Most adults’ feet point straight forward or slightly outward. In infants and children, In-toeing is common and generally noted by an inward rotated foot or feet when walking or running. If your child in-toes, she or he will most likely outgrow this condition naturally without intervention by age two. Out-toeing is just the opposite with an outward rotation of the foot or feet. Out-toeing is not as common as in-toeing, but in most cases, will also resolve naturally as the child develops.
No. In most cases, alignment conditions in children such as outward bowing of the legs or inward positioning of the knees also known as knock knees, are normal and will resolve in time as your child develops without casts, braces, or surgery. Flat feet, for instance, are also common in infants and young children and this will change as the arch begins to develop in your child’s foot by the age of 5.
If you want reassurance that your child is walking normally, visit Gotham Footcare and your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination with gait assessment and x-rays on your child.
In general, treatment is not necessary as the common causes listed above are normal variations in your growing child.
Orthotics can be made for your child to assist your child with walking and running, however, they are not necessary since rotation in your child’s bones usually improves over a period of time as the child grows and develops. Children with in-toeing or out-toeing may present some early challenges for you and your child, but you can expect your child to live a normal, active, and healthy life without any limitations in your child’s activities from simple outdoor games to competitive sports. If a functional problem exists and your child is unable to walk or run effectively visit Gotham Footcare.