Out-Toeing
Some children’s feet turn out when they walk.
This is called out-toeing and common in young children. It is a normal variation and does not require treatment.
If your child has developed a limp and shows any of the following signs you should urgently call 111 who will triage if your child needs urgent care:
- Sudden onset pain in their hip, thigh or knee
- Unable to put any weight on their leg to stand or walk
- The leg has changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle
- Generally unwell with a high temperature, feeling hot and shivery
- Severe pain in the lower part of their tummy
- Symptoms are getting worse
What causes Out-Toeing?
How is it managed?
What causes Out-Toeing?
Femoral retroversion
This is the most common cause of out-toeing and can run in families. The thigh bone (femur) turns outwards causing the whole leg to turn out. It is most evident between the ages of 2-4 and usually improves by age 8-10.
Tibial Torsion
This is when the kneecaps point forwards but the shin bone is twisted, causing the foot to turn out. It generally corrects by age 4-7.
Flat Foot
To enable effective gait the foot may turn outwards to compensate for a flat foot (pes planus).
How is it managed?
- Good quality, well-fitting shoes are recommended.
- It is important for children to play and be active to encourage bone growth and motor skill development.
- General sporting activities, such as swimming, are beneficial.
Exercises
Practice activities to strengthen the hip muscles walking on a straight line and hamstring stretches.
Tandem walking
- Imagine you are walking on a tightrope.
- Place the heel of one foot in front of the toes of your other foot.
- Continue repeating this and walk forwards.
