Intoeing is common in babies and usually not a cause for concern. However you need to mention it to your doctor. This is  when children walk with their feet turned in. This condition is also known as pigeon toe. Even though it can be genetic , the misalignment usually occurs when  baby’s feet or legs turn to fit in the cramped space of the womb.

What causes intoeing ?

Take a look at the sole of your baby’s foot while he’s lying on his back if  the top part (from the middle of the foot to the toes) bends in and the outer edge curves like a half moon. If that is the case then his  intoeing is caused by  a curved foot. It could be mild or severe and usually gets  better on its by the time the baby turns 6 months. Doctors call this type metatarsus adductus.

Another cause is when the lower leg (tibia) twist inwards. This is known as tibia torsion. The lower leg tends to untwist after birth. As the tibia grows longer, it usually rotates outwards and align properly. This condition is usually noticed by parents when the child begins to walk and correct itself by the time the child returns to school.

The third cause is a twisted thigh bone known as  femur. This is known as femoral torsion. This condition doesn’t become evident until the child is a preschooler but corrects between 6 and 8 years old.

How is intoeing treated ?

You probably do not need to treat  intoeing .It usually corrects itself with no treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your child’s intoeing. He will refer the child to a orthopedic specialist  if the condition serious.

For severe metatarsus adductus in infancy, early casting may be useful. Intoeing in early childhood usually corrects itself but if the child  is having trouble walking, the child may be referred to a orthopedic specialist .If a child’s intoeing remains by the age of 9 or 10  years old, surgery may be required to correct it.