Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
Understanding the problem
In-toeing means one or both feet point inward during walking. Common developmental causes include forefoot shape, inward rotation of the shin and rotation higher in the thigh.
Common patterns
- Metatarsus adductus
- Internal tibial torsion
- Femoral anteversion
- Normal developmental variation
What can you do?
- Observe whether the pattern is symmetrical and improving with growth.
- Most painless developmental in-toeing does not require braces, special shoes or orthotics to ’straighten’ the legs.
- Encourage normal play and activity unless advised otherwise.
- Assessment is useful if there is pain, significant tripping, asymmetry or developmental concern.
When not to wait
Seek medical assessment for sudden change, pain, weakness, a limp, regression of motor skills or marked asymmetry.
Seek medical assessment for sudden change, pain, weakness, a limp, regression of motor skills or marked asymmetry.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.
Start the Footpath Health assessment →