Pigeon gait, or in-toeing, is a condition where the front of the feet turn inward, often affecting young children. It usually corrects itself as children grow and does not require treatment, but if it persists beyond childhood, medical attention may be necessary.
Pigeon gait, also known as in-toeing, is a condition in which the front of the feet turns inward, leading to a walk that somewhat resembles that of a pigeon. Most often, this gait affects young children and is caused by an abnormal orientation of the thigh, lower leg, or foot. Gait usually corrects itself as children grow, and as a result usually does not require treatment. If a child’s abnormal gait does not improve once he or she passes infancy, however, it may be advisable to see a doctor.
The immediate cause of this gait is an inward rotation of the feet. When an individual walks with the feet turned inward, his gait often has a shuffling or waddling quality which, in the eyes of some, resembles the gait of a pigeon. It should be noted that in the medical community, this condition is known as in-toeing and that some may find the term “pigeon gait” harmful.
Most often, this type of gait affects very young children, becoming noticeable when they start walking. The underlying cause of this type of gait is usually the abnormal orientation of the bones in the thigh, lower leg, or foot, which in turn causes the feet to turn inward. Often, these bones rotate inward before birth to allow the baby to fit comfortably inside the uterus. It is believed that a genetic predisposition to intoeing can be passed on from parent to child. Less commonly, this type of gait can result from an abnormality in the muscles, the nervous system, or both.
Usually, a pigeon’s gait gradually corrects itself as a child’s walk develops. Doctors once attempted to speed toe correction using special shoes or braces, but as of the early 21st century, most researchers agree that these treatments have no real effect on the condition. Therefore, while this type of gait abnormality may seem concerning to new parents or guardians, it actually tends to be a temporary condition that resolves on its own without the need for medical intervention.
In rare cases, in-toeing can persist beyond childhood. Children who continue to walk with an abnormal gait beyond the age of three or four should be evaluated by a doctor. It is possible that an older child with a persistent tendency to intrude may need corrective surgery or may have an underlying neuromuscular condition that requires attention.
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