It is noticed more often in children than adults, but occasionally older people may experience it.
Pigeon-toed walking is rarely a majororthopedicproblem, and most often it goes away without treatment.
But there are times in which it may impact your child’s lower extremities and hips.
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In these rare cases, bracing or surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
This article explains pigeon-toed walking, the causes and conditions associated with it, and common treatments.
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What Does It Mean to Be Pigeon-Toed?
Occasionally, you may see an adult who walks with their toes turned in.
Causes
There are several possible reasons for pigeon-toed walking.
To be certain of the cause of your child’s walking condition, visit your healthcare provider.
Rest assured, your child most likely is not experiencing pain.
They simply have feet and knees that turn inward when they walk and run.
A pediatrician or primary care provider can assess the situation and make recommendations to correct the child’s gait.
Risk Factors
Pigeon-toed walking is not a preventable condition but rather one that develops during pregnancy.
And in most cases, children who walk pigeon-toed simply grow out of the condition in time.
Strengthening those muscles should be helpful.
Most cases are diagnosed by clinical examination.
A gait analysis may be done as well.
AnX-raymay be taken to assess the degree of tibial torsion or femoral anteversion present.
Treatment
As stated previously, most cases of pigeon-toed walking simply go away in time.
Typically by the age of 3 or 4, a normal gait will appear.
Summary
If your child is walking with their toes pointed in, they may be pigeon-toed.
Most of the time, pigeon-toes go away on their own with no treatment necessary.
Pigeon-toed walking is one of those problems.
Mild changes in bone shape and positioning usually cause pigeon-toes.
Often, it subsides in a few years as your child continues to develop.
A watch-and-wait approach to care is typically all that is needed in cases of pigeon-toed walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
They can then find the right exercises and strategies to help correct pigeon-toed walking.
Wearing shoe orthotics may also correct your foot position.
In severe cases, surgery may be needed for pigeon-toed walking.
2017;25(1):230949901769032. doi: 10.1177/2309499017690320
