In-toeing (Pigeon toe) is a condition which causes the toes to point inward when walking.
A pigeon-toed gait, also known as “in-toeing,” is a walking pattern where a person’s feet point inward instead of straight ahead when they walk or run. This condition can affect one or both feet and is commonly seen in children.
Main reasons for an in-toe gait pattern:
- Metatarsus Adductus: This is a condition where the front part of the foot (forefoot) is curved inwards. It is often present at birth and usually corrects itself as the child grows. In cases where it doesn’t resolve naturally, treatment might involve stretches, exercises, or in rare instances, orthopedic intervention.
- Internal Tibial Torsion: This refers to the inward twisting of the tibia bone (shin bone) in relation to the thigh bone (femur). It is a common condition in young children and often improves as they grow older and their bones naturally align.
- Femoral Anteversion: This involves an inward rotation of the femur bone (thigh bone). Like internal tibial torsion, femoral anteversion is also common in children and tends to improve as the child’s bone growth stabilizes.