Out-Toeing Shouldn’t Slow Your Child Down

If you’re looking for fun places to take your toddler in Houston, try the Tot Spot Discovery Area at the Children’s Museum or meet the animals at the Houston Zoo. Take a foldable stroller along, though, in case your little one gets too tired walking. Have you ever noticed how a toddler’s walk doesn’t resemble that of a full-grown person? They stumble and waddle and look pretty adorable doing it. Out-toeing is just one of many types of gait abnormalities commonly seen in small children.

Out-toeing is when the feet point outwards instead of straight ahead, almost resembling the stance of a ballet dancer. This is a very normal thing to see in toddlers, and it will usually correct itself on its own by the age of three. It usually occurs because of body placement in utero. The bones in the feet, legs, and hips develop a certain way and it carries over into childhood.

There are usually no serious complications from an out-toeing gait. It may cause the child to trip and fall more frequently depending on the severity, but as it usually self-corrects, it doesn’t affect the gait as a teenager or adult. However, sometimes it can be an indicator of a neuromuscular abnormality. If it’s still noticeable as the child gets older it might be time to get it checked. Treatment for a child with this type of stride might include conservative methods such as wearing a cast or, in severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

If you have questions regarding your child’s gait call Dr. Marco Vargas and Dr. Joyce Lee at 888-784-5335 or schedule an appointment online. At Foot & Ankle Associates in Houston we want you to feel confident in our ability to take care of the podiatric needs of your entire family.

Photo Credit: Daniel St.Pierre via FreeDigitalPhotos.net