by Rynaldo Stoltz

Created on: June 26, 2009

What causes intoeing?

What is intoeing?

Also known as pigeon toes and knock knees. This means that one or both feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead during walking or running. This condition causes the toes to be closer together than the heels, and during running and walking, the feet will point towards the line of progression. Intoeing is commonly found in children of all ages and can be caused by developmental or genetic problems.

Symptoms of intoeing:

Occasional tripping and falling as the child's toes catches the heel.

Causes of intoeing:

The causes of intoeing strongly depends on where the change in alignment is centered.

The three main reasons for intoeing:

1. Metatarsus Adductus

This is also known as curved foot, and can be recognized by a sharp, inward angle of the front half of the foot. In this case, the child's foot will bend inward from the middle part of the foot to the toes. This cause can either be mild or severe. In some severe cases, the foot will resemble a deformity known as clubfoot.

Treatment: Curved foot will correct and improve itself most of the time. In severe cases, casts and special shoes may be worn for successful results. Metatarsus seldom requires any surgical correction.

2. Tibial Torsion

This usually occurs in the child's lower legs, known as the tibia, and is often referred to as twisted shin. In this case, the shin bones twists out of normal alignment and causes intoeing. Tibial torsion is commonly seen in babies and toddlers and usually occurs just before birth, as the legs rotate to fit into the womb.

Treatment: Twisted shin usually improves without having any treatment. Casts and special shoes can not be used in the case of tibial torsion, however, surgery to reset the bone may be done. It's a small operation and done in children who is at least 8 years old.

3. Femoral Torsion

Also known as twisted high bone or femoral ante-version. This is a defect associated with ligamentous laxity and occurs when the child's thigh turns inwards with a slight forward inclination. In this case, the upper end of the thigh bone has an increased twist, causing the hip to turn inward more than it turns outward. Femoral torsion is commonly seen in 5 - 6 year olds.

Treatment: Femoral ante-version is expected to correct and improve itself as the child grows older. Casts and special shoes has no effect in positive results. Surgery is not advised unless the child is at least 9 years old.

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