The most important sign that your child is pigeon-toed is when his or her feet point inwards; this is also known as in-toeing.
Most newborns are born pigeon-toed simply because of how they are positioned in their mother's womb. If your baby's feet feel stiff or rigid when you try to move them into a normal position, or you see a deep crease on the bottom of the foot just in front of the heel where it curves in, the pigeon-toes may not fix themselves and will probably require treatment.
If your child is of walking age, notice how she walks. Is she clumsy or stumbling? If her feet point inward but she is able to run and walk without tripping or any trouble, she is probably going to outgrow the pigeon toes. Definitely have a doctor look at her feet, though, to make sure you're taking all the proper precautions to help the feet move to a normal position.
If your child's in-toeing is standard and the foot is still flexible, conservative treatment is usually a good option. This includes stretching, braces, and special shoes. If the foot is stiff, serial plaster casting may be the best treatment option. Your podiatrist will be able to evaluate your child's feet properly to develop the most productive treatment plan.
If you think your son or daughter may be pigeon-toed, or that there is something else wrong with your child’s feet, contact the doctors at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, Arizona to schedule an appointment. Reach us today at 623-584-5556 or e-mail [email protected].
