Out-toeing

While less common than in-toeing, out-toeing (walking with the toes pointed outward) or duck feet can make it difficult for children and teenagers to stay active or have success in sports. At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic,  Joseph Hall, DPM, and the experienced team offer treatments for out-toeing to improve gait, performance, and overall quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today. 

What is out-toeing? 

Out-toeing is a condition characterized by the feet pointing outward while walking and running. The condition is sometimes called duck feet and happens to some children while learning to walk. While not uncomfortable or necessarily cause for concern, treatment from a podiatrist who specializes in pediatric care can correct an irregular gait and optimize the way your child walks, runs, and jumps. 

What are the symptoms of out-toeing?

Out-toeing symptoms include:

• Toes pointing outward while standing, walking, and running
• Both feet turned outward
• Awkward walking or running style
• Abnormal gait
• Uneven wear on the bottom of the shoes

While out-toeing typically isn’t painful, it can cause children to trip or sometimes fall. If you’re concerned about your child’s gait, see the Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic team for an evaluation and treatment recommendations. 

What are the risk factors for out-toeing?

Potential out-toeing risk factors include:

• Twist in the thigh or shin bones
• Flat feet
• Low foot arches
• Hip bone irregularity (less common)

Bones might become twisted in babies during pregnancy. However, the exact cause of out-toeing isn't entirely clear. 

How is out-toeing diagnosed?

To diagnose out-toeing, the Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic team discusses your child’s symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. They examine their feet and ankles and watch your child walk, jump, or run. 

Your foot and ankle specialist might also order X-rays, an MRI, or another imaging procedure to detect or rule out additional concerns before personalizing a treatment plan if needed. 

How is out-toeing treated?

Out-toeing often resolves itself over time after a period of watchful waiting, but if it hasn’t by age 10, a Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic specialist may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

• Physical therapy
• Specialized shoes 
• Bracing
• Splinting
• Custom 3D orthotics 
• Surgery

Surgery is rarely needed but is sometimes beneficial in severe cases that haven’t resolved as a child grows and develops. The Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic offers this treatment if conservative treatments haven’t worked or if your child’s out-toeing significantly affects their quality of life.

The Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic experts follow up with your child periodically throughout treatment to ensure an effective outcome. The practice also treats in-toeing (feet turned inward while walking), which is often a more common complaint than out-toeing.

Schedule an out-toeing evaluation at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.