Daughter Has Extreme Introverted Feet.

Instead of waiting for a Dr to fix this later on when she has other issues in other parts of her body as a result of having a body that is out of alignment, try a rolfer.

Rolfing is a non-invasive method to help re-align the body. I was pigeon toed as a child as well. And as an adult it was hard to on my body to get this work done. If a child gets it done it is MCUH easier. She is doing it as her body grows so there is a very good chance that she will not have issues with it as she gets older. i HIGHLY recommend it.

In Tucson try Clay ____@____.com luck. S. @ ProActive Parenting dot net

My daughter is 4ys and pidgeon toed. I took her to a specialist and I was told the same thing - that she would grow out of it and that there was nothing that can/should be done. It used to be that kids like this would get braces or special shoes, but I think they found that except in very severe cases, the kids grew out of it on their own. My daughter does Little Gym classes and sometimes ice skating classes. I see a difference, but I don't know if it's the classes or just maturity. I think any activity that would strengthen her muscles would help - just my opinion. I can't remember the name of the doc we saw, he was at 16th & Osborn.

Dear S.,

I had corrective shoes when young (for knock knees) but my mom took me to an orthopedic surgeon. (I had had other issues earlier) I do not know if it is too late to make corrections now...but it could not hurt to ask related specialists. Then you would know. If this is an extreme condition I would worry about it affecting arthritis development and/or posture later. Not to mention increasing risk of injury from tripping or falling.
On a more humorous note: about for social pressure..if your daughter wants a break from the American beauty standard...go to Japan. I saw lots of young ladies there with pigeon toes...not self conscious at all...wearing high heels with super pointy toes. I was amazed they did not trip themselves!

You need a second opinion! My daughter has tibia tortia and we didn't even know it until she went to a foot doctor for a stress fracture. He noticed her kneecaps point in when her legs were straight and immediately fitted her for shoe inserts to correct the problem. I don't think your daughter will simply "grow out of it." If her bones are growing the wrong way, there are ways to correct that. I would try another doctor if I were you, just to be sure.

To me, it would seem as though if something isn't done now for her feet, that they will continue to grow in that particular way and her condition will never be resolved. I just don't believe that type of condition can be resolved by leaving it alone and letting the child grow out of it. I would think she would need corrective shoes for a few years or more in order for her bones to start growing the right direction. I would strongly suggest getting a second opinion about this. I've seen adult people walk like that too, and I don't believe a child can just 'grow out of it'.
You have a right to demand that a doctor take care of you or your child. That is one of your patient rights. The doctor you went to, doesn't seem too knowledgeable in this area,or even willing to help, even with his degree....so, I would go to another specialist.

You might want to try some ballet. A good school will help train the body and muscles and hopefully it would start to turn out on its own. Plus its a great way to learn discipline and get some exercise and self esteem. :)

I would definitely get a 2nd opinion. I have 3 kids, 29, 33, and 36. My oldest wore a brace between her feet for several months when she was a baby (pre walking) because of her in turned feet (she was born frank breech). My youngest had the turned in feet and was put into tiny casts as an infant!

I know things have changed. My oldest daughter's 2nd child had this same issue. However, her pediatrician montiored her closely from birth to now at 2 1/2. They don't rush into the cast/braces anymore, but had she continued to have problems with walking or running, they would have taken steps long before 5 years of age. When my granddaughter started wearing shoes regularly, her problem started to correct itself. This doesn't sound the case with your daughter.

When I was a baby, toddler, and child, I had the problem too. They didn't do things (way back then) either. I was in grade school before I got any kind of treatment and I was not happy with the shoes I was supposed to wear at that age. I don't know if earlier treatment would have made a difference, but my calves can't touch. However, I don't think I can say that I am bow-legged.

Trust your instincts and find another doctor.

You may want to take her to get Structural Integration, AKA Rolfing, a type of massage wherein over a number of sessions postural issues are addressed...and the feet are most definitely not ignored, but paid particular attention, as they are the foundation as to where people make adaptions elsewhere in their bodies, creating mis-alignments and improper muscle memory.

Martial arts, particularly Tai Chi (Chuan) can aid in postural awareness and strength, and in self-esteem.

Be aware that some Rolfing practitioners jump in and work deep and hard, and it can make one very sore for a day or so afterward, ...some are more gradual. Stick to it(or find a more comfortable fit of practitioner)It is not easy...so pace it so your child, so she is not totally turned off to further treatment. Maybe call around and see if a Massage therapist in Rolfing would be willing to have a client with child client speak with daughter. You can look it up online...and see pictures of how postures have been corrected. Often the Rolfer will take pictures of clients, so that they can track the progress, that may seem gradual, but is definitely noticable over time.

If actual length of a leg is in question prosthetic lift in shoe may help maintain postural improvements.

I hope that helps :)

I would seek another specialist that is willing to truely adress the issue. Especially if it is getting worse not better.Just my opionion.

This is going to sound a little wierd but have you considered chiropractic? I had a similar problem when I was young. It affected the way I ran and I would get teased in gym class. I started going to a chiropractor when I was in college and learned that things could have been corrected when I was young.
I determined right then and there that none of my children were going to suffer the way I did and my three children have all been seeing a chiropractor since the age of 2 or 3. My one daughter was really pigeon-toed and now none of my kids have any problems.

Here's the tricky part though. Some chiropractors are real "quacks" and can do more damamge than good. And a lot of them make their money by selling you every device and lotion known to man. You have to be really careful when selecting a chiropractor. And if you aren't comfortable with what they are doing or saying it is probably best to find someone else.

My current chiropractor is awesome. He never tries to sell me anything. He gives me exercises to do to strengthen my weak areas so that I do not have to be seen as often. His goal is to truly make you better. My son (16) sees him once a month and my 11 year old twins see him every other month. You have to be seen more at the beginning but he really tries to get you down to once a month or less.

If you are interested in trying him out his name is Dr. Scott DeLaFe. His practice is called ACE Chiropractic and he is located at Baseline between Lindsay and Gilbert. The number is ###-###-#### www.backfxr.com
Hope this is helpful.

C.