Intoeing is a condition in which a person's toes point inward while walking. Sometimes people call it walking "pigeon-toed." Kids with intoeing can run, jump, and play like other kids. Intoeing usually gets better without treatment.

• Your child can do all their usual activities, including running, walking, or playing sports.
• If recommended by your healthcare provider, make an appointment with a medical specialist, such as an orthopedist (bone specialist) or physical therapist.
• It can be hard to tell that things are improving because it happens so slowly. To help you track the changes, take a video of your child walking once or twice a year.

Your child:

• Has pain, weakness, or limping
• Has intoeing that gets worse
• Trips or falls a lot

Why do kids have intoeing? Most toddlers with intoeing have it because:

• A slight twist in their shinbones or thighbones make their feet turn in.
• They have curved feet, which make their toes point in.

Do braces or special shoes help? No. In the past, special shoes and braces were used to treat intoeing. But doctors found that these didn't make it go away any faster, so braces are rarely used now.

How long will it take to get better? It can take years for kids to outgrow intoeing. Some kids continue to have intoeing as adults, but it usually doesn't cause problems or keep them from doing their usual activities. Very rarely, a child with intoeing will need surgery.