As a parent, every tiny detail about your child's growth and development can cause concern. One question that often comes up is: "Why does my toddler walk with one foot turned in?"

Driven by the same curiosity, we spoke to Leah Alexander an experienced paediatrician who has been in practice for 23 years, treating patients ranging from infants to young adults.

The Science Behind Your Toddler's Inward-Turning Foot

Most toddlers who walk with one foot turned in can attribute this gait to their bone structure and the way the leg bone was moulded before birth. The femur (thigh bone) or tibia (lower leg bone) may have a slight curve from birth. Plus, the high hip flexibility resulting from soft ligaments at birth can also cause the foot to turn in. Over time, as the ligaments strengthen, this flexibility naturally reduces.

However, this condition can vary greatly among children. Some may be born with a 'C' shaped foot due to its in-womb positioning, posing a bigger challenge. This foot shape can interfere with walking, proper shoe fitting, and even overall development.

» Learn more about baby leg development

Navigating Through the Treatment Paths

An inward-turning foot generally corrects itself as the child grows, with the lower leg straightening by age three and the thigh bone by six or seven. Increased hip flexibility, due to activities like gymnastics or dance or even specific sitting positions like the 'W' pose, can make the foot appear turned in even longer.

For the 'C' shaped foot, or metatarsus adductus, intervention is needed as this doesn't self-correct. In this case, an orthopedist usually steps in within the first few months of life. The standard treatment involves serial casting, which gently stretches the muscle and corrects the foot position over time.

A Little Patience Goes a Long Way

In essence, most cases of a toddler walking with a turned-in foot are a natural part of growth and development, resolving with time. However, should you notice a persistent 'C' shape in your child's foot, it's advisable to seek medical advice promptly. As parents, your keen observations and quick actions play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of your little ones. So, keep observing, keep learning, and remember, when it comes to your child's development, a little patience can go a long way.

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