Walking with an inward turn of the feet or medically called “in-toeing” is a common condition found in children. It happens when the toes or feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead while walking or running. It often starts in infancy and resolves on its own by the age of eight. However, in some children, the condition persists and might require medical intervention. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do when your child is walking with an inward turn of the feet.
Causes:Internal rotation of feet or in-toeing is a natural part of a child's growth and development. In most children, this condition is due to the overall development of the limbs, and it tends to resolve as your child grows. However, some reasons may lead to persistent in-toeing in a child, and these include:
If your child is still in-toeing by the age of three or four, visit a pediatrician who may refer you to a pediatric orthopedic specialist or a podiatrist, depending on the severity of the condition.
Symptoms:In-toeing in children is not typically painful, and the children usually continue to walk and run normally. However, as a parent or guardian, you may notice the following symptoms:

Most symptoms typically resolve on their own, but if you notice any persisting issue, speak to a healthcare provider.
Treatments:The treatment for in-toeing depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. Most children require no treatment at all as they grow up, but when it is severe or painful, the child may require medical intervention. The following are the treatments for in-toeing:
In conclusion, in-toeing is a common condition in children that usually resolves on its own. However, when it persists or causes pain, seek medical attention, and the appropriate steps will be taken to ease the condition.