What’s In-Toeing in Kids & How Can PT Correct It?

Watching your child stumble or struggle to keep up with their peers can be concerning, especially if they walk with their toes pointed inward. While it’s common for toddlers to walk this way, it can cause issues with balance, coordination, and comfort.

My name is Kenzie, and I'm one of the pediatric physical therapists here at Metro Therapy in Fridley, MN. Today, we're going to talk about in-toeing and how physical therapy can help correct this walking pattern so your child can move more easily and confidently.

What’s In-Toeing, and What Causes It?

In-toeing gait is when a child walks with one or both feet pointed inward. As a child grows, the bones in their legs naturally rotate out. Depending on their muscle strength and movement patterns, they may lack the necessary rotation in their hips, shins, or feet, and that causes that inward foot position. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help with In-Toe Walking

Children with in-toeing gait will typically have issues with tripping over their feet when walking, climbing stairs, running, or playing. They may also complain of quick fatigue or leg soreness during family outings or long walks.

PT can provide exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles that promote the necessary rotation of their leg bones so as to decrease their child's in-toeing preferences. They may also benefit from a shoe insert to further reduce that in towing.

Reach Out to Metro Therapy Today

If you notice that your child is walking with his or her toes pointed inward and is frequently tripping, becoming tired quickly, or having difficulty keeping up with peers, call us at (763) 309-9099 for a physical therapy evaluation.