In toeing (children)
In-toeing is when a child’s feet turn inwards when they walk or run instead of pointing straight ahead.
At Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North we assess your child’s feet, legs and walking pattern to find out what is causing the in-toeing and whether it needs treatment. We look at their lower limb biomechanics and development and where needed we use exercises, footwear advice or custom orthotics to improve their movement. Early assessment can give you peace of mind and help identify problems that may need attention. Book an in-toeing assessment for your child today.
What is in-toeing?
In-toeing is when a child’s feet point inwards when they walk or run. You may notice that the toes turn towards each other rather than pointing straight ahead.
It is common in young children and in many cases it improves naturally as they grow. However, some children continue to in-toe because of the way their hips, legs or feet are positioned.
There are three common areas that can contribute to in-toeing:
- Feet: the front of the foot may curve inwards
- Lower legs: the shin bone may naturally twist inwards
- Hips: the thigh bone may rotate inwards which causes the knees and feet to point towards each other
How it can feel:
- Feet pointing inwards when walking or running
- Knees appearing to turn inwards
- Frequent tripping or stumbling
- Difficulty keeping up with other children during sport
- Shoes wearing unevenly
- Sitting in a position where the feet turn out to the sides
In-toeing does not automatically mean that something is wrong. However, if it is affecting your child’s walking, running or confidence it is worth having it assessed.
Signs, symptoms & when to see a podiatrist
Common signs:
- The toes point towards each other when your child walks
- Your child trips or falls frequently
- One foot turns in more than the other
- Your child struggles with running or sporting activities
- You notice unusual wear on their shoes
- Their knees or legs also appear to turn inwards
See a podiatrist if:
- The in-toeing is becoming more noticeable
- Your child is regularly tripping or falling
- There is pain in the feet, knees, hips or legs
- One leg looks significantly different from the other
- Your child is struggling with sport or physical activity
- You are concerned about the way they are walking
Most children with in-toeing do not need aggressive treatment and many improve naturally with growth. An assessment helps determine whether your child’s movement is within normal development or whether there is an underlying biomechanical issue that should be addressed.
How we treat in-toeing at Aligna
Our first step is to work out why your child is in-toeing rather than simply looking at where the feet point.
We assess:
- How your child’s feet and ankles move
The position and movement of their knees and hips - Their walking and running pattern
- Their balance, strength and coordination
- Their footwear and how their shoes are wearing
Where treatment is needed we build the plan around your child’s age, development and activity level.
Stage 1: understand the cause
We assess your child’s lower limb biomechanics to identify whether the in-toeing is coming mainly from the feet, legs, hips or a combination of factors.
Stage 2: improve movement
Where appropriate we use targeted exercises to improve strength, balance and control through the feet and lower limbs.
Stage 3: support the feet where needed
Some children benefit from footwear changes or custom orthotics to provide additional support and improve the way the feet function during walking and running.
Our goal is not simply to make the feet point straight. Our goal is to help your child move comfortably, confidently and efficiently.
Recovery & rehab
How long does it take?
The timeframe depends on your child’s age, the cause of the in-toeing and whether it is part of normal development.
- Mild cases: may simply need monitoring
- Biomechanical problems: may improve over several weeks or months with the right support
- More complex cases: may require ongoing assessment as your child grows
Why assessment matters
Children’s bodies are constantly developing so it is important to look at the whole lower limb rather than treating the foot in isolation.
How we help your child move well:
- Age-appropriate exercises
- Balance and strengthening activities
- Lower limb biomechanical assessment
- Footwear advice
- Custom orthotics if they are needed
- Monitoring as your child grows and develops
If your child’s in-toeing is causing problems or you are simply concerned about the way they walk, an assessment can help you understand what is happening and whether anything needs to be done.
Summary
Our goal is simple: to help your child move comfortably and confidently while giving you a clear understanding of why their feet turn in.
At Aligna Podiatry we don’t just look at the feet. We assess the way your child’s feet, legs and hips work together so we can understand the underlying cause of their in-toeing.
Your child’s treatment plan is built around their age, development and activity level. This may include exercises, footwear advice or custom orthotics where they are appropriate.
Whether your child is regularly tripping, struggling with sport or you simply want reassurance about their walking pattern, we’re here to help you understand what is happening and what to do next.
Book your appointment in Balwyn North
Struggling with chronic heel pain, tendon pain or another stubborn injury?
Our experienced team at Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North takes a holistic, whole-body approach to treating the foot, ankle and knee. We combine high-power laser therapy, shockwave with hands-on care, cupping and rehab to reduce pain and restore alignment and movement. Contact our Balwyn North clinic today to book an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.