7-Yr-Old Grandson Is Pigeon-Toed

[jourdain2]

Hi, when grandson was born we were assured that his feet would straighten-up and that it was simply a result of the position he had been in in the womb. They haven't and now we're being told 'Not to worry but that's how he is'. He's a very, very energetic boy and wants to be in school football teams etc. - but is somewhat handicapped.

Parents have been told not to subject him to an op. to cure it, but it affects his life more and more as others begin to pass him speed and agility-wise. Is there any means other than an op. that would help? Exercise regime perhaps? Thanks for any advice.

[tonyav]

Have a look at this, jourdain.
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/pigeon-toes#symptoms

[bednobs]

It might be that there isn't an op available on the NHS for it. Who tod them not to have an op ?

[jourdain2]

Thank you both. Useful site Tony.

[jourdain2]

Their local surgery nurses, bednobs. Thing is, he's ambitious and sensitive and not too good at writing (although v. intelligent and improving) so sporty things are something in which he took pride.

[tonyav]

Some exercises on this link, jourdain.
https://www.livestrong.com/article/470319-exercises-to-strengthen-feet-turning-inward/

[woofgang]

Do the local surgery nurses have any specialised knowledge or experience in such things? If I were the parents and concerned I would be asking for a referral to a paediatric orthopaedic specialist.....

[Sqad]

"are there any means other than an op. that would help?"

At the age of 7 years,the answer is almost certainly NOT.
Not enough information is given by the OPer as to the type of pigeon toes but I agree with woofy........get a referral to a Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon.

[jourdain2]

Thanks Woof and Sqad. I suspected as much, but daughter doesn't want to put him through an op.. I'm more worried about the eventual psychological damage.

[Samuraisan]

One of my sons was pidgeon toed when a toddler. I can't remember how old he was, I have a friend who is a chiropractor and she treated him. ( no neck twisting I hasten to add), and also she told me to put his shoes on the other way round. Left one on right foot and right one on his left foot. At least around the house. His feet are completely normal now. Maybe you could find a pedriatric chiropractor.

[jourdain2]

I can try samurasian, thanks.

[B00]

My eldest daughter had talipes when born, which is VERY similar to pigeon toes, and whilst she did have surgery as a toddler to correct it, she spent a major part of her infancy and early toddler-hood with shoes on the wrong feet, which did help her slightly.

[jourdain2]

Thanks for that, I'll mention it.

[woofgang]

generally my advice would be the same about any problem..plumbing, car repairs, medicine.....get the facts, get the options, get the pros and cons from EXPERTS and then decide what to do.....seeing a paediatric orthopaedic specialist doesn't commit them to anything...at the moment it seems to me they are floundering around in the dark.

[jourdain2]

Yes - they bristle at any suggestion that they have been led up the garden path and have had a go at me for wanting him to be 'perfect'. :(