Today we are going to address a very common issue in child development: valgus foot in children. And yes, we understand the concern perfectly, because it usually starts with phrases like "their ankle is turning in" or "they're walking strangely," and suddenly a thousand questions arise: Is it normal? Will it correct itself? Do they need insoles? What shoes for valgus feet in children ?
At LEJAN , we always explain LEJAN the same way: we don't obsess over "correcting" by force; we focus on understanding what we are seeing, how old the child is, and, above all, how they function: if there is pain, if they get tired, if it limits their play or sports... that changes everything.
Let's take it step by step.
Valgus foot in children: what it is and how to recognize it
When we talk about childhood valgus foot, we are referring to a position in which, when viewed from behind, the heel tilts inward (as if the ankle were "giving way"). Sometimes this is also accompanied by an arch that appears lower when the child is standing. This may sound alarming, but in many cases it is part of the normal development of the foot.
The first thing we recommend is to observe without rushing and without labels. Why? Because there are children with visible valgus who run, jump, and live a normal life without discomfort, and others with less "visible" valgus who do get tired, complain, or avoid moving. Therefore, rather than pursuing the "perfect picture," we look for functionality.
How to watch it at home (quick and useful):
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Look at the child standing, relaxedfrom behind.
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Look at the heel: does it tuck in?
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Check your shoes: is there more wear on the inside of the heel?
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Compare both feet: are they symmetrical, or is one side much more prominent?
If you want to get more specific, there is a simple (approximate) method that is often mentioned in popular science: draw a vertical line and a bisector of the heel to see the angle that is formed. This is not for home diagnosis, but it helps to understand what we are observing and to communicate it better if you consult a doctor.
Children's flat feet vs. "toes pointing inward": they are not the same thing
This is a classic misunderstanding. Many families tell us, "He has flat feet," when in reality what they see is that the toes pointing inward when walking.
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If what you see is that the tips of the feet are facing each other, this is usually related to adducted gait or leg/hip rotations (not the same as heel valgus).
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If what can be seen is that the heel falls inward (seen from behind) and the ankle appears to be "tucked in," this is more in line with the concept of valgus foot.
Distinguishing this is key because the approach changes. That's why we insist so much on looking at the foot from behind and not just from the front.
Typical signs: heel turned outward, ankle turned inward, and shoe wear
The most common signs are:
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Heel turned inward when the child is standing.
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Feeling of ankle turning inward or "ankle giving way."
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Internal wear on footwear, especially on the heel.
Note: these signs are guidelines, but they are not definitive. And here comes an important point from LEJAN: sometimes the foot "appears" more flat with shoes than barefoot... and that brings us to fit, because footwear that does not provide good support can exaggerate that appearance.
Is it normal at his age? Development of infantile valgus foot
This reassures many families: yes, at many stages of development it is normal to see a certain degree of valgus. A child's foot is not a "mini adult foot." It is under construction: it changes with neuromotor maturation, strength, balance, the type of surfaces, and (very importantly) the amount of time the child spends moving.
In general, the typical pattern is: when starting to walk, children seek stability however they can. Over time, their postural control improves, their muscles strengthen, and their alignment tends to become more "neutral."
But we repeat what we always say: not everything depends on age. It depends on how you move, whether it hurts, whether there is stiffness, whether there are asymmetries, and whether it limits your normal life.
What usually happens between the onset of the condition and 5–7 years
Between the start of walking and preschool/early elementary school, it is common to see:
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True I am worth the rearfoot and an arch that seems flatter when I put weight on it.
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"Spate" changes: weeks where it is more visible and others where it is less visible, depending on fatigue, growth, activity, etc.
As a guideline (not as a diagnostic rule), an estimate of the type "8 − age" is sometimes used to refer to expected indicative degrees in some young children. At LEJAN , we take LEJAN for what it is: a reference for contextualization, not a "if it goes beyond this, it's wrong."
What we do find useful is the basic idea: during those years, the body is adjusting many things at once. That's why the message is usually "it's common... but keep an eye on how it develops and how you tolerate it."
When it can be associated with flexible flat feet and why it matters
The flexible flat foot is a common companion of valgus in children: the arch appears low when the child is standing, but appears when the child stands on tiptoes or when the foot is not bearing weight.
Why does it matter that it is "flexible"?
Because flexible or rigid is basically a way of saying whether that foot works well or not (this is mainly used for flat feet, although it often goes hand in hand with valgus).
At LEJAN , we explain LEJAN like this:
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Flexible foot: the foot moves well and the muscles do their job. It usually adapts, improves with movement, and responds when the child stands on tiptoes.
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Semi-flexible foot: the foot sometimes responds and sometimes does not. Some parts work well and others not so well (due to fatigue, lack of strength, habits, etc.). It depends.
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Rigid foot: the foot is not very functional. It moves little, changes little, and has difficulty adapting. If there is also pain or it limits the child, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
In a nutshell: if the foot is flexible and the child is not in pain, we can usually rest assured and accompany them with movement, play, and good footwear. If it is rigid (not very functional), it is best to have it assessed by a professional.
Warning signs: when to consult a specialist
We want families who read our content to come away with clear criteria. So here is an honest list of when it is worth consulting a specialist (podiatry/pediatrics/pediatric trauma, depending on the case). Not to cause alarm, but to gain peace of mind with a proper assessment.
Pain, lameness, stiffness, asymmetries, or worsening
Check if any of these points appear:
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Pain that recurs (feet, ankles, knees) or prevents normal play.
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Lameness or obvious changes in the way of walking that are not "overnight."
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Stiffness: the foot does not change at all when standing on tiptoes or appears "locked."
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Marked asymmetry: one foot clearly different from the other.
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Progressive deterioration (not "I see it more today because he is tired," but rather it becomes more and more apparent each month).
One detail: footwear wear alone does not determine anything, but when combined with pain, fatigue, or worsening symptoms, it does provide information.
If play/sport is limited or there is marked fatigue when walking/running
For us, this is one of the most important signs: the function.
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If your child avoids running, constantly asks to be carried, sits down a lot on short walks, or complains after school.
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If there is disproportionate fatigue when walking/running.
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If you limit sports or games that you used to do normally.
We're not talking about "foot aesthetics" here, we're talking about quality of life. And when quality of life declines, it makes sense to assess and decide whether to intervene or simply adjust habits and footwear.
What you can do at home to help (without "forcing correction")
Here we take a very LEJAN: instead of looking for "quick fixes," we look for intelligent stimuli. The foot (and the entire system) improves with movement, variability, and progression. And in children, if we turn it into a game... so much the better.
Play and proprioception: sensory mats, surfaces, and balance
Simple ideas that usually work very well:
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Sensory rugs: different textures to stimulate the soles of the feet.
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Walk barefoot (at home, safely) and step on different surfaces: firm mat, grass, sand, dirt.
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Balance games: "walk along this line," "don't step on lava," "walk over cushions," "balance like a flamingo."
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Small challenges: climbing/descending steps with control, gentle jumps, playful changes of direction.
The key here is not the "perfect exercise," it is consistency and variety. If there are 5–10 minutes of fun stimulation every day, the system gets just what it needs: information and practice.
Progressive strengthening (e.g., posterior tibial) when older
When they are older (and can follow instructions), we can introduce force more intentionally:
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Foot/ankle control exercises (e.g., heel raises with good control, walking on tiptoes for a few steps, exercises with elastic bands).
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Progressive muscle work that helps stabilize (often referred to as the posterior tibial as one of the relevant muscles).
Important: Progressive and painless. And if there is pain, stiffness, or marked limitation, it is best to have the plan drawn up by a professional so as not to go in blind.
Footwear for flat feet in children: how to choose without making it worse
Here comes one of the most practical parts, because often clubfoot is seen and assessed... with the child wearing shoes. And shoes can help, but they can also distort what we see if the fit is not right.
At LEJAN for footwear that respects because it does not force the foot into an unnatural shape (wide toe box), does not alter posture with drop, and allows the foot to work and receive stimulation with a flexible sole. And that, in development, is an advantage.
But (and this is key): the best footwear in the world, if it doesn't fit well, it doesn't do its job.
The key is the fit: if your foot "dances," you may appear more valgus with shoes.
This happens a lot: the child wears a flexible shoe and, suddenly, "their ankle gets more twisted" than when they are barefoot. Sometimes the problem is not the foot: it is that the foot moving inside.
Signs that your shoes are not fitting properly:
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The heel "goes up and down" when walking.
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The foot shifts to one side inside the shoe.
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There are strange creases and the closure does not stabilize the midfoot/rearfoot.
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The child curls his fingers into a "claw" to hold on (very typical).
What we are looking for:
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Truly adjustable closure (adjustable Velcro, cord + Velcro, etc.).
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Good midfoot support so that the foot does not "slip around."
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Correct size: neither too tight nor too loose. As a guideline, a margin of approximately 1 cm usually works (always measure carefully, because each brand sizes differently).
Shoes for flat feet in children: what to look for depending on school/playground/sport
There is no such thing as "the magic shoe for flat feet in children," but there are criteria based on context:
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Cole (many hours): comfort + fit. The absolute priority is for the foot to be stable inside, without squeezing the toes. Flexibility is important, but without the upper being so soft that the foot slips around.
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Playground (running, jumping, braking): grip, resistance, and fit. If the child makes a lot of impact, the closure becomes more important.
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Sport: we look at tolerance. If you play sports and end up with pain/marked fatigue, then we assess whether it is necessary to review technique, strength, load... or even intervene.
And LEJAN reminder: Respectful does not mean "loose.". Respectful means anatomical, flexible, and without devices that change the mechanics... but well-fitted.
Treatment: observe vs. intervene (insoles, exercises, review)
Here we like to be clear: there are cases in which it is best to observe with discretion, and others where it makes sense to intervene. The mistake is to go to extremes: "templates always" or "templates never."
Our compass is functionality: does it hurt? Does it limit movement? Does it worsen? Is it rigid or flexible? Is there significant asymmetry?
In which cases is treatment usually considered and why (according to functionality)
An intervention (insoles, more targeted exercise plan, check-ups) is usually considered when:
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There is pain or repeated strain.
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There is fatigue that limits normal life.
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There are asymmetries or worsening.
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There is stiffness or signs that recommend a more specific assessment.
When properly prescribed, insoles are not intended to "straighten a bone in two weeks," but rather to improve function and distribute loadswhile the child grows and while working on whatever is needed (strength, mobility, control, habits). And always with realistic expectations.
Common myths and realistic expectations
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Myth 1: "It can be cured with corrective shoes."
Footwear helps, but what really builds the foot is development, movement, and neuromotor control. -
Myth 2: "If you see valgus, you have to correct it right away."
Not always. If there is no pain or limitation and the age fits with normal development, it is often sensible to observe and monitor. -
Myth 3: "Respectful footwear is the solution"
We don't present it as a "cure," but rather as an aid. It promotes more natural development: it doesn't compress, it doesn't alter with drop, and it allows the foot to work and strengthen with better stimuli.
The realistic expectation we advocate at LEJAN: that children move well, without pain, with energy and without limitations. If that is achieved, we are heading in the right direction.
Conclusion
The clubfoot in children is a very common concern and is often part of normal development. Our recommendation at LEJAN simple: observe calmly, pay attention to function, and take care with the fit of footwear. If there is pain, stiffness, asymmetry, or limited play/sports activity, then yes: seek professional evaluation to decide on the best course of action.
And if you take one practical idea away from this article, let it be this: if your foot "dances" inside the shoe, it may appear more valgus. Before thinking about "correcting" it, check the size, fastening, and fit.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a valgus foot or "inward-pointing toes"?
Look from behind: if the heel/ankle falls inward, we are talking about valgus. If what you see is that the toes turn inward, it could be something else (adduction/rotation gait).
At what age is it "normal"?
In many children, it is seen at the beginning of walking and usually modulates with growth. The important thing is not just age: it is function (pain, fatigue, limitation, stiffness, asymmetries).
Does supportive footwear solve the problem of valgus feet in children?
We don't present it as a "cure," but rather as an aid: it allows for more natural development, without pressure and with a foot that works better.
When do we think about templates?
Especially when there is pain, limiting fatigue, worsening symptoms, stiffness, or clear asymmetries. Always with professional assessment and realistic expectations.
