3 Yr Old Daughter Is Pigeon-toed

Since it may be her hips and not her feet causing this problem, I would take her to an orthopod. It could be femoral anteversion causing her to to inwardly.

B. S. RN.,CCM.

Definitely take her to a dr. about this immediately. That is an important part of her development as a child. Even if her balance is not affected she will appreciate it greatly to not have to deal with it as an adult. There are things that can be done medically. Sometimes just wearing braces but you need to start early since her legs are developing so rapidly at this age.

i don't think this is something you should try to correct yourself i would start at the doctor someone who specializes in this kind of thing this is something that could hamper her in life and you don't want to risk waiting too long

we had the same problem my daughter wore shoes a couple of months now she is great

Hi, I'm a pediatric physical therapist (although staying at home right now) and I highly recommend you consult your pediatrician and try to get a referral to a pediatric PT. It may be nothing important, many kids go through a stage like that where they may fall more often. However, if you are noticing a lot of falls, there may be something the PT can offer to help (specific exercises or sitting positions, or shoe inserts). Often, kids who w-sit will have this kind of problem. W-sitting is when a child sits on her bottom with her knees in front and her feet behind her. If you notice your daughter doing this A LOT, it's best to encourage her to sit cross-legged (we used to call this indian-style). Most children grow out of this problem, but some need just a little help. If you do go to a PT, try your best to find one that specializes in pediatrics, since not all PTs are knowledgeable about children's issues and pediatric offices tend to be WAY more FUN!

Hi J.,

Some children develop this habit during their toddler years because they can...just testing out their bodies. But if she always walks and runs with her feet turned in, never any other way, it's definitely important to consult with a doctor to see what he advises. If she does need correction, it is easier to do at a young age, and will ensure that she has healthy bones and joints and alignment as she grows.

RUN dont walk to the doctor and tell him about this My niece had this problem and it was her hamstrings that were too tight and the doctor said it would have caused a lot of problems later in life This definitely can be corrected and should be done as early as possible

I have worked daycare for many years, alot of kids that are pigeontoed wear their shoes on the wrong feet to help them reposition footing and that is what their dr told them to do. It isorth a try

I just took my 2 year old to a podiatrist and he did not recommend inserts for shoes since it affected the turnout of the ankles and knees. I was told to just let the problem self correct around age 9-10. It seemed like a long time to have the problem, but it is not that serious of a problem. (he doesn't constantly trip on his foot or have trouble walking or running.) I got the impression that it is a common problem for kids to have.
I would take you daughter to the doctor for a check and get a referral to a specialist if it is really bothering you. There is nothing wrong with getting information.

If you ever question if you need to take your child to the doctor, then you should. If it is a true orthopedic problem, usually you will want to start getting it corrected as soon as possible. Hopefully it is nothing to worry about, but you should get it looked at. I know of a great Pediatric Orthopedic doctor if you are intrested.

i thought my son was also pigeon toed because i am and i took him to a juvenile orthapedic and he told me it was natural to have children's feet turn in until about 3 1/2 years old. he also said that girls have a tendancy to be more pigeon toed than boys. He said that even if children are pigeon toed they do not do surgery any more, all they do is put their shoes on the wrong feet so that they feet will turn out instead of in.

Hi. I'm a nurse and I do agree withyou on getting corrective inserts and do consult her physician. The sooner the better for her.

Hi!

I thought I would respond, as I think I had a slight problem with this as a child. My mom noticed I was doing it a little and she took me to the doctor who suggested that she put some shoes on me and wear them TIED TOGETHER in the bed (to keep the feet straight). You may have to get some extra string. I still remember this! I think they may have been "Keds" style shoes. I don't think I could have been much over 5 or 6. Anyway I don't think I ran like this or tripped or anything but I did walk slightly with them turned in. I guess it worked, as far as I can tell I don't do this anymore. I don't trip a whole lot either. I would DEFINITELY consult a physician or even a foot doctor for that matter. Hope this helps.

R.

Hi, I don't know if they still make them, but there used to be toddler shoes years ago that had a special type of heel on them that would twist the foot out at each step. A toddler boy who used to live next door to us used to have to wear them because he was pigeon-toed. This was a rubber type heel that had a certain swirl type design on them. You might speak to your family HC Provider. S/He may be able to recommend something like this. Hope this info is helpful.

I would check with her pediatrician. My daughter is 21 months old, and I took up my concern with her walking funny & tripping/falling sometimes with her Pediatric Neurologist. We were then referred to a Physical Therapist who is working with her & she just ordered us some insole arch supports (she's flat footed) & a hard-type shoe.

I had the same problem with my daughter at 3 or when she began to walk. Consult the orthopedist and see if it is a medical problem or he will prescribe inserts with the proper padding for shoes.

Hi! My son was also pigeon toed, and our doctor thought it was nothing to worry about at 2 and 3 years old. My southern Memaw, bless her heart, disagreed and told me to get him a good pair of cowboy boots and put them on the wrong feet. We bought a good leather pair at Drysdales and did this occasionally for a few months, and sure enough, no more pigeon toes!!! I told my doctor about it, and she applauded the idea! Our son is now 5, and is a soccer and football nut, with no tripping and such. We always played "cowboy" when it was time for the wrong foot boot treatment, and my son never knew the difference. Hope this helps! (:

Yes, you should definitely consult a pediatrician. This can easily be corrected while she young.

V.(Grandmother. I used to work with children with disabilities.)

I agree with those who said to take her to the doctor. I had this problem as a child and while I did have the corrective shoes my mom didn't keep them on my long enough so to this day my right foot is still tuned in and has caused knee and back problems. Putting the shoes on the wrong feet can help if it isn't major, but not if it is really bad. I sat in the w-position someone had mentioned and it caused my hips to rotate in thereby turning my feet in as well. If it isn't that bad then you know, but if it needs attention then you can take care of it and prevent pain later on in life for her. I have been adament about my children never sitting with their legs bent back. They know when mommy says cris cross applesauce to turn their legs forward. also if she does need shoes or inserts make sure you keep them on her until the doctor says to stop. When I grew my mom never bought the next size up.

I was pigeon-toed when I was younger, but since it didn't effect my walking they just watched me until I outgrew it. Since it is effecting her walking I would definately talk to your pediatrician about it.