Pigeon Toed

Well I would wait and see what happens because it can correct itself sometimes. I really would not worry so much because it's one. But if it does not work itself out, then I would seek other advice. My brother was the same way but it was for both feet and he had to get shoes with braces to straighten them out......but I would really wait to see..........

I'd let it go for now. Any action you take at this stage of development could have negative consequences. Let him "form" before you try to start molding him. PLEASE do not put his shoes on opposite feet. This could have serious ramifications for the bone structure in his growing feet.

From reading about this condition at other sites on the web, it seems that most agree with your doctors approach. Check it out at: http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/preschooler/phe...

American academy of Orthopedic surgeons:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=1...

or do a search on the web using the word: intoeing

Your concern for your child and desire for a second opinion on anything that concerns you about your child is admirable - we are their greatest advocates and they need us to be. You are doing a great job! I pray that the problem will be self-correcting and short-lived.

Blessings,
D.

Hi K.,

My son intoed for several months. When he first started walking we didn't notice it; however, he started walking at 10 months so in general we were overwhelmed with excitemnt and how do we keep up feelings. When he was about 12 months I noticed his intoeing because he began tripping a lot. His pediatrician said to let it go that he'd outgrow it as he got older - guess what!? He's 20 months now and I hardly ever notice him intoeing and he walks great. I never expected him to outgrow it htat quickly but I believe he has. I'd give it a few months to see how he is doing.

S.

I have a friend whose daughter is very pigeon toed. Most children do grow out of it eventually and some do not. I honestly think if the doctor doesn't seem too concerned than trust that she is right and that its not a major problem. With my friends daughter we play with her legs and stuff when she's in that playful mood and we'll stretch her legs and stuff to move them around. If it continued til age 3 or got worse before than I would def. seek more medical advice. Good Luck!

K.,

There is nothing wrong with asking for a second opinion. That way, if the other doctor agrees and thinks he will out grow it, you can feel a little better. Putting shoes on the wrong feet may make the matter worse. It may be coming from something else besides his foot. Hope this helps.

My daugher had a foot that turned in and I was so worried about it the dr. told me the same thing give it time and it will correct itself well she is 3 now and it is better didnt need any special braces or anything I know its just annoying for the most part because she would always fall over it and i would feel so bad about that :( but everything is ok now :)

My almost 3 year old has the same problem. His dr. waited and watched until last year and then sent him to an orthopaedist. The doctor put him in braces that he wears at night. The only problem is he knows how to get out of them now. Just give your son and doctor some time. Good Luck!!!!

If you are uncomfortable with the doctor's diagnosis then seek a second opinion. I would try to go to a Shriner's Hospital as they deal with more cases like your son's and would be better at analyzing what needs to be done and give you more of an answer than just wait and see what happens. There may be a treatment options that your doctor is not familiar with that would benefit him and you are right it is better to fix it early than to have to try to fix it later when his bones are fully formed. Good luck to you.

I have a 3 year old who has the same problem. She wasn't walking is the reason why I asked her doctor at the time. Hers was because she is flat footed and she is also double jointed in both of her ankles. She didn't start walking until she was right over 15 months old. At the last minute. If she wouldn't have started walking when she did, she would have been put in braces. Luckily, she has over come it. She walks and runs just like everybody else. It will correct itself. Maybe not completely, but it will get better.

My husband and little brother were boyh pigeon-toed as infants,they both wore corrective shoes until they were about five.Guess what,they're still pigeon-toed!Go figure,my 13 mo daughter also has a foot that turns in,not too badly,but noticebly,and it almost looks as if,sometimes,when she walks her ANKLES are going to touch the ground,VERY uncomfortable looking.I also asked my doc about this she said "she'll probably outgrow it,but we'll keep an eye on it,won't really do anything about it until she's 3 yrs,if need be".I really wouldn't worry about it too much now,'cause it's probably bothering you more than him!,and anyways pigeon-toed people can usually run really fast:-)

Dear K. -

I have a son who will be 2 in February and one of his feet turns in. Our pediatrician told us to wait til his 2 year check-up to see if it straightens on its own so that's what we're doing. I am trusting our doctor to know that it will not be too late then to straighten it out. It seems to be a fairly common problem. My sister-in-law's youngest son had the same problem and they did put his shoes on opposite feet and I guess it solved the problem because he doesn't have the problem now, but I don't know at what age they did it though. I'll do a bit more research and ask my sister-in law about her son and let you know what she says.

R.

D. Sedler wrote:
> My aunt had to do that with her youngest and it worked fine. It did
> take some time, but I would think it is easier to correct know while
> he is young than when he gets older. You are not over reacting and
> besides have ever right to if you were.

I have a 2 year old son that is extremely pigeon toed also. The doctors have told me the same thing, that it is nothing to be concerned about.

I went through this with my oldest daughter. Make sure the shoes you have for him are straight and don't have the curve in. Walmart sales the pair my peds doctor told me to buy. They are the white canvis or the leather tie shoes like we work in the 90's. In the morning and in the evening do exercises with his foot. Gently holding the heel turn the foot to the out side easy 5 times, then up for 5, and the out side for 5. It helped my daughter, I sometimes forget I even had a problem with her feet. Good luck!