In-toeing or out-toeing occur when a child's toes point inward or outward as they walk. Many children who begin walking this way outgrow the abnormal gait.
The Nemours Foundation mentions these signs that a child may need medical evaluation:
- Continuing -- past the age of 3 -- to toe-in or toe-out while walking.
- Limping or having pain while walking.
- Turning one foot inward or outward more than the other foot.
- Showing developmental delays in other areas, including delayed speech.
- Having walking abnormalities that worsen over time.
Health Tip: Make Sure Your Child's Shoes Fit
Your little one is growing faster than you expected, and his or her feet are no exception.
As children's shoe buying becomes a frequent ritual, the American Podiatric Medical Association offers this advice:
- Make sure the shoes have firm heel support, a flexible sole where the feet bend, cushioning in the insoles, and good arch support.
- Size the feet when the child is standing and bearing weight on the feet.
- Allow for a thumb's width between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe -- enough so the child can comfortably wiggle the toes.
- Ask the child to walk around in the shoes (make sure socks are on, too). Ask about fit and comfort, and check to see if the feet are irritated afterward.
- Make sure the shoes don't slip off at the heel.
- Measure both feet, and buy shoes in the size that fit the larger foot.
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