
• The feet are stiff and overall posture is being affected.
words from one of our podiatrist's;
DR DANIEL TALEVSKI
(SENIOR PODIATRIST)
