Intoeing While Learning to Walk

Our almost 13 month daughter is walking everywhere now. Like every other tot that's all she wants to do. We have noticed that her left foot is much more pigeon toed than her right when she walks. No one looked at how she was walking during her 1-year exam. When do you get concerned with that?

I suspect that your daughter’s intoeing is developmental in origin as you have only recently noticed it. Many children will have a transient “abnormal” gaits while they are learning to walk. These temporary unusual gaits can last 6 months and should resolve on their own.

I would recommend you ask your daughter’s doctor about her intoeing at your next visit. While rare, there is a condition called metatarsus adductus where children are born with “C-shaped” feet. This condition should be addressed by a pediatric orthopedist.

Intoeing

Written January 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician