In-Toeing and Out-Toeing

In-toeing is when the feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead when walking or running. Out-toeing is when the feet point outward instead of straight ahead when walking or running. The conditions are generally painless. Concerns from mispositioning of the feet when walking are an unsteady gait that can lead to tripping, stumbling, and falling

Although many children have in-toeing or out-toeing, most cases resolve themselves by two years old without any intervention at all beyond a simple reminder to the child to properly position the feet. In cases that do not rectify themselves over time, foot supports or special shoes can alleviate abnormal pressures on the foot caused by the mispositioning, preserving foot structure from damage and limited function later on.