Home / Advocate Children's Homepage / Does your child have pigeon toes?

Does your child have pigeon toes?

Have you heard the phrase “pigeon toes”? This refers to the condition of intoeing, which is when the feet turn inward toward each other. This is not uncommon among babies and young children and is usually not severe.

There are three common conditions that cause intoeing:

Metatarsus adductus: The foot turns inward
Tibial torsion: The shinbone turns inward
Femoral anteversion: The femur turns inward

These conditions can exist on their own, or in some cases, a child may have other orthopedic issues, such as clubfooting, hip dysplasia or torticollis. Genetics or positioning in utero also play a role in the development of intoeing.

Parents and caregivers often discover the condition when a child begins to walk. In some cases, intoeing is present in both feet, while in others, a single foot is affected. Most cases resolve by a child’s second birthday, but more moderate to severe cases may not self-correct until around age 8.

Usually, medical intervention is not necessary for intoeing. However, if the condition is not improving on its own, the child has pain or swelling, or if their ability to walk is impacted, visit a pediatric orthopedist who can determine if a treatment plan is necessary. This may involve imaging, brief casting or bracing, and follow-up appointments to evaluate the condition’s resolution. Physical therapy can also sometimes be helpful to improve the child’s walking, coordination and balance.

Summer Watkins is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Advocate Children’s Hospital.