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Patient Questions  /  Toddler feet turning in

Kids & Babies

Why Do My Toddler's Feet Turn In?

In-toeing, often called pigeon toes, is very common in babies and young children, and most of the time it improves on its own as they grow. It usually comes from a natural twist in the foot, the shin bone or the thigh bone. It's worth checking if it affects one side only, causes pain or a limp, or isn't getting better with time.

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The three common causes

  • A curved foot (metatarsus adductus). Seen in babies, often from their position in the womb. The front of the foot curves inward like a bean. Most flexible cases improve on their own.
  • A twisted shin bone (internal tibial torsion). Most common in toddlers who have just started walking. It usually improves over the next few years.
  • A twisted thigh bone (femoral anteversion). More common in preschool and early school-age kids. These children often W-sit and run with their knees and feet turned in. It usually improves slowly through childhood.

What helps, and what doesn't

For typical in-toeing, the main treatment is time and normal play. Special shoes, inserts and similar devices haven't been shown to speed up the natural improvement. In-toeing usually doesn't cause pain or arthritis later. Kids with in-toeing may trip a bit more at first, but most run and play sports just fine.

Your pediatrician can tell which type your child has, and will check that the hips and feet move normally.

When to see a doctor

See your child's pediatrician promptly if:

  • In-toeing on one side only, or one side much worse than the other
  • A stiff foot that can't be gently straightened
  • Pain, a limp, or in-toeing that is getting worse
  • Frequent falls that aren't improving as your child grows
  • In-toeing that is still obvious in an older child

How physical therapy at ARI can help

Most in-toeing doesn't need therapy. If your child trips often, tires quickly or has trouble keeping up, a physical therapist can check strength, balance and how they walk and run, and use play to build hip and leg strength. Parents are involved in visits, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026