Suggested Orthoses
Intoeing
ICD 10 - R26.9
Intoeing is also commonly known as being pigeon-toed. Intoeing is usually noticed in young children as they first begin to walk. In the vast majority of cases, intoeing will correct itself with time as the body of the child develops into very early adolescence.
Intoeing is usually caused by one of three conditions:
- Metatarsus adductus: The inward rotation or pulling inward of the joints of the foot and the toes.
- Tibial torsion: The inward rotation of the tibia or shin.
- Femoral anteversion: The inward rotation of the femur due to improper fitting of the femur with the acetabulum.
Symptoms:
- The feet angle in towards one another
- Discomfort and instability when walking
- Increased likelihood of tripping
- First symptoms in early childhood
Diagnosis:
To diagnose the condition and cause, the clinician will analyze the patient’s past medical history, perform a physical examination of the lower extremities and order X-rays and other imaging studies to determine the cause and severity of the condition.
Treatment:
The majority of cases of intoeing in children will be self-resolving. Custom shoes, orthotics and casts may be additionally useful in treating metatarsus adductus in young children, but will not be useful in cases of tibial torsion and femoral anteversion. Surgery is often not recommended for children until the child is around 10 years old or is in early adolescence.
Sources:
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/pigeon-toes
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/intoeing/