Why does a child walk with his feet turned outward?

Compared with children who walk with their feet turned inward, it is relatively rare to see children who walk with their feet turned outward. This walking posture is usually more obvious before the child is two years old, and usually disappears on its own after the child is over two years old. Of course, part of it is related to genetics, and part of it may be caused by external rotation of the tibia or femur, which may require treatment. The specific situation can only be determined after examination by a doctor.

Compared with the inward-turned toe, the outward-turned toe is much less common. Even if there is, most people don't care much. It usually becomes noticeable within the first two years of life. Most children are born with a slight degree of external rotation of the hip. It usually goes away on its own once you start walking. However, some children are slow to correct themselves, and when they learn to walk, their feet tend to lean outward, becoming turned pigeon-toed. Most of these conditions will disappear within one year of walking.

Like pigeon-toed, pigeon-toed can also be caused by external rotation of the tibia or femur. This type of pigeon toes is rare and is common in children with some neuromuscular dysfunction. Just like pigeon-toedness, most people do not need treatment or correction. Studies have found that orthopedic shoes or braces, splints, orthotic devices, etc. that have been used in the past do not provide any help or benefit.

In rare cases, some children are 9 or 10 years old and their pigeon toes are still so severe that it affects their walking or daily life, and they may need surgical correction. Otherwise, there is no need to worry too much.