Does anyone's child have pigeon toes?

Lia - posted on 06/28/2011

well first off putting your son's shoes on backwards will only hurt his fit...advice I got from the child foot doctor I took my own daughter to see. My daughter was also an early walker (I have no idea if that has anything to do with her pigeon-toedness) and I did consult a pediatric foot-doctor. She told me at this age it is still early, her leg could stregthen as her muscles and bones continue to form and grow. If the problem still exist at age 4 you should check though, which I will do, because my daughter has not outgrown it yet. Hopefully your's will though.

Rebekah - posted on 06/18/2011

Does he sit in a "W" shape with his legs folded out to the side and feet out? Our pediatrician encouraged us to get my daughter to sit in other positions (either cross legged or with her legs straight out in front). In fact, we went ahead and turned her forward facing in her car-seat about 3 months ago because we noticed she was sitting with her legs out to the side with her knees touching. Her pediatrician told us a year ago that as the pigeon toes correct themselves she'll become more knobby-kneed and that's certainly been the case. Currently, her toes only turn inward slightly, but her knees are very close together... So, we go again for her 2 year appointment this week and I'll see what additional advice she has for us.

Angela - posted on 06/14/2011

My son was quite bowlegged, but eventually grew out of it. He still has some curvature at the bottom of his legs and he is very pigeon-toed and falls a lot. He also has a fairly awkward gait (most kids I see of his age seem to be mostly vertical when they walk or run -- he is always tipped in one direction or another and he toes-in and walks on tiptoes). He's quite coordinated in other ways, but he falls nearly constantly. We had an early intervention evaluation and were able to get him services, but mostly because he seems to have sensory processing issues, not because of anything about his gait.

We had taken him to an orthopedist for the leg bowing who patted us on the head and told use he was fine. And the bowing did work itself out, it's just that he still walks exactly the same.

I think that if he seems to move fine, you are probably alright. You can certainly try an orthopedist to check things out and allay any fears you have.

Schmoopy - posted on 06/14/2011

Is your son's gait growing worse over time? If not, then I wouldn't worry too much. Generally children outgrow intoeing. But if you're worried, I would ask your pediatrician to refer you to a pediatric orthopedist.