Lower Leg Turned In: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
During pregnancy, babies develop in the confined space inside the mother’s womb, which can sometimes affect the positioning of their legs. As a result, the legs may rotate to fit within this limited space. However, after birth, the legs should gradually rotate back into their proper alignment. In some cases, this realignment does not occur, leading to a condition known as lower leg turned in or intoeing.
Lower leg turned in becomes noticeable when a child starts to walk. In this condition, the foot turns inward due to the tibia bone in the lower leg causing the foot to point inward. However, in most cases, this condition resolves itself as the child grows taller and the tibia untwists naturally.
Typically, lower leg turned in requires no treatment. Most children with this condition can walk normally without the need for special shoes, splints, or exercise programs, which have been shown to be ineffective. However, it is important to monitor the condition as the child grows older. If the condition persists or becomes severe and causes significant walking problems, it is advisable to seek medical attention from your child’s doctor.
In rare cases, if the lower leg turned in significantly affects the child’s mobility and quality of life, the doctor may recommend surgery to straighten the bone. However, this is typically only considered as a last resort and is not necessary for most children with this condition.
Symptoms of Intoeing in Older Children
Intoeing is a condition that can persist beyond infancy and become more noticeable as a child grows older. One common symptom is the inward turning of both the foot and the knee while walking, which becomes particularly apparent when the child stands in place. Another indication of intoeing in older children is when they sit with their legs flat on the floor and their feet splayed out to either side in a W-shape. This specific symptom is known as twisted thighbone intoeing and tends to manifest between the ages of 5 and 6.
Twisted thighbone intoeing occurs when the child’s thighbone twists inward, resulting in the knees and feet also turning inward. It is important to note that, like most cases of intoeing, this condition typically corrects itself as the child grows older. Therefore, it is advisable to wait for the problem to resolve naturally before seeking medical intervention.