Children’s Foot Problems – Is there Anything to Worry About?

When a child starts walking for the first time, it’s quite normal that s/he walks with her/his feet apart and waddle. And it’s also not uncommon for a child to seem knock-kneed or bow-legged, or walk with her/his toes turned out or in. Most foot problems in young children automatically get rectified; however, if you are concerned about a condition as given below, you should talk to your doctor.

Bow Legs

Bow legs are a common condition occurring before the age of two wherein a small gap appears between children’s ankles and knees when they stand. If this gap is prominent or is not getting corrected by itself, you may need to talk to your doctor, because it can be a symptom of rickets, though it is very rare.

Knock Knees

When there is a gap between ankles but no gap between knees when a child stands, the condition is called knock knees. A gap of up to 2.5 inches (6 cm) is considered to be normal from age 2 to 4. This condition is automatically corrected by the age of six.

In-toeing

In-toeing is also called pigeon toes and is identified by the child’s feet turned in. This is normally corrected by itself by the age of 9 to 10, and doesn’t normally need a treatment.

Out-toeing

This is opposite of in-toeing and the feet are turned outward. This also corrects itself in most cases and doesn’t need a treatment.

Flat Feet

If your child has flat feet, you need not worry. If while your child tiptoes, an arch is formed, there is no need of a treatment usually.

Tiptoe Walking

Tiptoe walking is common in children of age 3 or below. In this, children walk on their toes. If you find anything to worry about, talk to your doctor.

Who is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor specialized in the problems of feet and ankles. S/He can explain you the common foot and leg problems in children, including curly toes and verrucae, and probable solutions to them. StepUpPodiatry.com is a famous, professional Podiatrist in Pukekohe. They can treat simple problems such as healing cracked heels and cutting thick toenails to performing surgical procedures like that of ingrown toenails or verrucae. They also advise sports patients about which shoes to use, assist with healing and give long term treatments for injuries.