A foot-inward gait instead of a forward-footed gait is common in children, and the majority reposition themselves around age 8. This condition, which presents at birth but is noticed by the parent when the child begins to walk, does not usually cause discomfort.
Cause
Metatarsus adductus (foot turns inward)
This condition is most common in children under one year of age, occurs in 0.1% to 1% in infants, and is more common in girls than boys.
This foot is attributed to intrauterine positioning and defined as angulation of the metatarsals towards the midline, giving the appearance of a “C” shaped foot.
Tibial torsion (inward tibial rotation)
Between the ages of 1 and 4 years, the most common condition causing the toe is medial tibial torsion. There is no cause which contributes to the development of this rotation. The tibia is normally internally rotated at birth, but there can be wide variations in angulation.
Femoral anteversion (femur turns inward)
This can present during infancy, but typically after age 3, with an average age of diagnosis between 3 and 6 years old. This condition is twice as common in girls.
Femoral anteversion is also caused by increased intrauterine pressures, causing excessive pressure in the growth areas. In these cases, the neck of the femur is turned inward, causing the greater trochanter to turn backward.
