Seeing your child's feet pointed inward abnormally when they walk is often a worrying sight for any parent. This condition, commonly known as pigeon toe or intoeing, usually resolves on its own when it happens early in life, rarely requiring correction at all. And in any case, there are effective treatments for any severity of intoeing.
When it happens to an older child or adult who’s stopped growing, however, treatment may seem less straightforward. We’ll cover the common causes of this rare condition and share whether and which kinds of treatment are effective for adult pigeon toe symptoms.
What causes intoeing?
In young children, pigeon toe gait is typically the result of an underlying anatomical condition that rarely requires correction or treatment; as children grow, their posture and biomechanics often correct themselves.
But pigeon toe doesn’t just happen to infants and toddlers: in older children and adults, intoeing occurs due to injury, arthritis, gait abnormalities, or muscle imbalances.
When symptoms of intoeing arise after about age 10, correction may be necessary or may occur as part of the treatment for the underlying injury or condition.
Is pigeon toe really a problem?
As mentioned, pigeon toe is a developmental variation that typically resolves on its own. Many children with a pigeon toe gait are nevertheless able to run, jump, and play without any pain or difficulty. Their bodies are still growing, and the alignment of their bones often corrects naturally over time. For these children, the best course of action is often just observation.
However, it's crucial for parents to be aware of signs that indicate the intoeing might be more than just a passing phase. You may want to consult a specialist if you notice indicators such as developmental delays, frequent stumbling, falling, or limping.
For adults, pigeon toe can be a subtle but persistent problem. Some people live with low-grade discomfort for so long that they begin to think it's normal to be in pain. It’s not. An uncorrected pigeon toe gait in adulthood can contribute to chronic pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and even the lower back. It can also increase the risk of other conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
How to treat pigeon toe
If intoeing is a problem for children, your doctor or pediatrician will have the right next steps for them after a period of observation. As for adults with pigeon toe gait, one of the simplest and most effective treatments for pigeon toe is custom orthotics.
Prescription orthotics are custom-made medical devices designed to correct specific biomechanical issues rooted in your feet. They work by realigning the foot and ankle, which in turn influences the alignment of the knees, hips, and spine. By providing targeted support and correcting the foot's position, orthotics can address the underlying cause of the pigeon toe gait.
At Biocorrect, our orthotics can also go beyond intoeing to help correct biomechanical inefficiencies you may not even be aware of, leading to less pain in your day-to-day life.
Custom orthotics for intoeing treatment
Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's development or an adult tired of living with obvious symptoms and chronic pain, you don't have to accept pigeon toe as a permanent problem. A non-invasive, personalized approach with custom orthotics can provide the correction and relief you're looking for without a complicated diagnostic process.
Contact Biocorrect today to schedule an in-person or virtual evaluation and learn how our custom orthotic solutions can help you or your child walk with comfort and confidence.
