Your feet carry the most of your weight and the pressure it takes may be too great for it to handle. Of all the structures in your feet, one of the most affected are your small toes. Because it is constantly pushed against the big toe. These are also being pressed against the sides of the shoes.

Deformities and conditions of the small toes are because of human improper use of their foot and foot wears. However, there are two conditions of the small toes that are considered perfectly normal and part of a person’s development, particularly the child. Though, if they reach a certain age and these conditions are still there, then appropriate treatment might be needed.

In toeing

Also called “pigeon toes”, in toeing is the condition of your foot where it points inward. Most parents, especially the first time parents, often worry once they see in toeing on their child. However, please be assured that it is perfectly normal and correct itself without intervention before your child reaches 8 years old. Consult a podiatrist for proper treatment. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people foot deformities.

Metatarsus adductus – a curve on your child’s foot. This straightens as the child grows up in 9 out of 10 children. If this does not go away, your doctor might cast or brace the affected foot to straighten it normally at age 4-6 months to correct the problem before your child starts to walk.

Internal tibial torsion – a twist in the tibia and usually noticed when the child starts walking. This is treated by using a bar with shoes. However, most children do not want to wear them while some opt for surgery to cut the bones and rotate the foot outward.

Excess femoral anteversion – an inward twist of the femur and usually seen around 2-4 years of age. The foot normally straightens naturally by age 6-8 years old. Surgery is only done when the anteversion is very severe and cause problems with the child’s walking ability.

Out toeing

This condition is the opposite of intoeing where the foot is pointing away and facing outwards. Though it is not as common as intoeing, your child may walk with toes pointing outward when they reach a couple years old.

Flatfeet – absence of arch on a foot, hence, it looks as if it’s pointing outward. This does not require any treatment at all.

External tibial torsion – an outward twisting of the leg bone and often accompanied by pain. This usually happens in adolescence and not with kids.

Femoral retroversion – an outward twist of the femur and may predispose a child to juvenile arthritis or slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Hip contracture – infants are born with hips in external rotation. The externally rotated hip will naturally heal on its own hence no treatment are usually required.

Treatment: Normally, treatments are not done for out toeing as the cases are rare and resolve by itself. However, if the case is quite severe, a surgical procedure might be done to cut the bone and position the foot correctly.

At Texas Foot Works located in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, TX, we specialize in helping people suffering from foot conditions.    To schedule an appointment, call 214-340-8885.